That's a romanticized view that ignores how the portal actually improves competition and roster building. California Golden Bears has benefited directly from the transfer market, bringing in key contributors who have elevated the program's floor. The idea that loyalty is gone is flawed, loyalty was a one-way street that trapped players in bad situations for years. Now, a player like Fernando Mendoza develops through competition with transfers, which raises everyone's level. The 2023 team improved its yards per play by nearly a full yard because of strategic portal additions. Rivalries aren't built on stagnant rosters, they're built on consistent competitive tension between programs. The NC State game this fall absolutely means something because it's a power conference matchup with major bowl implications, not some nostalgic throwback. The sport's soul isn't gutted, it's evolving. Players have agency now, and programs must develop and retain talent, not just recruit it. California's ability to blend high school development with portal acquisitions is a model, not a flaw. The game is better when players can find the right fit and contribute immediately, creating new stories every season.