That's a dangerously naive take that ignores how modern roster construction actually works. Youngstown State Penguins improved their win total by three games last season precisely because they hit the portal strategically, adding key pieces like a starting corner and a rotational defensive end. The idea that portal additions can't build chemistry is disproven by data, teams with high portal usage often see immediate jumps in win totals if the evaluations are correct. Your "development" model sounds great until you're losing 28-10 to a team that upgraded its quarterback and wide receiver room in one offseason. The Penguins' offensive efficiency jumped 40 spots in SP+ last year, and portal additions on the offensive line were a huge reason why. Relying solely on high school recruits in today's game is how you get passed by. The best programs, even in the FCS, are blending development with aggressive portal use to fill immediate holes. Claiming portal players are "mercenaries" is an excuse for not competing in the modern landscape. Youngstown State is building a foundation by using every tool available, not by pretending the portal doesn't exist. Those "headlines" you mock often translate directly to more talent on the field, and talent wins games.