Off-season Portal additions/losses

[luckyirishguy25]

As terrible as this thread is (not anyone posting this just sucks), can we get it stickied. @kmax

[TomCat88]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

[tetoncat]

Is a JC really a transfer. They can only play their 2 years and have to go somewhere.

[Catsrgrood]

Is a JC really a transfer. They can only play their 2 years and have to go somewhere.

I think it’s splitting hairs if we don’t count them based on that.
I see it as someone that is coming from a different university. Not a HS recruit.

[Bobcatsinmso]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

That would be ideal!
@@mslacatfan does an amazing job with the all time record keeping/watch.
@VimSince03Always has some outstanding information and insights.
@AFCAT Arguably keeps the best social media links and updates.
You do a great job from the media standpoint and insights as well Tom.
Perhaps a group effort from you guys?

[tetoncat]

Is a JC really a transfer. They can only play their 2 years and have to go somewhere.

I think it’s splitting hairs if we don’t count them based on that.
I see it as someone that is coming from a different university. Not a HS recruit.

Sort of. I think they are closer to a HS recruit than a transfer from another university because in most cases they have no eligibility left. Some only go JC one year then move but they still know they have to leave at so.e point.

[ThoughtUKnew14]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

How do you suppose one could accomplish this? We don’t know each player’s wishes, desires, family dynamics, etc!

[BelligerentBobcat]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

How do you suppose one could accomplish this? We don’t know each player’s wishes, desires, family dynamics, etc!

Well we know the starters aren’t leaving because they want more playing time.

[Catsrgrood]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

How do you suppose one could accomplish this? We don’t know each player’s wishes, desires, family dynamics, etc!

I updated the first post and just put “likely leaving for NIL opportunities” and “likely personal or looking for more playing time”

I agree, I like the idea, but it’s impossible without assuming some stuff.

Basically, if its a starter leaving, its most likely for NIL opportunities and/or prove themselves at a higher level.
If it’s a backup leaving, it’s most likely going to be for more playing time.

There would be exceptions to those rules, but that’s a pretty safe bet for the majority of these players.

[aucat]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

[RICO CAT]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I believe that’s up to the individual policy of the school / coach. Each circumstance is different. If a player left in good standing, they might be considered for a return. However there is a risk a scholarship is no longer there. Most don’t jump unless they know they have a place to land.

[AFCAT]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I believe that’s up to the individual policy of the school / coach. Each circumstance is different. If a player left in good standing, they might be considered for a return. However there is a risk a scholarship is no longer there. Most don’t jump unless they know they have a place to land.

Exactly. The team has to start looking for a replacement for that player immediately and offer scholarships or spots on the roster to someone else. They can't necessarily do that and then all of a sudden bring back the player that wanted to look elsewhere. I know Ford was brought back on the basketball team after entering the portal but that is going to be a rare occurrence for the football team.

[kennethnoisewater]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I believe that’s up to the individual policy of the school / coach. Each circumstance is different. If a player left in good standing, they might be considered for a return. However there is a risk a scholarship is no longer there. Most don’t jump unless they know they have a place to land.

Exactly. The team has to start looking for a replacement for that player immediately and offer scholarships or spots on the roster to someone else. They can't necessarily do that and then all of a sudden bring back the player that wanted to look elsewhere. I know Ford was brought back on the basketball team after entering the portal but that is going to be a rare occurrence for the football team.

That's the most practical reason, but I also think there's gotta be a little bit of "you turned your back on this team, don't expect us to want you back" involved there. I don't think I've ever heard a coach actually say that, but you'd have to think that comes into play too.

[bobcatbob]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I heard Vigen say not long ago that once a player enters the portal they are gone. No coming back.

[AFCAT]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I believe that’s up to the individual policy of the school / coach. Each circumstance is different. If a player left in good standing, they might be considered for a return. However there is a risk a scholarship is no longer there. Most don’t jump unless they know they have a place to land.

Exactly. The team has to start looking for a replacement for that player immediately and offer scholarships or spots on the roster to someone else. They can't necessarily do that and then all of a sudden bring back the player that wanted to look elsewhere. I know Ford was brought back on the basketball team after entering the portal but that is going to be a rare occurrence for the football team.

That's the most practical reason, but I also think there's gotta be a little bit of "you turned your back on this team, don't expect us to want you back" involved there. I don't think I've ever heard a coach actually say that, but you'd have to think that comes into play too.

Yeah, probably not said out loud, but definitely.

[BelligerentBobcat]

What if a player enters the portal but doesn’t get any good offers? Can they return? Would the coaches want them back?

I heard Vigen say not long ago that once a player enters the portal they are gone. No coming back.

There were some decent rumors that Ifanse tried and was told no.

[TomCat88]

We have a lot of information floating around various threads on all of the portal info.

Maybe one thread that tracks who we lose and gain? I can update this first post throughout the season as info changes.

Losses:
Omar Aigbedion- OL
Rush Reimer- OL
Jacob Kettels- OL

Sebastian Valdez- DL
Jace Fitzgerald- LB
Kendric Bailey- S
Kade Cutler- DB

Additions:

I would like to see these broken into NIL transfers and personal/justwant2play transfers.
NIL: Aigbedion, Reimer, Valdez
Tweener: Kettels (probably about playing time with both tackles returning and Jefferson looking good)
JWP: Fitzgerald, Bailey, Cutler

Same for additions. Not that I expect any NIL, but it may be a factor as MSU has probably more NIL than most FCS teams. Any JC transfer may have chosen MSU, in part, for that reason.

How do you suppose one could accomplish this? We don’t know each player’s wishes, desires, family dynamics, etc!

I updated the first post and just put “likely leaving for NIL opportunities” and “likely personal or looking for more playing time”

I agree, I like the idea, but it’s impossible without assuming some stuff.

Basically, if its a starter leaving, its most likely for NIL opportunities and/or prove themselves at a higher level.
If it’s a backup leaving, it’s most likely going to be for more playing time.

There would be exceptions to those rules, but that’s a pretty safe bet for the majority of these players.

Thanks. I think a lot of people think that anyone who transfers is getting NIL so just having something that designates who’s doing what is nice. Doesn’t have to be perfect just a general idea.

[MTmadeCat]

When will we start seeing MSU offers to transfers? I know Vigen has been on the road visiting HS recruits, but with so many guys entering the portal these first few days, it seems as if other Big Sky teams are jumping on the opportunity while we are sitting back. I know we have been developing and promoting young guys within the program and only piecing in transfers where necessary, but with some guys already leaving it would be nice to see some Bobcat offers pursuing some guys who can have an impact immediately.

[AFCAT]

When will we start seeing MSU offers to transfers? I know Vigen has been on the road visiting HS recruits, but with so many guys entering the portal these first few days, it seems as if other Big Sky teams are jumping on the opportunity while we are sitting back. I know we have been developing and promoting young guys within the program and only piecing in transfers where necessary, but with some guys already leaving it would be nice to see some Bobcat offers pursuing some guys who can have an impact immediately.

How do you know offers haven’t been made? I try to track this stuff but it’s not a science. I sometimes just find offers by chance. There are guys out there that don’t always post every offer. Someone mentioned a Texas O-lineman transfer that is being recruited by the Cats but the young man hasn’t posted about it.

This guy. He is being looked at by the Cats but hasn’t actually posted an offer on his Twitter page.

[MTmadeCat]

When will we start seeing MSU offers to transfers? I know Vigen has been on the road visiting HS recruits, but with so many guys entering the portal these first few days, it seems as if other Big Sky teams are jumping on the opportunity while we are sitting back. I know we have been developing and promoting young guys within the program and only piecing in transfers where necessary, but with some guys already leaving it would be nice to see some Bobcat offers pursuing some guys who can have an impact immediately.

How do you know offers haven’t been made? I try to track this stuff but it’s not a science. I sometimes just find offers by chance. There are guys out there that don’t always post every offer. Someone mentioned a Texas O-lineman transfer that is being recruited by the Cats but the young man hasn’t posted about it.

This guy. He is being looked at by the Cats but hasn’t actually posted an offer on his Twitter page.

I’m sure there are plenty of offers/interest out that we haven’t heard about. I should have clarified and asked if anyone has any leads. I get all my info from who/what I follow on X/Twitter, and whatever algorithm they use to show me my “For You” posts. Jack Kelly of Weber is an example. Saw he has offers from um, other Big Sky & FCS schools. Guy is a stud and with Nolan graduating it seems it would be wise to throw our name in the mix and make a run at him. Even if the coaches have bigger plans with O’Reilly, etc. competition is never going to hurt—especially if you can land a quality player like that. I guess I liked Choate’s approach of throwing out a ton of offers to quality players who fit our mold and letting everyone know about Montana State. We aren’t losing many guys to graduation but with the portal now, I think we’ll always have a few extra spots to fill up one way or another.