Hoosier987

Mendoza hype seems to be gaining some traction of late, as seen in ESPN article and other recent ones...Fortunately, he looks focused and poised to have a breakout season...it also helps to have a strong wide receive corps like we do :)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/45719770/2026-nfl-draft-top-pick-predictions-early-chances-tj-parker-garrett-nussmeier Mendoza listed as # 1 overall potential in 2026 NFL Draft

Thats TBD. But WVU was pretty underwhelming and Devries did a good job all things considered

Michigan and UK started anew last year and were both very successful. In the new world of NIL, it’s very easy to jumpstart a program in year 1….especially with a robust NIL, like we do. Different sport, point stands - see IUFB. We can admit the roster as it stands is underwhelming but also root like hell that we win and come out on top. I’m still cautiously optimistic we have a good year….but it will mean we need to stay healthy and our team adjusts to high level basketball….but I also have faith in DeVries. It would be a big disappointment if we did lousy…I don’t think that happens with a CDD team.

It all depends on how their games translate to the high major. Certainly, in terms of high major experience, this roster is underwhelming…however, DeVries does very good with underwhelming roster. See WVU last year. If these guys can play in The Big Ten; then we have even more potential. Time will tell.

I don’t think Goode is some astronomical loss. It’s the opportunity loss that is bigger. We could’ve forked over another mil + (the money Goode and Leal would’ve gotten) to have scored a stud or at the very least, additional depth. Instead we gain nothing. It feels like we’ve left NIL money on the table.

Does anyone know what happened to Tyler Cherry? He was supposedly a big get...at least at the time. If memory serves, he isn't on this year's team but he is still part of the program???

Our NIL for football is fine. We have another top 15- 20 team, along with a top 20 transfer class which includes arguably the top transfer quarterback...while still keeping our studs from last year (see Sarratt, Ponds, Kamara and Fisher). Believe me, we're not getting these talented guys if our money is drying up. Cig also got a great raise with a top assistant salary pool. Our football team is well on it's way as being the new "superpower," with Cig leading the charge.

Mgbako returning to college to play at A&M. After his impressive showing this Spring he had worked his way up to a 2nd rounder.

Rothstein having us not in the top 45 is surprising. Then again, can you really blame him? Every year we seemingly win the off-season always to underperform during the season. Hopefully, this year is different and we see a reverse trend. I think we have the right coach for that.

Looked like Alexis was at the White House today celebrating UF Title.

I love that we are guard oriented...but man, we sincerely better pray that Alexis, Harris or Reed don't go down for an extended period. I'm of the opinion we need another big, if only for depth in case the dreaded boot comes out. 2 of these guys go down...I won't say impossible but then we're in a very difficult situation...

GOODE + BIG >>>> GOODE + LEAL

Yes it's division 1. He's a DOBO. That's a very nice position for someone his age. A lot of former managers don't even make it to that level as CBB coaching / Support Staff is not an easy profession to break into. He's going to be just fine as he has a lot of connections.

I'm fine with Good returning. He has more size and is a much better shooter than Leal (plus he hasn't been here since Archie)...I -- and many others -- just think it's time for Leal to move on for reasons already stated. Goode + a big >>>>> Goode + Leal

Couldn’t agree more. I wanted someone with a great wing span but at this point I’ll just take more depth at the big position. More years than not, it seems like we have a big in the “dreaded boot.” If one of Alexis, Bailey, or Harris go down for a period of time then we are in a very precarious situation…and nobody can dispute that…which is why I hope CDD gets one more big for our last 2 remaining spots. If 2 go down…YIKES!

Agreed. Leal has been here for half a decade already... even dating all the way back to Archie. It’s time to give someone else a run. He’s had his run at IU, been treated very well — including making at this point hundreds of thousands if not millions from NIL…with frankly little return imo…there are numerous and significant better options to have than Leal - of which his guard position is already more than accounted for on this team with more talented players in the fold than before.

Very nice get with Brady. He will slide right in to the slot.

I’d agree. It’s time. To. Move. On. He’s synonymous with a losing era that had little to no accountability or appeal. actually should say 2 eras because Leal played for Archie too. Another failed era.

It’s not an unpopular opinion. Many feel the same way you do.

Put me in the camp of no to Leal. Move on. 3 Senior nights? Gimme a break. This is an older team DeVries has coming in…I assure you we don’t need any “leadership” from Anthony Leal…of which he would provide little to none. Would be a mistake inviting him back.

I’ve always felt we’re one good big away from being a really dangerous team. I hope this is true. I still think we need to get one more big guy…if only for added depth. If one of Bailey, Reed or Alexis go down for any period of time, we’re not in a good position…and god forbid 2… Goode + decent big would be an awesome way to finish the off season.

Definitely not looking to “run it back” yet again with Leal. Move on.

We have 1 or 2 more roster spots to fill depending on Goode. Still think we need more length to feel really good. If One of Bailey, Harris or Alexis are in the “dreaded boot” we’re in a very dicey situation:

Any chance Clark gets us our last 1 or 2 commits?