Dylan Raiola to Enter the Portal?

[sjt18]

You and I agree on more than we disagree (looking at your other posts in this thread) but I'm not convinced G-Mac is ready for one reason: the depth chart.

It's reasonably clear to everyone Merk will probably drop a level when he transfers but Merk appeared to be QB2 most of the year.

Perhaps Josh was throwing Merk a bone, hoping he'd stay after G-Mac won QB1 next year, but perhaps not.

I'm not being adversarial with the question but why do you think Merk seemed to stay QB2 most of the season if Merk is dropping down a level and G-Mac is ready?

Maybe a play to keep him. Maybe Heupel just trusts him with knowing the O better- not as likely to make mistakes. IMO, if JA got hurt we would see something similar to when Dobbs became the starter over Dormady.

I like the O roster. That's why I don't think spending big money on another QB is a good strategy. You have a good young OL. A couple of solid RBs. Good young WRs. A couple of stars in the making at TE. You can get a lot of mileage out of the NIL you have to pay a starting caliber QB.

The other side of the ball though is where they really need to invest. Both CBs will benefit but neither should have started this year. More quality depth in the secondary is a must if they're going to take a step forward. Again, another reason not to spend money on a portal QB IMO

 

[sjt18]

I agree. But it’s not any better on the end of recruiting high schoolers. Look at the money we paid Nico to sit as a freshmen, and the money we paid him to suck the year after that. Millions. No guarantee on either end.

That's a universal truth no matter the job. Some of the best applicants and interviewees I've ever had turned out to be terrible employees. In this particular situation, I'd rather see 3 addition CBs rather than one $3 million QB.

 

[IndianaVol]

I just realized you are approaching 20 years on VN.

What are you doing with your life, bro?

AMEN...what have you been doing...HAHAHAAAAA

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Maybe a play to keep him. Maybe Heupel just trusts him with knowing the O better- not as likely to make mistakes. IMO, if JA got hurt we would see something similar to when Dobbs became the starter over Dormady.

I like the O roster. That's why I don't think spending big money on another QB is a good strategy. You have a good young OL. A couple of solid RBs. Good young WRs. A couple of stars in the making at TE. You can get a lot of mileage out of the NIL you have to pay a starting caliber QB.

The other side of the ball though is where they really need to invest. Both CBs will benefit but neither should have started this year. More quality depth in the secondary is a must if they're going to take a step forward. Again, another reason not to spend money on a portal QB IMO

I'd feel more comfortable if G-Mac had clearly jumped Merk on the depth chart because Heupel sees a lot more of these guys than us and makes the depth chart.

As for getting a QB, the hard part is getting a guy who COULD be a game manager for us but is also okay with never playing a meaningful snap. That's a tough get, IMO.

In the event G-Mac goes down hurt or isn't really workable, we could be going into games with either Faizon, who really doesn't need to start for his career's sake and likely for our success, or a portal guy we picked up but never really wanted to play.

It's a very difficult portal choice IMO.

I agree the big NIL money could better be spent on the D. Much better spent.

 

[swampfoxfan]

Others have mentioned he is untested and unknown. So I won't elaborate on that part.

There is almost-universal expectation that Merk transfers. From the knoxville radio guys to the "insiders" who post here. IF that is true, even if GMac is amazing as QB1, it is dangerous to enter a season with only 2 QBs on roster. So the conventional wisdom is we will be finding another QB in the portal regardless of whether GMac is ready or not.

But Tennessee won't chase Raiola and his 4-6 million price tag. Money better spent elsewhere.

 

[Jaxon_Vol2017]

Why is there this much disrespect for GMac? Honest question, not trying to be abrasive.

Heupel obviously loves a big arm. GMac seems to have that and the head to go with it. He seemed to make progressions and reads well ahead of his experience during the spring game especially considering the newness of the system. He looked to be more comfortable with the speed of the game than most Fr.

I don't have anything against the other guys or even taking a look at the portal. Just wondering why everyone thinks it has to be someone other than GMac. I get why confidence might be low for Merklinger. But the grass isn't always greener. We've seen that already. Heupel inherited Hooker and recruited Milton. He overpaid Nico then got JA as the consolation prize.

I personally think one of the 3 guys that will hopefully be on the roster next fall can do the job. Spend the money on D then let the young O guys grow into their roles.

Wouldn't he be going out before Merk if he was the better option? Maybe he's just not ready or not good.

 

[McDad]

But Tennessee won't chase Raiola and his 4-6 million price tag. Money better spent elsewhere.

I don't disagree.

 

[tennrich1]

He’s almost 200. I’d be willing to bet he is 215 by fall camp.

Which is plenty big enough to play in the SEC. I remember when Randall Cunningham was playing with the Eagles at like 6’4” 210ish and looked like a skinny kid on the field. I had a family member coaching with the Eagles then and ask him how RC survived. He said RC is a lot more durable than he looks and usually those types can take a hit better than bigger guys anyways. He was right cause RC played many years. Hopefully GMac will bulk up more and have a long successful career here .

 

[RDU VOL#14]

Why is there this much disrespect for GMac? Honest question, not trying to be abrasive.

Heupel obviously loves a big arm. GMac seems to have that and the head to go with it. He seemed to make progressions and reads well ahead of his experience during the spring game especially considering the newness of the system. He looked to be more comfortable with the speed of the game than most Fr.

I don't have anything against the other guys or even taking a look at the portal. Just wondering why everyone thinks it has to be someone other than GMac. I get why confidence might be low for Merklinger. But the grass isn't always greener. We've seen that already. Heupel inherited Hooker and recruited Milton. He overpaid Nico then got JA as the consolation prize.

I personally think one of the 3 guys that will hopefully be on the roster next fall can do the job. Spend the money on D then let the young O guys grow into their roles.

Because of the unknown and the fact that we don’t want to potentially waste a great deal of talent at the skill positions. I think I like GMAC, but I could also be sold on a portal guy that would like a sure thing . I’m not so sure that’s Raiola though. Every time I see him play I feel like he plays lazy. Throws off the back foot, doesn’t really move all that well. I’m probably wrong on that bc I haven’t watched much Nebraska football, but he seems too reliant on arm strength and his obsession w/ Mahomes is bizarre.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

Which is plenty big enough to play in the SEC. I remember when Randall Cunningham was playing with the Eagles at like 6’4” 210ish and looked like a skinny kid on the field. I had a family member coaching with the Eagles then and ask him how RC survived. He said RC is a lot more durable than he looks and usually those types can take a hit better than bigger guys anyways. He was right cause RC played many years. Hopefully GMac will bulk up more and have a long successful career here .

If GMAC could move and throw the deep ball like Cunningham I’ll start making CFP reservations now.

 

[tennrich1]

If GMAC could move and throw the deep ball like Cunningham I’ll start making CFP reservations now.

RC could definitely move and throw on the run well. I guess if we're honest we HAVE NO CLUE at this point how good GMac will be. Most of the attributes seem to be in place. Let's just wait and see (let's hold off on reservations for CFP for a few more months though )

 

[RDU VOL#14]

RC could definitely move and throw on the run well. I guess if we're honest we HAVE NO CLUE at this point how good GMac will be. Most of the attributes seem to be in place. Let's just wait and see (let's hold off on reservations for CFP for a few more months though )

Probably best to do so . In all seriousness, I think that’s the discussion. I’ll go with whatever CJH thinks is best for the team and not think I know better. I will say that I’m starting to see some Sam Leavitt stuff on my twitter feed. I’m not versed in NIL and revenue distribution well enough to know what that looks like for us, but if a guy like that is gettable, I think you have to consider it, given the line and the weapons we have returning.

 

[VolFanNC09]

Can we please develop our two 5* QBs and go after a great safety, LB and CB?

 

[Remy]

Why is there this much disrespect for GMac? Honest question, not trying to be abrasive.

Heupel obviously loves a big arm. GMac seems to have that and the head to go with it. He seemed to make progressions and reads well ahead of his experience during the spring game especially considering the newness of the system. He looked to be more comfortable with the speed of the game than most Fr.

I don't have anything against the other guys or even taking a look at the portal. Just wondering why everyone thinks it has to be someone other than GMac. I get why confidence might be low for Merklinger. But the grass isn't always greener. We've seen that already. Heupel inherited Hooker and recruited Milton. He overpaid Nico then got JA as the consolation prize.

I personally think one of the 3 guys that will hopefully be on the roster next fall can do the job. Spend the money on D then let the young O guys grow into their roles.

My reservations about GMac stem from his history at Brentwood Academy as QB. Granted they had a new staff but that storied program produced the worst season in it's history with GMac at QB. Worst being horrible as in BA losing 2 or 3 games is a bad season for them. I could easily be wrong but if he's everything we're told he is, those whoopin's would not have happened at BA.

 

[dillyo51]

I’m all in on GMAC being the starter in 26. Merk is not going to cut it.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I'd feel more comfortable if G-Mac had clearly jumped Merk on the depth chart because Heupel sees a lot more of these guys than us and makes the depth chart.

As for getting a QB, the hard part is getting a guy who COULD be a game manager for us but is also okay with never playing a meaningful snap. That's a tough get, IMO.

In the event G-Mac goes down hurt or isn't really workable, we could be going into games with either Faizon, who really doesn't need to start for his career's sake and likely for our success, or a portal guy we picked up but never really wanted to play.

It's a very difficult portal choice IMO.

I agree the big NIL money could better be spent on the D. Much better spent.

If Faizon is half the -layer he appears to be, he will learn the playbook and be ready for our opening come the 2026 season. If he is, why waste his talent by sitt him on the beach when he can get game experience at the beginning of the.of the season? I expect him and GMac to get the majority of the preseason snaps unless something major happens in the QB room.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I’m all in on GMAC being the starter in 26. Merk is not going to cut it.

Mark has not shown anything to indicated he can take over the offense and lead the offense we will need to be in competition for the SEC championship. His appearances so far have not indicated he has the ability to be the “it” QB. I realize there is over 9 months before the 2026 season begins and a lot can/will change in those p months.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

I’m all in on GMAC being the starter in 26. Merk is not going to cut it.

People were in on Merk when Nico left and wanted to roll with him and GMac

 

[orangebloodgmc]

He’s almost 200. I’d be willing to bet he is 215 by fall camp.

I am pretty sure that GMac is already at the weight magnitude of freshman Peyton and freshman Bray. By next fall we could roll with GMac, Faizon, and the best orange-blooded 3star QB we can get who can be here for Spring practice.

Having said that, if CJH thinks he's found another under-valued portal dude like Aguillar, I am good with that, too.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

 

[Volanta]

If he transfers its gonna be to Texas Tech.. i don't think i need to explain why

That is so wierd. I mean it’s cool to like a guy but cmon man get your own identity

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

If Faizon is half the -layer he appears to be, he will learn the playbook and be ready for our opening come the 2026 season. If he is, why waste his talent by sitt him on the beach when he can get game experience at the beginning of the.of the season? I expect him and GMac to get the majority of the preseason snaps unless something major happens in the QB room.

Again, we heard ALL of this sort of thing about Nico, about Harrison Bailey even.

QBs RARELY are ready as true freshmen to start in the SEC. Peyton, who was extremely talented, WANTED to redshirt, didn't want to start.

Faizon has been hurt quite a bit of his senior year and just came back (and dropped a couple of dimes in a playoff game which is encouraging) and probably will need time to adjust to NOT being a superstar but rather being a smaller fish in the SEC pond for awhile.