Todays signings confirm Josh Heupel has us pointed in the right direction

#52
#52
Rifleman said:
Haven't seen a class this strong since Fulmer. This confirms my fat coach theory. Heupel needed to round into becoming as great a recruiter as Fulmer.

FAT COACH THEORY:

You go to 10 kid's homes on a recruiting weekend--at least 8 of their moms are going to have some home cooking waiting for you. The other two will have dads bringing in some brisket or pulled pork from the grill.

The thin coach will wave his hand right at your mom's secret banana pudding recipe like some sort of latter day Olsen twin. Mom's going to remember that slight when you get an offer.

But the fat coach is going to take it all in with a smile. That will bear fruit later (not a child mind you, fat coach just looks pregnant).

Fat coach isn't even hurting like Andy Griffith on his 3rd spaghetti dinner. He legit thinks dinner 9 is just as delicious as dinner 2.

This should be the 8th maxim for a Tennessee coach: chew, smile, praise the chef, go back for seconds, for through the vastness of the stomach are the recruits won.
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Mangino was an underachiever. He should have retired with 25 natties.
 
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#53
#53
Volbrando said:
Good early signing day, but how many of them will play or make a difference right away? Portal pickups and staff changes will help determine our 2026 outcome

how much of our budget did we spend signing high school players that could have been used in the portal? I hope Aguilar can come back, but if not, we may need to go get a qb
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JA not coming back any more than ZZ, IMO. We killed NSD…next steps are portal and Defense staff. These are the types of classes we need to be at the top of sec
 
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#56
#56
And this is why I hope the fanbase calms down a bit.

Vandy loss sucks without a doubt. The defense's performance was horrendous that 2nd half. But it's still just 1 game.

This is the best recruiting class we've had in a long time. Heupel has consistently made progress on building the program. He's got some decisions to make in the off-season, but I trust him so much more than our last 4 head coaches (going back to Kiffin).
 
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#58
#58
Chitlin&theDude said:
The money is there. It's always there. Look at all the buyouts these teams paid this year. LSU is just now finishing paying coach O, they owe over $50mill to Kelly and they're paying Kiffin $100mill. LSU isn't that far ahead of us, if they are at all
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Didn’t LSU say they weren’t going to pay Kelly‘s buyout?
 
#61
#61
SayUWantAreVOLution said:
Uh, if you think we can pay the kind of money LSU dropped to get Kelly out and Kiffin in, you're simply wrong.

We're not going to win a money race with several schools which is EXACTLY why we haven't gotten top 5 recruiting classes in the NIL era.
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Actually TN's athletic department generates more money than LSU's and I think we have wealthier boosters. Regardless, LSU athletics and financial decisions are obviously run by buffoons. What about Auburn? Auburn spent $52 million for 3 coaches in the last 5 years is just another example. These schools always find the cash when they need it. If CJH goes 7-5 with loses at home to LSU and AL, they're not retaining him until his buyout is significantly lower.
 
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#64
#64
Chitlin&theDude said:
Actually TN's athletic department generates more money than LSU's and I think we have wealthier boosters. Regardless, LSU athletics and financial decisions are obviously run by buffoons. What about Auburn? Auburn spent $52 million for 3 coaches in the last 5 years is just another example. These schools always find the cash when they need it. If CJH goes 7-5 with loses at home to LSU and AL, they're not retaining him until his buyout is significantly lower.
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Our Athletic Department is more successful but I'd seriously question our major donor base being bigger than LSU. They are closer to oil territory and, given the Governor's idiotic involvement, obviously connected to the money people in the state.

I think Coach Heupel probably is safe until after 2028, I believe it is, when we finally have a full boat of scholarships, visits, contacts, etc and are fully over the Pruitt sanctions. Obviously, if we end up 6-6 or worse before then, all bets are off.

There was a massive overreaction here to losing to Vandy but I think Danny White and the movers and shakers at UT have a better view and cooler heads than average fans like us. It was not a good loss and our game effort was awful.

Problems with football team need to be addressed and I believe they will be addressed. Problems with the culture seem to exist (per Joey A's practice comments) and they MUST be addressed.

I'm not a sunshine pumper but I think the leash on Josh Heupel was VERY long when he took over a dumpster fire and many at VN have forgotten that fact.
 
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#65
#65
SayUWantAreVOLution said:
Our Athletic Department is more successful but I'd seriously question our major donor base being bigger than LSU. They are closer to oil territory and, given the Governor's idiotic involvement, obviously connected to the money people in the state.

I think Coach Heupel probably is safe until after 2028, I believe it is, when we finally have a full boat of scholarships, visits, contacts, etc and are fully over the Pruitt sanctions. Obviously, if we end up 6-6 or worse before then, all bets are off.

There was a massive overreaction here to losing to Vandy but I think Danny White and the movers and shakers at UT have a better view and cooler heads than average fans like us. It was not a good loss and our game effort was awful.

Problems with football team need to be addressed and I believe they will be addressed. Problems with the culture seem to exist (per Joey A's practice comments) and they MUST be addressed.

I'm not a sunshine pumper but I think the leash on Josh Heupel was VERY long when he took over a dumpster fire and many at VN have forgotten that fact.
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Louisiana’s oil industry is more tied to offshore (yes they have surface oil fields) but offshore is very limited right now. New Orleans is a fraction of the city it was when I lived there. Economically the state is a disaster. LSU does have some major billionaire donors but nothing like Tx & Aggies. I’d put them in the middle of the SEC. I do think this coaching change & money involved with it (rumored to cost almost $200 million) is gonna have a big impact there.
 
#67
#67
wmcovol said:
Louisiana’s oil industry is more tied to offshore (yes they have surface oil fields) but offshore is very limited right now. New Orleans is a fraction of the city it was when I lived there. Economically the state is a disaster. LSU does have some major billionaire donors but nothing like Tx & Aggies. I’d put them in the middle of the SEC. I do think this coaching change & money involved with it (rumored to cost almost $200 million) is gonna have a big impact there.
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Economically, most SEC states are disasters honestly but that has nothing to do with how the SEC donors operate.

I think LSU, especially given the Governor jumping in, got "the right people" involved in canning Kelly and getting Kiffin. Those wealthy people aren't hurting and haven't hurt as badly from economic issues as most folks in LA.

Will they stay involved as much? I have no idea. Some of them probably will be in private boxes at every game and some probably just owed the Governor a favor or two.

I don't worry for LSU. They have a lot of talent nearby and find a way, within the rules and outside the rules, to win in bball and football quite a bit.
 
#68
#68
Question= I heard that NCAA was going to limit the portal jumping , think it was suggested to do away with the spring transfer window. Anyone know if this came to pass or just a suggestion ? Seem to remember players signing in the fall and leave by spring to another school . Welcome to Rocky Top, but please stay
 
#69
#69
Chitlin&theDude said:
The money is there. It's always there. Look at all the buyouts these teams paid this year. LSU is just now finishing paying coach O, they owe over $50mill to Kelly and they're paying Kiffin $100mill. LSU isn't that far ahead of us, if they are at all
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Something tells me similar words were likely spoken over many Sunday dinner tables October 27, 1929.

But, yes, when money is debt currency, more can be created out of thin air at any time, if you're confident that the piper is gonna die before he has to be paid.
 
#71
#71
UT Hill Man said:
After the Vanderbilt beatdown, a lot of folks were clinging to the ledge, but this 2026 recruiting class should calm a lot of nerves.

Everyone take a look at what we have—a class is headlined by high-profile, consensus five-star prospects, including quarterback Faizon Brandon and offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda. Securing "can't miss" talents at critical positions provides the immediate influx of top-tier skill needed to compete at the highest levels of the SEC and college football.

Acquiring key players like a franchise quarterback (Brandon) and his primary protector (Osenda) establishes a strong offensive core for the future. This strategy builds a sustainable foundation for head coach Josh Heupel's system and makes the program more attractive to other high-level recruits and transfers.

Beyond the top stars, the class includes a large number of commits, with over 20 players signed across various positions, including edge rushers, defensive backs, and wide receivers. This ensures a pipeline of talent and healthy competition for starting roles, guarding against unexpected transfer portal departures.

I believe this could end up being a top 5 class and that acquiring top-five talent is essential to truly compete for a national championship. This recruiting class is a crucial step in providing the roster necessary to reach that goal in the coming seasons.

Beyond this, we just need to hit the portal hard and clean up some assistant coaching issues to get back on the right track.

This is all just my opinion.
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Nah. How he does in the portal will tell the tale. HS recruiting is pie in the sky. I'd wager a third of this class ends up in the portal.
 
#72
#72
SayUWantAreVOLution said:
Our Athletic Department is more successful but I'd seriously question our major donor base being bigger than LSU. They are closer to oil territory and, given the Governor's idiotic involvement, obviously connected to the money people in the state.

I think Coach Heupel probably is safe until after 2028, I believe it is, when we finally have a full boat of scholarships, visits, contacts, etc and are fully over the Pruitt sanctions. Obviously, if we end up 6-6 or worse before then, all bets are off.

There was a massive overreaction here to losing to Vandy but I think Danny White and the movers and shakers at UT have a better view and cooler heads than average fans like us. It was not a good loss and our game effort was awful.

Problems with football team need to be addressed and I believe they will be addressed. Problems with the culture seem to exist (per Joey A's practice comments) and they MUST be addressed.

I'm not a sunshine pumper but I think the leash on Josh Heupel was VERY long when he took over a dumpster fire and many at VN have forgotten that fact.
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The leash is and has been longer, and for good reason. He did walk into a mess. But White said he's here to win championships, and I believe him. Through 5 years we haven't played for one, and this year indicated we're not headed for one. If we retain Heupel for the next 3 years like you said and he's batting 7-5/8-4 White is a complete loser, and the program is dead. In my opinion, if it's late October/early November and we're already out of the playoffs next year, he'll be canned. And I honestly think JH knows that.
 
#73
#73
Chitlin&theDude said:
It's good news. No doubt. But all these transfers each year mean- whoever you get this year, doesn't mean you'll have them next year. And of course proper evaluations and development are all always in-flux. But regarding direction- JH was just blown out at home by Vandy IN HIS 5TH YEAR. He beat 1 team with a winning record this year and lost 3 games at home. You have to have your head in the sand to not see serious deficiencies, and the possibly of him being canned next year or the year after is more likely to happen than not happen.
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I'll take that bet, Partner.
 
#74
#74
Chitlin&theDude said:
The leash is and has been longer, and for good reason. He did walk into a mess. But White said he's here to win championships, and I believe him. Through 5 years we haven't played for one, and this year indicated we're not headed for one. If we retain Heupel for the next 3 years like you said and he's batting 7-5/8-4 White is a complete loser, and the program is dead. In my opinion, if it's late October/early November and we're already out of the playoffs next year, he'll be canned. And I honestly think JH knows that.
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We'll disagree there and I've had crow before (mostly Old Crow but I digress) and might again.

I believe Coach Heupel will make some hard decisions about staff and I believe he'll begin to be a more forceful practice coach and sideline coach. I'd be willing to bet he has some heart to heart talks with his Dad and other mentors soon and gets good advice for his future.

If we see 7-5 next year, the seat is very warm and another 7-5 might finish him in 2027.

I just don't believe he's a 7-5 coach at UT. Like I said, I've got my shot glass..... er..... fork ready for crow, if needed.
 
#75
#75
UT Hill Man said:
After the Vanderbilt beatdown, a lot of folks were clinging to the ledge, but this 2026 recruiting class should calm a lot of nerves.

Everyone take a look at what we have—a class is headlined by high-profile, consensus five-star prospects, including quarterback Faizon Brandon and offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda. Securing "can't miss" talents at critical positions provides the immediate influx of top-tier skill needed to compete at the highest levels of the SEC and college football.

Acquiring key players like a franchise quarterback (Brandon) and his primary protector (Osenda) establishes a strong offensive core for the future. This strategy builds a sustainable foundation for head coach Josh Heupel's system and makes the program more attractive to other high-level recruits and transfers.

Beyond the top stars, the class includes a large number of commits, with over 20 players signed across various positions, including edge rushers, defensive backs, and wide receivers. This ensures a pipeline of talent and healthy competition for starting roles, guarding against unexpected transfer portal departures.

I believe this could end up being a top 5 class and that acquiring top-five talent is essential to truly compete for a national championship. This recruiting class is a crucial step in providing the roster necessary to reach that goal in the coming seasons.

Beyond this, we just need to hit the portal hard and clean up some assistant coaching issues to get back on the right track.

This is all just my opinion.
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Signing day isn't near as big as it used to be Who knows which players will be here in 2 years. It's nice to have a top 5 recruiting class, but if you don't develop them it really doesn't matter.We still need to replace Banks and Martinez. Not so sure Halze and Sims don't need to be upgraded either. It's still concerning that we can't land any blue chip DB's or Safety's. I can't remember the last 5* Seconaryplayers we landed. We recruit well on the DLine and LB, but the secondary continues to lag behind. Hopefully replacing Banks/Martinez will help with that.(If Heupel mans up and does what he needs to do).
 
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