How concerned with the 2027 class at this time?

#26
#26
No longer much reason to give money to freshman recruits with zero experience. Take us this year, Faizon will probably stumble thru the first half of the season then come on strong in the second. If he is considered good at that point he hits the portal and goes for top dollar at auction. You only go after only the 5 star recruits who can help immediately and save the NIL for the portal. The goal now is to have all players on the roster either experienced or highly talented on day 1.
 
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#27
#27
MarcoVol said:
Difference between a school expecting it and a fanbase expecting it.

Dumb fans everywhere expect NCs. Sad existence as a fan bc none of the schools you listed are winning NCs anytime recently outside of Michigan and LSU.

Notre Dame? The team that last won a title 38 years ago? They expect it? How dumb are they?!
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If you don’t think the schools I mentioned can position themselves to win a NC then you’re off your rocker. I’ll leave it at that.
 
#28
#28
brockytop said:
If you don’t think the schools I mentioned can position themselves to win a NC then you’re off your rocker. I’ll leave it at that.
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Didn’t say that.

Said they don’t really expect them or they’d fire HCs even if they were winning games but not NCs. People don’t keep their jobs after continuous “does not meet expectations” ratings on their annual reviews.

Took Harbaugh 9 years. Didn’t get fired bc Michigan didn’t really expect a NC. They wanted one. They thought they could win one. But they didn’t expect it.

PSU is the only one you mentioned that got rid of a successful HC for not meeting championship level expectations.
 
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#29
#29
Our 2026 class was basically two recruiting classes. A lot has changed with recruiting methods, and we're all trying to catch up. It doesn't make much sense to worry about recruiting because you don't know what will be in the transfer portal till December?

I think the staff is getting good players that can be developed and saving cash for big fish in HS from January to December. Then December to January is transfer portal big fish.

Its just different now. It will take time for all of us to catch up
 
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#30
#30
VOLtaism said:
No longer much reason to give money to freshman recruits with zero experience. Take us this year, Faizon will probably stumble thru the first half of the season then come on strong in the second. If he is considered good at that point he hits the portal and goes for top dollar at auction. You only go after only the 5 star recruits who can help immediately and save the NIL for the portal. The goal now is to have all players on the roster either experienced or highly talented on day 1.
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Most good quarterbacks don’t transfer from major teams. Especially if they are excelling. If Faizon is the man Tennessee will pay him. You really think they aren’t going to pay him if they think he is the guy to lead the team? GBO
 
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#31
#31
MarcoVol said:
None of them really *expect* it or they’d be moving on from HCs that win but can’t get over the hump.

Unless we’re talking some conference titles?

Michigan held onto Harbaugh and it took until year 9 to win it.

Lanning wins but no championship. How long before they fire him bc of it? If they don’t, do they really expect championships?

USC….lol.

Texas. Sark with no titles. Maybe they expect it? When’s the last time they won it?

OU? No.

FL can’t find a HC recently that even competes.

Miami. Will never fire Mario even if he doesn’t win it.

PSU. Agree bc of kicking Franklin to the curb but it’s not gonna help them win a NC.

A&M. Maybe they ditch Elko eventually if he doesn’t win it. How long does he get?

LSU. I’ll buy that they expect it.

AUB? Lol be serious.

FSU? See AUB on steroids. They didn’t fire a coach that went 2-10!!

Clemson will never ditch Dabo for not winning it but he’s got his already so that’s a tough situation to move on from.
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Lanning has only been at Oregon a short time, he's just getting started. I could see him and his family growing old in Eugene. I live about 4 blocks from Chips old place and about 8 blocks from Dan's place. He's a good man and as long as he has the desire to build here I'm a big fan....
 
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#32
#32
I understand the OP's question. We spent years and years obsessing over being top 5-10 in recruiting because that was what you had to do to win championships, but I think that model has gone out the window. Look at our roster right now. We have one projected starter on the offensive side of the ball who runs out of eligibility after this season in Wendel Moe. Every other projected starter could return next year. Heck, Donovan Haslem is the only backup I can think of who is a senior. Of course some of the other players will move on (either transfer portal or NFL draft), but they all have eligibility remaining. And a there is a solid core group at WR, TE, and OL who could be back in 2028 as well. On the defensive side of the ball, we're loaded with young LBs, we took 10 (count 'em ten) DL last year, and we have tons of young DBs (though that's the one spot where I'm not as sold on the talent (time will tell)). With that being the case, swinging big on high school guys starts to look like a potential waste of resources because if those current HS seniors aren't going to play in 2027 or 2028, they aren't going to stick around. So development and retention of the high caliber guys we already have becomes the priority. We have invested big in the young talent that is already on the roster. The strategy now is develop those guys, retain them, use the portal to fill in pieces around them as needed (and maybe add a high impact player or 2 as the opportunity presents itself), and then watch those guys perform. You're never going to completely neglect high school recruiting, but I think we are at a point with our personnel where it isn't necessarily the most important aspect of roster building. I also think this is going to be somewhat cyclical depending on how your roster is composed. For the classes of 2028 and/or 2029, we may be back to swinging bigger in the high school ranks.
 
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#33
#33
GoDucks349 said:
Lanning has only been at Oregon a short time, he's just getting started. I could see him and his family growing old in Eugene. I live about 4 blocks from Chips old place and about 8 blocks from Dan's place. He's a good man and as long as he has the desire to build here I'm a big fan....
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I’m a Lanning fan, especially when he’s coked up. Love a good maniac!

Certainly wouldn’t single him out, just happened to be at one of the schools the poster mentioned.

I think Oregon would be crazy get rid of him even if he never wins a NC.
 
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#34
#34
Weezer said:
As long as we're willing to do what it takes in the portal. Not so sure why we should be convinced they are.

Here's a question for everyone, what are your expectations for Tennessee football? Both long-term and short? What does the path forward look like? Should we eventually expect championships or just be happy not to suck? Not sucking is nice, but damn, I want titles. Other schools hold that expectation. Why can't we?
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Expectations? For them to continue playing, both short and long term. Path forward? Hell, my psychic abilities suck. However, I am pretty sure there will be successes and failures aplenty. And from one year to the next, there will be coaches hired and coaches fired. There will be plenty of players recruited, dismissed, injured, transferring in and out. Who is remembered, and whom we despise? Time will tell, but as to the championship expectations? Some will still go nuts about it with joy when it works and outrage when it doesn't. There will be many some just observe with apathy, and go on living their lives pretty much the same. Don't think I am going out on a limb too far, but here goes: The championship expectations will always be there, or eventually they may cancel some sports, dependent mostly upon unforeseen economic disasters. And that always seems just around the corner. Just enjoy it as it comes, and try to avoid dangerous terrain when you are feeling low about it all. Good luck.
 
#35
#35
10seV4L said:
While the DGG thing may very well pan out, imo it's giving Nico, Chaz, Boo vibes already.
Seems like the ROI will be a net loss, unless this kid is the next Saquon or Bijon.
I just feel like there seems to be a pattern of this recruiting staff falling all over themselves and in love with players that have to be overly-coaxed and coerced into selecting the Vols. We seem almost desperate, even when we could probably foster decent, amicable options, just to land prospects that flirt with, toy with us, and then eventually move on.
It kinda feels like we don't respect ourselves, or have low self-esteem, lol.
While homegrown Georgia athletes take pay-cuts to play for their home state flagship university, we have to OVER-overpay to just keep our native athletes interested. I want the Vols to act like they have some swag and side-step the divas that think they're way too good for us.
*Mic pass
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How is he native to Tennessee? Just curious.
 
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#36
#36
MarcoVol said:
I’m a Lanning fan, especially when he’s coked up. Love a good maniac!

Certainly wouldn’t single him out, just happened to be at one of the schools the poster mentioned.

I think Oregon would be crazy get rid of him even if he never wins a NC.
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Im a fan of oregon/lanning too

Lanning was the one who -allegedly- gave Heup the tip of Nico’s clan shopping him around mid season, so he’ll always have my respect

Also, I grew up watch oregon legends like Deanthony Thomas, Marcous Mariota, really the 2012-2014 era of ducks teams were really fun to watch
 
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#37
#37
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#38
#38
We’ve dropped again overnight to 145 out of 132. We may not be able to field a team. Did the coaches still have eligibility? Still, no matter what bunch of scrubs we roll out there wearing the glorious color of orange I’m gonna watch the Old Hickory Volunteers play on Saturday!
 
#39
#39
highspeed said:
I understand the OP's question. We spent years and years obsessing over being top 5-10 in recruiting because that was what you had to do to win championships, but I think that model has gone out the window. Look at our roster right now. We have one projected starter on the offensive side of the ball who runs out of eligibility after this season in Wendel Moe. Every other projected starter could return next year. Heck, Donovan Haslem is the only backup I can think of who is a senior. Of course some of the other players will move on (either transfer portal or NFL draft), but they all have eligibility remaining. And a there is a solid core group at WR, TE, and OL who could be back in 2028 as well. On the defensive side of the ball, we're loaded with young LBs, we took 10 (count 'em ten) DL last year, and we have tons of young DBs (though that's the one spot where I'm not as sold on the talent (time will tell)). With that being the case, swinging big on high school guys starts to look like a potential waste of resources because if those current HS seniors aren't going to play in 2027 or 2028, they aren't going to stick around. So development and retention of the high caliber guys we already have becomes the priority. We have invested big in the young talent that is already on the roster. The strategy now is develop those guys, retain them, use the portal to fill in pieces around them as needed (and maybe add a high impact player or 2 as the opportunity presents itself), and then watch those guys perform. You're never going to completely neglect high school recruiting, but I think we are at a point with our personnel where it isn't necessarily the most important aspect of roster building. I also think this is going to be somewhat cyclical depending on how your roster is composed. For the classes of 2028 and/or 2029, we may be back to swinging bigger in the high school ranks.
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Very well written and thoughts and correct as well. We have a young team this 27 class was always going to be short except couple of guys who as Freshman can make impact like DGG and The DE Jacob's he would play his Freshman year. Coaches believe next year we are competing for championship so Portal is about filling those needs much more important than high school signings. In CHRIST Alone
 
#40
#40
Woodlawn VOL said:
Most good quarterbacks don’t transfer from major teams. Especially if they are excelling. If Faizon is the man Tennessee will pay him. You really think they aren’t going to pay him if they think he is the guy to lead the team? GBO
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This thing is changing every year, don't think next year will be the same as this year. Just 4 years ago we gasped at the bama QB getting 1 million out of high school. Agents are telling their players that hitting the portal will get them more money in auction than their current team will pay and is the only way to determine true value. Many will listen, many will not. An SEC ready QB might pull 8 million in the portal next season.
 
#43
#43
Breakdown of the roster:

Freshmen: 40

Sophomore: 37

Jr: 17

Sr: 17 (6 of the 17 can return)



111 total (walk ons included)



69% underclassmen

90% eligible to return next year

I think we are ok for now, granted who knows how well we will fair in the portal. But as it stands we are already a very young team, only holes being IOL and DE (mostly just because of being young and inexperienced)
 
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#45
#45
They have an NIL budget. If they don't spend it on HS, they'll spend it on retention and portal.

So.. we could be last in the SEC and I would not be concerned.

Ranking and comparing teams on recruiting is a waste of time now. Everyone is in different places with their roster with different strategies

My personal view is: If they aren't a day one starter or a cheap developmental player we shouldn't generally be going after them in HS. I think this class is a positive trend in that direction. I believe the staff is tired of paying 6 figures and a year's worth of coaching to watch half the class walk after one year.
 
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#46
#46
Orangeredblooded said:
How is he native to Tennessee? Just curious.
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Good catch. Should have said, "local".

It's just curious to me, that all too often the highest-profile players courted by the Vols, more or less "flirt" through recruitment, only to flake-out some time thereafter; whether during recruitment, or after signing and posing as a Vol.

Do other schools go head over heels for individual athletes an entire cycle, while seemingly shutting-down their recruitment of comparable talent?
It seems the Vols have slightly rummaged around lately-- as OSU threatens to pluck the Vols' main target and add him to their stable of high-profile athletes, at a discount no less.
And, is DGG really that generational, day one, without question, to commit such resources and finances as to be all-in on the table for "one hand"?

Comparable tape of comparable high-profile running backs, at comparable stages of their careers, against comparable or better talent does not indicate to me that DGG is the next Hershel, Bo, Jamal, Bush, Saquon, Ashton, Bijon, or the likes, with all due respect to the young man's film, talent, and current body of work.
Comparable offers and finances, would indicate the Vols disagree with me.

Its probably just recency-bias due to the Nico, Boo, Legend, Chaz situations, going all the way back to Bryce Brown, Jalen Hurd, and the whole cornbread roster turnover, coupled with the innumerable 4* & 5* players that most politely enjoy the concessions, but seldom find the fire for the Vols that competitors' rosters would reflect they enjoy in abundance.
I may have just man-splained a strand of BVS, lol...
Nevertheless, while geography and finances all play a part, it seems we are sorely lacking in the ability to psycho-evaluate S-tier athletes. It could be surmised that, the same athletes that flake-out, landed to the Vols because our competitors better evaluate and invest consistently, across coaching regimes and negotiations. But, I digress, if you're even still reading.

Good eye though-- DGG is a native of Canada 😉
 
#47
#47
Get DGG and take a big swing at Jacobs. If any other big fish become available, shoot your shot. But with the portal, I’m not really concerned about ranking (even less than before). It’s been well documented that this staff is changing its approach to focus more on the portal and retention rather than filling out a high school recruiting class just to fill it out.
 
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#48
#48
Ten_Titans said:
They have an NIL budget. If they don't spend it on HS, they'll spend it on retention and portal.

So.. we could be last in the SEC and I would not be concerned.

Ranking and comparing teams on recruiting is a waste of time now. Everyone is in different places with their roster with different strategies

My personal view is: If they aren't a day one starter or a cheap developmental player we shouldn't generally be going after them in HS. I think this class is a positive trend in that direction. I believe the staff is tired of paying 6 figures and a year's worth of coaching to watch half the class walk after one year.
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This.
 
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#49
#49
The 2024 class had 2 5 stars and 10 4 stars and only 3 are still here. High school recruiting doesn’t really matter as much anymore so that’s why I’m not worried about the class. Most likely half of our current class will hit portal in another year or 2.
 
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#50
#50
BJWeeks said:
The 2024 class had 2 5 stars and 10 4 stars and only 3 are still here. High school recruiting doesn’t really matter as much anymore so that’s why I’m not worried about the class. Most likely half of our current class will hit portal in another year or 2.
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