'26 WF Transfer DL Mateen Ibirogna

[PlanetVolunteer]

I never knew the Hoyas even had a FB team.

They are very very bad at the FCS level. But they clearly stumbled upon a stud and he skeedaddled outta there.

 

[BreatheUT]

Respectfully I'll trust NFL grades over a bunch of team writers looking at ESPN. Good thing Garner did not move on from ONL bc he didn't get voted all conference HM

Respectfully, this is just my opinion and clearly has no bearing on what UT will do.

Obviously this team needs DT's which signifies a failure in recruiting that the depth is this thin going into next year.

I just would not pay this guy 7 figures if that is what he is demanding.

This comparison to ONL is not close. Lott was a contributor at ASU in the two years in the program. His initial year was cut short like everyone elses due to Covid.

Lott's redshirt freshman year he made 30 tackles for the year and had 1 start.

His sophomore year was shortened only playing in 9 game with 14 tackles but he still logged 3 TFLs and 2 sacks.

He was a junior when he transferred with two years of eligibility left.

https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/omarr-normanlott/20109

While Ibirogna spent two years at Georgetown University. Then in his 3rd season he transferred to Wake Forest. He redshirted his first year at Wake in 2024 playing in 4 games with 1 solo tackle.

These are his stats in 2025 as a redshirt junior. Compare this to ONL output as a freshman at Arizona State.

21 total tackles and 2 sacks in 12 games.

Mateen Ibirogba 2025 Stats per Game - NCAAF - ESPN

The 2025 NCAAF season stats per game for Mateen Ibirogba of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

He had a defensive tackle teammate make honorable mention All ACC. It's not that big of a deal but it's a barometer for a veteran college player that is looking to get paid.

ACC Announces 2025 All-ACC Football Teams

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – With the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Championship Game fast approaching on Saturday, December 6, the ACC unveiled its star-studded All-ACC Football Teams on Tuesday.

theacc.com

A few of things. He appears to have grown since high school when he started at Georgetown U at 250lbs. He now weighs ~290lbs. He's could possibly give us depth at DT or strongside DE. He just doesn't command a 7 figure payout unless you are desperate and overpay. I see him as a depth guy in the SEC unless you're short on answers.

If we land him and I'm wrong, then I'll admit it.

 

[BreatheUT]

I think that is exactly why he made that stupid comment. I agree. It's a good lesson on how to put your foot in your mouth. That is forming an opinion using a grain of sand as your evidence.

My comment is made based on research so your comment is stupid.

 

[swchandler1988]

Personally I’d rather make him somewhat of a priority and do our best to get him since it’s a position of need, seems like his ceiling is high, measurable are great and we have one of the best DL coaches of all time.

 

[allvolrecruiting]

Respectfully, this is just my opinion and clearly has no bearing on what UT will do.

Obviously this team needs DT's which signifies a failure in recruiting that the depth is this thin going into next year.

I just would not pay this guy 7 figures if that is what he is demanding.

This comparison to ONL is not close. Lott was a contributor at ASU in the two years in the program. His initial year was cut short like everyone elses due to Covid.

Lott's redshirt freshman year he made 30 tackles for the year and had 1 start.

His sophomore year was shortened only playing in 9 game with 14 tackles but he still logged 3 TFLs and 2 sacks.

He was a junior when he transferred with two years of eligibility left.

https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/omarr-normanlott/20109

While Ibirogna spent two years at Georgetown University. Then in his 3rd season he transferred to Wake Forest. He redshirted his first year at Wake in 2024 playing in 4 games with 1 solo tackle.

These are his stats in 2025 as a redshirt junior. Compare this to ONL output as a freshman at Arizona State.

21 total tackles and 2 sacks in 12 games.

Mateen Ibirogba 2025 Stats per Game - NCAAF - ESPN

The 2025 NCAAF season stats per game for Mateen Ibirogba of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

He had a defensive tackle teammate make honorable mention All ACC. It's not that big of a deal but it's a barometer for a veteran college player that is looking to get paid.

ACC Announces 2025 All-ACC Football Teams

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – With the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Championship Game fast approaching on Saturday, December 6, the ACC unveiled its star-studded All-ACC Football Teams on Tuesday.

theacc.com

A few of things. He appears to have grown since high school when he started at Georgetown U at 250lbs. He now weighs ~290lbs. He's could possibly give us depth at DT or strongside DE. He just doesn't command a 7 figure payout unless you are desperate and overpay. I see him as a depth guy in the SEC unless you're short on answers.

If we land him and I'm wrong, then I'll admit it.

Garner tried to get ONL the year before he came to Tennessee... ONL had 30 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 2 sacks that year. Mateen has 21 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 2 sacks this year. Mateen also had a 17.9% pass rush win rate (% of true pass rush snaps won: takes out screens, rushes, etc), which led the entire Power Four for an IDL. For comparison, ONL had an 18.9% pass rush win rate (also led P4 IDL) and he went in the second round bc of it.

Counting stats for a IDL doesn't just show everything, especially when they are the one prospect on a front. I'm sure he helped open up his two edge rushers who combined for 24.5 TFLs and 11 sacks.

 

[BreatheUT]

Garner tried to get ONL the year before he came to Tennessee... ONL had 30 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 2 sacks that year. Mateen has 21 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 2 sacks this year. Mateen also had a 17.9% pass rush win rate (% of true pass rush snaps won: takes out screens, rushes, etc), which led the entire Power Four for an IDL. For comparison, ONL had an 18.9% pass rush win rate (also led P4 IDL) and he went in the second round bc of it.

Counting stats for a IDL doesn't just show everything, especially when they are the one prospect on a front. I'm sure he helped open up his two edge rushers who combined for 24.5 TFLs and 11 sacks.

Agreed and quite possible on the edge rushers. Just the other guy on his team was honored. That's just my opinion. We need DTs though. We just shouldn't overpay for lack of results on a senior when we need 2-3 DTs along with other spots.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

Big time want. Would of been drafted if he went pro this year

Yeah hard to doubt him after watching that. Clear stud. Starting game 1.

 

[therickbol]

Yeah hard to doubt him after watching that. Clear stud. Starting game 1.

You obviously missed all the "research" that was done earlier in this thread.

 

[JT3]

Wake Forest DL Mateen Ibirogba
Over 30 schools have begun to express interest in the transfer defensive tackle, who is expected to command seven figures in the portal.

- Nakos

Damn 7 figures!!!!! Wasn't expecting that. Hopefully that's not true.

 

[benholt06]

Damn 7 figures!!!!! Wasn't expecting that. Hopefully that's not true.

I don’t see us getting involved at that number. Sucks because we need a guy like this.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

From Georgetown University to Wake Forest.

We've seen this before.

Pass

We will be sure to pass your evaluations on to Rodney Garner. He should just consult you.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Damn 7 figures!!!!! Wasn't expecting that. Hopefully that's not true.

You really didn’t expect at least one million?

 

[JT3]

You really didn’t expect at least one million?

Not someone of his caliber. No. Solid player tho.

 

[OrangeMoundTNVol]

 

[LittleVol]

Agreed and quite possible on the edge rushers. Just the other guy on his team was honored. That's just my opinion. We need DTs though. We just shouldn't overpay for lack of results on a senior when we need 2-3 DTs along with other spots.

I agree.
Get 2-3 DTs for 500k each that are looking to improve draft grade under Garner. Target guys that have been in college at least 2 years.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

Not someone of his caliber. No. Solid player tho.

Imagine having to figure out how to pay him a million and pay everyone else. Ugh. Sounds like a nightmare.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Not someone of his caliber. No. Solid player tho.

I just naturally expect almost everyone in the portal to want unjustified amounts of money.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Imagine having to figure out how to pay him a million and pay everyone else. Ugh. Sounds like a nightmare.

And people wonder why Saban walked away when he did.

 

[allvolrecruiting]

How cheap do yall think trench players are lol. You either pay for them as high schoolers or you pay more for them as transfers. Let's say he is a 5th round pick. He's making a little over a mil per year for four years (yes Ik he could hypothetically be cut) from that pick. If the NFL community cares about what the average of random "draft analysts" I've never heard of and has him at same consensus from mock draft database, then he turned down over a mil to come back. Why would he not be expecting more? Unless you are Nico, typically do not leave more money and your dream on the table to take less...

 

[allvolrecruiting]

Agreed and quite possible on the edge rushers. Just the other guy on his team was honored. That's just my opinion. We need DTs though. We just shouldn't overpay for lack of results on a senior when we need 2-3 DTs along with other spots.

If you should not overpay for the best DT in the portal, which DT should you overpay for? The 5'11 FCS DT bc he put up high counting stats?

 

[allvolrecruiting]

I agree.
Get 2-3 DTs for 500k each that are looking to improve draft grade under Garner. Target guys that have been in college at least 2 years.

ESPN survey of P4 GMs/Agents from this summer said "a low end Power 4 starter" was signing for 400-500K.

Note that those same people hinted they might have been underselling it from what they heard "because, just like the NFL, there are only so many humans that size that can move like that walking on planet Earth." - ESPN

On3 report last week said DL market is 500K to 1.5 million. Mentioned 500K as THE STARTING POINT

"Schools have learned how important it is to jump on game-changing linemen, and the need for proven defensive linemen is not leaving college football. The $500,000 mark is really only the starting point." - Nakos

(everyone conveniently ignoring that part of the message right above the fact that Mateen is asking for 7 figures)

Mind you rev share allows teams to invest even more into top targets and agents might be scamming these kids but they aren't stupid. They are going to get what that player can get!!

The top DT in the portal last cycle was Lee Hunter who reportedly got close to 2 mil. Not saying Ibirogna should or would get that as Hunter was/is a better prospect, but for 500K, you will be scrolling down that DT rankings list a good bit

 

[NighthawkVol]

And people wonder why Saban walked away when he did.

Because everyone else can pay now. He lost his advantage.

 

[LittleVol]

ESPN survey of P4 GMs/Agents from this summer said "a low end Power 4 starter" was signing for 400-500K.

Note that those same people hinted they might have been underselling it from what they heard "because, just like the NFL, there are only so many humans that size that can move like that walking on planet Earth." - ESPN

On3 report last week said DL market is 500K to 1.5 million. Mentioned 500K as THE STARTING POINT

"Schools have learned how important it is to jump on game-changing linemen, and the need for proven defensive linemen is not leaving college football. The $500,000 mark is really only the starting point." - Nakos

(everyone conveniently ignoring that part of the message right above the fact that Mateen is asking for 7 figures)

Mind you rev share allows teams to invest even more into top targets and agents might be scamming these kids but they aren't stupid. They are going to get what that player can get!!

The top DT in the portal last cycle was Lee Hunter who reportedly got close to 2 mil. Not saying Ibirogna should or would get that as Hunter was/is a better prospect, but for 500K, you will be scrolling down that DT rankings list a good bit

I wasn’t sure what the market was for a DT. I just felt that no way this kid was worthy of top dollar.

Even though we are in dire needs of 2 DTs. Maybe 3

 

[Mountvol]

ESPN survey of P4 GMs/Agents from this summer said "a low end Power 4 starter" was signing for 400-500K.

Note that those same people hinted they might have been underselling it from what they heard "because, just like the NFL, there are only so many humans that size that can move like that walking on planet Earth." - ESPN

On3 report last week said DL market is 500K to 1.5 million. Mentioned 500K as THE STARTING POINT

"Schools have learned how important it is to jump on game-changing linemen, and the need for proven defensive linemen is not leaving college football. The $500,000 mark is really only the starting point." - Nakos

(everyone conveniently ignoring that part of the message right above the fact that Mateen is asking for 7 figures)

Mind you rev share allows teams to invest even more into top targets and agents might be scamming these kids but they aren't stupid. They are going to get what that player can get!!

The top DT in the portal last cycle was Lee Hunter who reportedly got close to 2 mil. Not saying Ibirogna should or would get that as Hunter was/is a better prospect, but for 500K, you will be scrolling down that DT rankings list a good bit

Yeah pretty much all the top DL in the portal got close to a million or more last year. Seems like pretty fair market value for him at this point.

 

[PowerT.]

On the defensive front, Wake Forest defensive tackleMateen Ibirogba is expected to visit Tennessee in the coming days. His size and explosiveness caught the attention of the staff.

-VQ