It's nice to be able to spin that as setting them up for success at their next stop. This only works when you keep winning, otherwise it's how the hell did you let them go.

I'd be incredibly surprised if Zens plays four seasons here. From his perspective, looking at Utah State because he had committed to their coach before Jacobsen left Northern Iowa, it's a no-brainer. Grab a spot on a contender that's been putting people in the league and also having transfers succeed when they move elsewhere. If he clicks and sticks around, awesome. If not, he's had access to everything Illinois offers and can always find his way to Utah State after a year or two.

The Domask story is a good sell but you also have to get ahead of negative recruiting.