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College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 1, 2026, 23:04:34

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Houser a sleeper

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 21:12:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Houser moved on from Michigan State after the Mel Tucker saga. He thought he was the starting QB heading into 2024, but went to East Carolina when the House of Tucker fell.

Houser had some interception issues in 2024 (11 in 245 attempts), but he turned into a star last year. He threw for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions in 408 pass attempts.

We saw what Bret Bielema did with Luke Altmyer in Champaign. Houser had a similar pedigree, coming out of the famed St. John Bosco High School in Anaheim. We should see similar growth to Altmyer out of Houser in 2026.

https://www.rotoballer.com/25-college-football-transfer-portal-sleepers-underrated-impact-players-2026/1822091

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Bill Connelly says we have the #33 QB

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 21:05:48, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

2025 stat line (East Carolina): 64.2 QBR, 3,300 passing yards, 19 TDs, six INTs; 65.9% completion rate, 12.3 yards per completion; 282 non-sack rushing yards, nine TDs

Houser's two years at ECU were a roller coaster: He produced a QBR higher than 83.0 five times and lower than 34.0 four times, but when he was on, the Pirates were nearly unstoppable. He cut the interceptions down in 2025 while learning to scramble a bit more effectively, and if that evolution continues, Illinois could end up near the offensive SP+ top 30 again for the second straight year.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/48100144/ranking-quarterbacks-college-football-power-4-teams-2026

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

247 board is losing their minds over this

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:24:35, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

#illini Tyrone Wheatley: "I do bleed maize and blue, but I'm here. I'm where my feet are."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 5, 2026

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

you have to be insane to care about that*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 21:12:33, in reply to "247 board is losing their minds over this"

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#illini Tyrone Wheatley: "I do bleed maize and blue, but I'm here. I'm where my feet are." — Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 5, 2026 .

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Jeremy should have led with the full quote

Posted by illini222 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini222' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:47:05, in reply to "247 board is losing their minds over this"

"I told the guys when I introduced myself, 'Yes, I do bleed maize and blue, not going to lie to you. But I'm here. As Coach Bielema says, 'Be here.' I'm here. This is where my feet are. I'm going to blossom where I'm at right now. I'm going to fertilize this soil, and we're going to go. So this is where I'm at."

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#illini Tyrone Wheatley: "I do bleed maize and blue, but I'm here. I'm where my feet are." — Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 5, 2026 .

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Drink Everytime Brad Underwood says "Elite" in a press conference.

Too be fair, people who post on message boards are pretty nuts, as a rule. *

Posted by Tuscy <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Tuscy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:45:08, in reply to "247 board is losing their minds over this"

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#illini Tyrone Wheatley: "I do bleed maize and blue, but I'm here. I'm where my feet are." — Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 5, 2026 .

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"I wouldn't mind the DP here." - jumpingdan

Such a dumb thing to care about. Obviously he's gonna have a connection to UM

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:26:38, in reply to "247 board is losing their minds over this"

Do people think Nate stop caring about Illinois when he coached at Iowa State?

Or Bret doesn't feel connection to Iowa? or probably even Wisconsin?

Right! I mean Bert has a damn Hawkeye tattoo lol

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:30:05, in reply to "Such a dumb thing to care about. Obviously he's gonna have a connection to UM"

One poster even thinks Michigan is going to use this quote against us in recruiting

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Do people think Nate stop caring about Illinois when he coached at Iowa State?

Or Bret doesn't feel connection to Iowa? or probably even Wisconsin?

fwiw not really a surprise but we're likely not landing the 4 star from SJO

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:16:58, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

per a local source. Never got good vibes with that recruitment but a bummer nonetheless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

This has not been a good vibes offseason other than landing our preferred transfer QB.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 13:40:28, in reply to "fwiw not really a surprise but we're likely not landing the 4 star from SJO-Ogden"

Can’t think of a whole lot of good news aside from that.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Not to mention half the staff and installation of a new defense.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:09:54, in reply to "This has not been a good vibes offseason other than landing our preferred transfer QB. "

I think we’re going to take a sizable step back on the field next season.

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Can’t think of a whole lot of good news aside from that.

X and Bailey returning. Recruiting, despite this, is mostly on the upswing. Henry gone

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 14:09:03, in reply to "This has not been a good vibes offseason other than landing our preferred transfer QB. "

but I mostly agree that the offseason has been mostly a dud.

While it's better than Henry is elsewhere I struggle to see how this D will be any good, even with the new scheme. Scheme alone can't overcome a glaring hole in the front 7...

Losing the DL cuts deep. Other than QB, most important position group in big ten ball *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:12:55, in reply to "X and Bailey returning. Recruiting, despite this, is mostly on the upswing. Henry gone"

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Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

If only we knew some SJO people *

Posted by Jackie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Jackie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 13:14:13, in reply to "fwiw not really a surprise but we're likely not landing the 4 star from SJO-Ogden"

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per a local source. Never got good vibes with that recruitment but a bummer nonetheless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

They're the WORST!!

Posted by Kajagoogoo <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Kajagoogoo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 15:18:03, in reply to "If only we knew some SJO people *"

what’s his name and where is he going?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:19:15, in reply to "fwiw not really a surprise but we're likely not landing the 4 star from SJO-Ogden"

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per a local source. Never got good vibes with that recruitment but a bummer nonetheless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Cameron Wagner and likely ND or Ohio St from what i was told

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:34:08, in reply to "what’s his name and where is he going?*"

https://247sports.com/player/cameron-wagner-46148737/

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per a local source. Never got good vibes with that recruitment but a bummer nonetheless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Maybe we'll get him if he transfers down*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:37:27, in reply to "Cameron Wagner and likely ND or Ohio St from what i was told"

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https://247sports.com/player/cameron-wagner-46148737/

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per a local source. Never got good vibes with that recruitment but a bummer nonetheless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Cameron Wagner. I assume 21 has some inside info

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:32:23, in reply to "what’s his name and where is he going?*"

https://247sports.com/player/cameron-wagner-46148737/

Lou Holtz = Ed Martin*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 15:39:03, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Presumably "the University of Navy" will send a suitable floral arrangement*

Posted by LWillhite <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LWillhite' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:30:38, in reply to "Lou Holtz = Ed Martin*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"Death is an even tougher opponent than I had told you about...."

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 17:18:49, in reply to "Lou Holtz = Ed Martin*"

Wisching it, I have only been to one Notre Dame game

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 16:08:53, in reply to "Lou Holtz = Ed Martin*"

and his was his last game as coach.

From the family of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) March 4, 2026

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Bret signal

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 15:00:20, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Just feels like a good day for some great news for the #famILLy #ILL 🟧🟦🏈👀🏈🟦🟧#INI
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) March 4, 2026

Sounds like it's Justin Johnson

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 15:18:10, in reply to "Bret signal"

https://247sports.com/player/justin-johnson-46157797/

Seems like a really good get

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Just feels like a good day for some great news for the #famILLy #ILL 🟧🟦🏈👀🏈🟦🟧 #INI — Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) March 4, 2026 .

Yeah, that's a quality get*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 15:33:13, in reply to "Sounds like it's Justin Johnson"

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https://247sports.com/player/justin-johnson-46157797/

Seems like a really good get

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Just feels like a good day for some great news for the #famILLy #ILL 🟧🟦🏈👀🏈🟦🟧 #INI — Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) March 4, 2026 .

We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:05:13, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Hauck II..... uh?*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 5, 2026, 8:20:44, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

Art promoted from Co-QB coach to QB coach*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 15:20:03, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Deleted tweet

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 13:10:35, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

Wonder if that means Houston Griffith has moved on*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:11:36, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Houston Griffith assistant TE coach*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2026, 13:04:34, in reply to "Wonder if that means Houston Griffith has moved on*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

We officially hired Scott Linehan’s son as DL coach*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:09:40, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

and Scott Linehan's as DL coach*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:09:36, in reply to "We’re hiring Hauck’s son as Assistant DB’s Coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Lopati planning visits to ND, Michigan & Duke per 247

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 1, 2026, 14:15:25, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Also called ND his “dream school” so yeah…

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Who is the last QB we recruited out of HS to start? Is it Isiah when he was a QB?*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 1, 2026, 14:28:34, in reply to "Lopati planning visits to ND, Michigan & Duke per 247"

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Also called ND his “dream school” so yeah…

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Likely, but we haven't successfully recruited many stud prep QBs. Leary, Swanson, Petty, etc.*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 1, 2026, 14:34:19, in reply to "Who is the last QB we recruited out of HS to start? Is it Isiah when he was a QB?*"

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Also called ND his “dream school” so yeah…

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Such an interesting dynamic. Early commit from fast-rising out of state QB, who will visit others

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 1, 2026, 14:17:43, in reply to "Lopati planning visits to ND, Michigan & Duke per 247"

But, in-state, we have 2 equally highly rated QBs who we are not pursuing b/c of the out of state commitment

Could wind up being massive nut punch

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Nut punch? With the success with portal QBs and the fact that the staff seems to

Posted by bulldogmba <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bulldogmba' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:13:06, in reply to "Such an interesting dynamic. Early commit from fast-rising out of state QB, who will visit others"

love Boyd and Clayton, not that big of an issue

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But, in-state, we have 2 equally highly rated QBs who we are not pursuing b/c of the out of state commitment

Could wind up being massive nut punch

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I don't think it's a nut punch because it was never likely he would sign here anyway

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2026, 12:19:04, in reply to "Nut punch? With the success with portal QBs and the fact that the staff seems to "

but would you expect the staff to say anything other than that they love boyd and clayton?

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love Boyd and Clayton, not that big of an issue

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But, in-state, we have 2 equally highly rated QBs who we are not pursuing b/c of the out of state commitment

Could wind up being massive nut punch

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Doubt we really would have had a chance a top in state QB either way.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 1, 2026, 14:30:47, in reply to "Such an interesting dynamic. Early commit from fast-rising out of state QB, who will visit others"

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But, in-state, we have 2 equally highly rated QBs who we are not pursuing b/c of the out of state commitment

Could wind up being massive nut punch

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

News and notes

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 25, 2026, 16:04:58, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

@slmandel
Cincinnati is suing QB Brendan Sorsby over a $1 million buyout they say he owes for breaking a contract to transfer to Texas Tech.

@RossDellenger
An NCAA committee has coalesced around a concept to impose stiff penalties on schools accepting transfers outside the portal window, sources tell
@YahooSports
, including loss of roster spots & coach suspensions.

Oh sure, that genie is going right back into the bottle. Easy peasy. *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 25, 2026, 16:25:05, in reply to "News and notes"

What the world needs now is lawyers, sweet lawyers.... they're the only thing that there's just too little of...

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NFL news but whoa Rondale Moore died

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2026, 19:47:29, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/dmrussini/status/2025386691255578868?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Roughy had a former Montana player on his podcast who did not have a lot of nice things to say about

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2026, 15:52:46, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Hauck.

Defense can’t stop the run, he’s bad with the media, couldn’t win the big games, etc.

In a lot of ways it sounded to me like an Ohio State fan complaining about Ryan Day.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Well that was interesting*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2026, 21:37:39, in reply to "Roughy had a former Montana player on his podcast who did not have a lot of nice things to say about"

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Hauck.

Defense can’t stop the run, he’s bad with the media, couldn’t win the big games, etc.

In a lot of ways it sounded to me like an Ohio State fan complaining about Ryan Day.

I had no idea Van Valkenburg played football at Montana

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2026, 15:58:49, in reply to "Roughy had a former Montana player on his podcast who did not have a lot of nice things to say about"

Looks like prior to Hauck’s first stint as HC

KVV?*

Posted by ab75 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ab75' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2026, 16:51:11, in reply to "I had no idea Van Valkenburg played football at Montana "

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Looks like prior to Hauck’s first stint as HC

A new MAC rivalry!!!

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2026, 8:04:31, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/CFBKings/status/2022870921657078268?s=20

No way they are getting out of this one.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Roger Cooper joins the staff

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 16:09:26, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

They're not booing, they're saying "CCCCCOOOOOOOOOPPPP!"

Was on Hauck's staff at Montana.

Welcome to the FamILLy, Inside Linebackers Coach Roger Cooperhttps://t.co/7ODatyArqW pic.twitter.com/3BOJOoNRL2
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) February 13, 2026

He was co-DC with Hauck's brother who retired.

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 16:12:21, in reply to "Roger Cooper joins the staff"

Bradford was DC in 2023.

So now we have 1 of their co-DC the last two years and the DC from 3 years ago for all the people freaking out that Hauck has never actually been a DC.

And maybe his brother joins in some role too.

D'OH!!!*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:07:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/ScottHughesCBB/status/2022385486371918013?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You got Scott Hughes’d*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:09:11, in reply to "More Michigan hijincks. Underwood caught making weed in the locker room…"

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https://x.com/ScottHughesCBB/status/2022385486371918013?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

POW POW POW POWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:23:34, in reply to "You got Scott Hughes’d*"

Hughes 'em down!

Previous Message

https://x.com/ScottHughesCBB/status/2022385486371918013?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Ronnie Bradford joins the staff

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 13:58:35, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Welcome to the FamILLy, Secondary Coach Ronnie Bradford@LockDown | https://t.co/ueAaXkx59G pic.twitter.com/IB5JiPFaCy
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) February 13, 2026

Are we retaining Parker?*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:07:54, in reply to "Ronnie Bradford joins the staff"

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Welcome to the FamILLy, Secondary Coach Ronnie Bradford @LockDown | https://t.co/ueAaXkx59G pic.twitter.com/IB5JiPFaCy — Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) February 13, 2026 .

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Yes. The link says Parker is working with CBs and Bradford with safeties*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:14:21, in reply to "Are we retaining Parker?*"

Previous Message

Welcome to the FamILLy, Secondary Coach Ronnie Bradford @LockDown | https://t.co/ueAaXkx59G pic.twitter.com/IB5JiPFaCy — Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) February 13, 2026 .

Pretty good resume. Comes from the NFL, but served as Hauck's DC at one point.*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 14:02:52, in reply to "Ronnie Bradford joins the staff"

Previous Message

Welcome to the FamILLy, Secondary Coach Ronnie Bradford @LockDown | https://t.co/ueAaXkx59G pic.twitter.com/IB5JiPFaCy — Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) February 13, 2026 .

You’ll never believe this, but the Mississippi judge has granted Trinidad Chambliss a 6th year*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 17:51:47, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Haha I thought they denied it last week?*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 18:23:29, in reply to "You’ll never believe this, but the Mississippi judge has granted Trinidad Chambliss a 6th year*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

that was the Alabama basketball player*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 18:25:25, in reply to "Haha I thought they denied it last week?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Ha, you’re right*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 18:26:08, in reply to "that was the Alabama basketball player* "

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 14:45:48, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sorry but I don’t see the fit*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 18:15:22, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

TWSS

Posted by Kajagoogoo <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Kajagoogoo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 13, 2026, 15:58:02, in reply to "Sorry but I don’t see the fit*"

I wasn't sure if he was big enough, then looked up his stats. 6'3" 250lbs

Posted by ibdoc <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ibdoc' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 16:22:49, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

He's big enough.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Love this*

Posted by reggiedunlop <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=reggiedunlop' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 16:11:37, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

He can be a weapon there - and may be higher usage than at RB for us*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 15:28:45, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Great move for all involved. If Feagin has eyes on the NFL, it won’t be at RB*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 14:50:35, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That’s exciting. Can still use him in the backfield as needed.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 14:48:31, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Whoa.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on February 12, 2026, 14:47:27, in reply to "Feagin moving to tight end, per Bert*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Nelly.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 16:44:52, in reply to "Whoa.*"

horseshoe season tickets now $115*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 11, 2026, 16:04:33, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Bought my 6 yesterday.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 12:28:09, in reply to "horseshoe season tickets now $115*"

Think they held firm at $99 for the prior few years.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Those are heated seats now.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 11:24:39, in reply to "horseshoe season tickets now $115*"

Tim Hauck "retiring" as safeties coach at Montana.....*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 11, 2026, 10:52:08, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Can't get Buddy's kids, let's get these two brothers. *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 12, 2026, 11:50:16, in reply to "Tim Hauck "retiring" as safeties coach at Montana.....*"

We lost another coach. OLB coach Trent Harris to Duke*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 21:58:16, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

rumor this guy is the replacement.

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 11, 2026, 14:10:08, in reply to "We lost another coach. OLB coach Trent Harris to Duke*"

Beat UAB played in NFL

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

We no longer have to worry about getting stuck in the Detroit bowl game. Officially canceled.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 14:51:12, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Minor miracle that we somehow avoided that all these years.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

The free Kid Rock advertising finally killed it.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 19:43:15, in reply to "We no longer have to worry about getting stuck in the Detroit bowl game. Officially canceled."

Previous Message

Minor miracle that we somehow avoided that all these years.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

What? Oh, say it ain't so!! The parades, Mardi Gras style parties...

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 16:40:58, in reply to "We no longer have to worry about getting stuck in the Detroit bowl game. Officially canceled."

actually I wouldn't mind visiting Detroit in December*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 15:31:06, in reply to "We longer have to worry about getting stuck in the Detroit bowl game. Officially canceled."

Previous Message

Minor miracle that we somehow avoided that all these years.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yet somehow played ourself into a lesser version in that 2008 WMU Ford Field travishamockery.*

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 15:19:50, in reply to "We longer have to worry about getting stuck in the Detroit bowl game. Officially canceled."

Previous Message

Minor miracle that we somehow avoided that all these years.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

Taking stock of how this has all played out on the defensive side of the ball.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 14:45:54, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

I’ve landed on believing two things:

1) The talk about wanting a scheme change was in fact real all along.

2) Using the scheme change as the rationale for losing our entire defensive line and hardly replacing any of them is likely BS. That couldn’t have been part of the plan and is a real, and likely unfixable, problem. We just didn’t allocate enough money towards that group and didn’t have the funds left to retain them once their prices went up unexpectedly.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I’m sort of stunned about how chill everyone is here about the lack of players and who we hired at

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 18:11:39, in reply to "Taking stock of how this has all played out on the defensive side of the ball."

DC.

Previous Message

Jamison’s position is still open, right? Any others?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 12:16:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Thad Ward's I think*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 12:19:01, in reply to "Jamison’s position is still open, right? Any others?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Also ST coach. Though I think Hauck might be involved in that

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 12:26:00, in reply to "Thad Ward's I think* "

Also we now have three former FCS head coaches on staff

Hauck- Montana
Hendrickson-WIU
Elliott-WIU

Also Elliott worked for Mike Neu when Neu was HC at BGSU so 4 D1 coaches on staff.

Lot of head guy experience

Sounds like someone already on staff will handle special teams, maybe add as assistant assistant. *

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 12:43:36, in reply to "Also ST coach. Though I think Hauck might be involved in that"

Previous Message

Bobby Hauck. is our new DC

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:37:54, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

His brother played 13 years in the NFL and was his co-DC

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 9:54:00, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

He was also safeties coach for the 2017 SB champ Eagles and we already have a DB coach who is an ace recruiter but I wonder if he brings him with.

why did this have to wait until after the SB?*

Posted by lcubed <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=lcubed' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:23:21, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

I think there were some contract shenanigans with Hauck

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:48:23, in reply to "why did this have to wait until after the SB?*"

He retired from Montana less than a week ago.

I think Bret was really using the Super Bowl as a time marker not necessarily meaning it played into the search but he was also happy if that meant people were looking elsewhere.

The fact we announced it so immediately kind of gives credence that it was something we were involved in for awhile.

If I were Montana I'd be pretty pissed about Hauck trying to manipulate his contract this way.

I was trying to figure out the timeline too. Hauck retired the same day as Brett's PC.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:52:28, in reply to "I think there were some contract shenanigans with Hauck"

I don't think we'll ever know, but it could have also been crafted to head nod one direction to delay but also give some plausible deniability to Hauck and Montana.

Yea, if he was 1B after Partridge, fine... whatever... but that retirement date makes it seem

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:37:26, in reply to "I was trying to figure out the timeline too. Hauck retired the same day as Brett's PC."

like it was known last week.

Partridge was never interviewed and Werner said today that he was apparently confused

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:41:55, in reply to "Yea, if he was 1B after Partridge, fine... whatever... but that retirement date makes it seem"

How he got involved in the search

Previous Message

like it was known last week.

Schroat tried to announce him on Sunday

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:45:50, in reply to "Partridge was never interviewed and Werner said today that he was apparently confused"

Apparently he needs better sources to steal from

Seems like all of the fan sluething lead to the news cycle feeding on itself

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How he got involved in the search

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like it was known last week.

Yep, took some 247 smoke and got burned *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 13:05:00, in reply to "Schroat tried to announce him on Sunday"

Previous Message

Apparently he needs better sources to steal from

Seems like all of the fan sluething lead to the news cycle feeding on itself

Previous Message

How he got involved in the search

Previous Message

like it was known last week.

was his source Deep Schroat?*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 12:04:28, in reply to "Schroat tried to announce him on Sunday"

Previous Message

Apparently he needs better sources to steal from

Seems like all of the fan sluething lead to the news cycle feeding on itself

Previous Message

How he got involved in the search

Previous Message

like it was known last week.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Strange. Did the Super Bowl coach back out last week; Bertie-Bert then goes to Plan B?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 9:48:17, in reply to "I was trying to figure out the timeline too. Hauck retired the same day as Brett's PC."

Bret usually goes with a personal connection AFAIK. Does Hauck have any sort of pre-existing connection with our Head Ball Coach?

They were were on board of the HFCA at the time and both have been

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:27:00, in reply to "Strange. Did the Super Bowl coach back out last week; Bertie-Bert then goes to Plan B? "

Chairs at different times. I think they knew each other well

Previous Message

Bret usually goes with a personal connection AFAIK. Does Hauck have any sort of pre-existing connection with our Head Ball Coach?

Double post*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:25:49, in reply to "Strange. Did the Super Bowl coach back out last week; Bertie-Bert then goes to Plan B? "

Previous Message

Bret usually goes with a personal connection AFAIK. Does Hauck have any sort of pre-existing connection with our Head Ball Coach?

Bret has a history with contract shenanigans too. See Arkansas and New England

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:57:47, in reply to "I was trying to figure out the timeline too. Hauck retired the same day as Brett's PC."

It seems like Hauck would have to pay money back if he had left for another job. Instead he "retired" and then took this job less than a week later.

Think we missed on our top target*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:32:16, in reply to "why did this have to wait until after the SB?*"

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Or maybe he used the SB as misdirection*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 10:17:24, in reply to "Think we missed on our top target*"

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Either means we missed on our first choice

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:28:52, in reply to "why did this have to wait until after the SB?*"

Or maybe Bret just didn't want the announcement lost in all the NFL talk going on?

read it or weap buttlips! HAUCKKKKKK*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:23:15, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Werner mentioned on his podcast that Montana players can enter the portal since they had a coaching

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 7:18:13, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

change

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Any good DLinemen?*

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 7:58:25, in reply to "Werner mentioned on his podcast that Montana players can enter the portal since they had a coaching"

Previous Message

change

Any average DLinemen?

Any men >290lbs??? *

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:46:27, in reply to "Any average DLinemen?"

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Hauck looks like he’s tired of your shit

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 21:07:44, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Initial reaction was who? But the more I think about it, I kinda like it*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:57:22, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Still seems pretty meh relative to the rumored names, but whatever*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:58:34, in reply to "Initial reaction was who? But the more I think about it, I kinda like it*"

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Wonder if there’s a little Cignetti influence on this choice. Couple years ago a “name” might be

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 7:31:13, in reply to "Still seems pretty meh relative to the rumored names, but whatever*"

more important but the whole Indiana thing makes room for this kind of hire now that googleable wins are the coin of the realm

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

Partridge seemed like a solid hire cause he has a history as a recruiter

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 17:11:46, in reply to "Still seems pretty meh relative to the rumored names, but whatever*"

And comes from the tree that is all the rage right now but he also never really was a defensive playcaller which Bret wanted. Only that one year at Ole Miss. Also much of his elite recruiting was recruiting guys he coached in high school and he’s a long way from that now.

Bullen likewise was pretty inexperienced but he was a fast riser with familiarity with our program.

I think it’s gotta be tough though to land an NFL guy.

I like the idea of just letting an old defensive ball coach just scheme up and playcall the defense and not worry about anything else

Yeah, I had gotten pretty excited for a Partridge or a Bullen

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 17:03:00, in reply to "Still seems pretty meh relative to the rumored names, but whatever*"

But the truth is, a football lifer HC who’s won a lot of games is probably a pretty good thing for the defense. Not going to excite you from a recruiting standpoint, but I think that’s getting shifted off the coordinators for the most part.

This is pretty much the FCS equivalent of hiring Stoops. So yeah, not as good as Stoops, but Stoops probably wasn’t interested.

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

home run?*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:55:53, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Hauck Tuah on this hire*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:52:30, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

One of my good friends is a Montana grad and a pretty rabid fan of their football

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:48:14, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

will be interesting to see what his thoughts are.

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

my buddy's thoughts

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 9:59:16, in reply to "One of my good friends is a Montana grad and a pretty rabid fan of their football"

Bobby Hauck as DC. I'm happy for him. Great Montana guy. Great coach. I wish he could have won a championship at Montana, but it wasn't to be.

The players love him. they love playing for him. HIs defenses are aggressive. If i had to guess, I would have siad that he would have become a special teams coordinator. He made special teams fun to watch. I bet Illinois sees an immediate improvement in their special teams. He won't be able to help himself. And he's very good. Like VERY GOOD at special teams.

He's such a knowledgeable guy. And Montana just winsa and wins. We would ask questions after a 10-3 season. With a couple of exceptions, he won A LOT.

He's aggressive. At Montana, we expected that we would just overwhelm you. 85 bears is probably his favorite defense of all time.

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will be interesting to see what his thoughts are.

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

controversy per Wikipedia

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:41:41, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

In 2017, a coalition of students, community leaders, and advocates in Missoula, Montana campaigned against the rehiring of Hauck. Spearheaded by then graduate student, Lisa Davey, citing concerns over past player misconduct and the University of Montana's response to multiple allegations of sexual assault incidents involving the players during Hauck's previous tenure. The non-fiction book Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer was centered around these incidents.

In spite of this community backlash, Hauck was rehired, and returned to Montana during the 2018 season. After starting his first season 6-5, the Grizzlies improved to 10-4 the season after.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

If those allegations are borne out sounds like

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 14:57:53, in reply to "controversy per Wikipedia"

He has a future in Republican electoral politics. You guys recruiting him?

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

is this the "home run hire"?*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 8:01:06, in reply to "controversy per Wikipedia"

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"the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

He retired as Montana HC because he didn’t like the new NCAA rules

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:44:01, in reply to "controversy per Wikipedia"

https://apnews.com/article/montana-grizzlies-football-hauck-999c8e87d0d5ca784aa28706a89344b2

plus Montana State was beating him*

Previous Message

https://apnews.com/article/montana-grizzlies-football-hauck-999c8e87d0d5ca784aa28706a89344b2

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Nothing worse for a Griz coach than losing twice in one year to the Cats.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:46:46, in reply to "plus Montana State was beating him*"

Telling

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:46:05, in reply to "He retired as Montana HC because he didn’t like the new NCAA rules"

And Bret said he wanted to turn the whole defense over to run, like he does with Lunney on offense. Seems like a perfect fit.

Yeah I have to imagine he’s just running the defense full control with no recruiting

As a 60 year old it’s probably a pretty sweet gig in a p4 conference

bio from FI.com

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:39:05, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

I’ll be honest I’m all in on hiring Montana’s 61 year old HC as our DC

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:41:27, in reply to "bio from FI.com "

Feels like the type of guy that is just football defensive grinder

Now hire a bunch of recruiters

i am too. man wins football games*

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Feels like the type of guy that is just football defensive grinder

Now hire a bunch of recruiters

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Pretty quick announcement. Maybe he was the plan all along*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:38:34, in reply to " Bobby Hauck. is our new DC "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

runs a 3-3-5, so that kinda lines up with other things that have happened*

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Tough finding someone with 0-0-11 experience*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:43:57, in reply to "runs a 3-3-5, so that kinda lines up with other things that have happened* "

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Tim Kish just too old*

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https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/9/football-bobby-hauck-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:19:23, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Or insiders were incorrect as always*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 10:03:22, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:41:01, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

He probably looked at the current defensive roster and said "no thanks"*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 10:45:16, in reply to "Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

For a team coming off 2 great seasons, we seem to be 'off' this offseason

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 10:45:02, in reply to "Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*"

This is the type of thing I would've expected with some of our past teams (i.e. Fedora/Wickline bolting a few minutes after they were announced)

But, between the whiff on front 7 talent, and Brett seemingly calling his shot (that didn't happen), this feels more like the days of old vs. the comfort of knowing Bielema's got it covered

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Keith and Ruben Kincaid talked him out of it.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:58:00, in reply to "Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*"

Funny DT*

Posted by LWillhite <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LWillhite' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 16:49:10, in reply to "Keith and Ruben Kincaid talked him out of it. "

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Hey!! I resemble that remark!! *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2026, 11:24:02, in reply to "Funny DT*"

nyuk nyuk nyuk....

All that talking about this particular new scheme the other day. Hope there’s a decent fallback*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:50:12, in reply to "Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeah I warmed to him too. I guess Stoops is maybe always a fall back

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:47:45, in reply to "Apparently this is no longer happening. Lame. I was pretty sold on him*"

But Bret talking about focusing on that scheme and then whiffing on the hire is a sad fail.

I think I'll love him*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:08:31, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are we?

Posted by Dilbert <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Dilbert' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 9:07:32, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

People are asking.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Bringing any players with him?*

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 23:05:40, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

these days....ya never know. Just ask Nate Oats*

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 7:58:56, in reply to "Bringing any players with him?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Can he play dl?*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 22:03:41, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hope he can scheme a defense with no DL/LB. His front 7 looked stout tonight*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:46:11, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Don’t like the Harbaugh stain*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 23:28:29, in reply to "Hope he can scheme a defense with no DL/LB. His front 7 looked stout tonight*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Opposite for me. I love it*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 9, 2026, 7:27:34, in reply to "Don’t like the Harbaugh stain*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

ooo

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:45:42, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1770603728.html

I know he was on Werner’s list. Makes sense with the comments from Bielemas last presser

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:42:34, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Is this being reported behind paywalls?

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

heavily hinted*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:43:52, in reply to "I know he was on Werner’s list. Makes sense with the comments from Bielemas last presser "

Previous Message

Is this being reported behind paywalls?

Hm. Was Ole Miss’s DC for three years, canned and then later cleared in the Michigan stuff*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:29:10, in reply to "Guess we're hiring Chris Partridge, Seahawks OLB coach*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

I don’t know how much recruiting he’d do as DC but his recruiting at Michigan was elite*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 8, 2026, 21:50:58, in reply to "Hm. Was Ole Miss’s DC for three years, canned and then later cleared in the Michigan stuff*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Illini hire former WIU head coach as TE Coach

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 13:48:07, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/6/football-jared-elliott-named-illinois-tight-ends-coach.aspx

last job as New MExico TE coach

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Head coach and coordinator experience. Good TE production at New Mexico and ball state

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 14:09:48, in reply to "Illini hire former WIU head coach as TE Coach "

Seems like a good hire on paper.

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/6/football-jared-elliott-named-illinois-tight-ends-coach.aspx

last job as New MExico TE coach

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Splitting TE and ST jobs*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 14:02:56, in reply to "Illini hire former WIU head coach as TE Coach "

Previous Message

https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/6/football-jared-elliott-named-illinois-tight-ends-coach.aspx

last job as New MExico TE coach

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Bills hiring Jamison

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 7:04:51, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

So complete overhaul for the defensive coaching....

Bills are hiring Illinois co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Terrance Jamison as their Defensive Line coach.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2026

With the scheme change and defensive overhaul we’re going with, probably inevitable

I’m positive bielema is not surprised and was well aware of this at his presser the other day.

Previous Message

So complete overhaul for the defensive coaching....

Bills are hiring Illinois co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Terrance Jamison as their Defensive Line coach. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2026 .

Agreed*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 8:27:20, in reply to "With the scheme change and defensive overhaul we’re going with, probably inevitable"

Previous Message

I’m positive bielema is not surprised and was well aware of this at his presser the other day.

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I assume BB has a plan, but as of today, many gaps to fill on the staff and the roster

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 7:55:15, in reply to "Bills hiring Jamison"

Not really concerned about the staff. You can always just 'buy' a coach from somewhere. In terms of talent, not sure how many eligible players are out there to go get

Previous Message

This is where we can all be thankful we have JW and BB running the show...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 9:44:48, in reply to "I assume BB has a plan, but as of today, many gaps to fill on the staff and the roster"

...in the old days, losing an important guy on the staff meant hiring your kid, or nephew, or just doing it yourself.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Can’t complain about losing a guy to the nfl. Good for BB to use to find the best replacement. *

Previous Message

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Mark Stoops can bring in his own guys*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 7:08:48, in reply to "Bills hiring Jamison"

Previous Message

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

2026 is Herbstreit's final year on ESPN GameDay *

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 19:03:13, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Months ago, an ESPN toadie told me Amazon wants to have him full time

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 10:36:58, in reply to "2026 is Herbstreit's final year on ESPN GameDay *"

He is getting older. I think Amazon will pay him just fine to work Thursday and be home with the family on the weekends

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Good. He’s not good at it anymore *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 8:05:17, in reply to "2026 is Herbstreit's final year on ESPN GameDay *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Perhaps, but he's still light years better than Desmond Howard*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 14:09:04, in reply to "Good. He’s not good at it anymore *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Whoa*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 20:03:24, in reply to "2026 is Herbstreit's final year on ESPN GameDay *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

half an hour of Bert talking to Andy Staples of On3

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 16:41:25, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

deleted (it was a good question)

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 14:09:44, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

ooo

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

That was Zain Bando.

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 14:46:40, in reply to "Just really happy they're letting middle schoolers ask questions at coach's press conference"

Might want to Google him, then delete your post.

Previous Message

16:15

?si=ZpdGOcwmhMS-tO45

Bielema PC tonight

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 20:01:42, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

-said we’re changing scheme on d
-claims he was only surprised by two portal entries, one on o and one on d
-said d-line departures are in part driven by the scheme change
-sounds like new coach hires coming next week. seems like rb and special teams are settled

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 22:17:45, in reply to "Bielema PC tonight"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Gemini thinks it's either Karl Scott or Zak Kuhr*

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 8:39:55, in reply to "mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

probably doesn't have the experience but Kevin Richardson is on the Patriots staff*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 0:23:41, in reply to "mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *"

he's probably the DB coach. dunno what he does at defensive coordinator

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 8:52:53, in reply to "probably doesn't have the experience but Kevin Richardson is on the Patriots staff* "

Jamison is co defensive coordinator but don't see Bielema promoting him full time

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Are we off of Stoops?*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 8:55:30, in reply to "he's probably the DB coach. dunno what he does at defensive coordinator "

Previous Message

Jamison is co defensive coordinator but don't see Bielema promoting him full time

not yet*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 14:27:46, in reply to "Are we off of Stoops?*"

Previous Message

Jamison is co defensive coordinator but don't see Bielema promoting him full time

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Went down a Stoops rabbit hole and wound up on a UK site

Posted by Tortillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Tortillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 8:05:19, in reply to "not yet*"

where I learned that UK women's hoops has an incoming player named Savvy Swords and a former player named Treasure Hunt.

/hansel

Hi Tort! are they hot?*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 9:43:49, in reply to "Went down a Stoops rabbit hole and wound up on a UK site"

Previous Message

where I learned that UK women's hoops has an incoming player named Savvy Swords and a former player named Treasure Hunt.

/hansel

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

I didn't see any photos of them*

Posted by Tortillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Tortillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 9:47:45, in reply to "Hi Tort! are they hot?*"

Previous Message

where I learned that UK women's hoops has an incoming player named Savvy Swords and a former player named Treasure Hunt.

/hansel

interesting...

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 0:07:36, in reply to "mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *"

#illini Bret Bielema said he will remain CEO and will turn over the defense to someone who completely runs it himself, like Lunney on offense. The defense has intrigued him for a long time but he hasn't run it, so he'll be learning as much from the new defensive coordinator.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) February 5, 2026

is that leslie frazier's music?*

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 23:14:09, in reply to "mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Holy shit is Mike Macdonald gonna be our DC??*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 22:50:38, in reply to "mentioned that he can’t announce the DC until after the Super Bowl *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Kid Rock*

Posted by Stu <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Stu' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2026, 8:23:58, in reply to "Holy shit is Mike Macdonald gonna be our DC??*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

smooth

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 8:34:51, in reply to "Holy shit is Mike Macdonald gonna be our DC??*"

?si=OzWSDB1tCYP68vFj

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Mike Vrabel would be acceptable too*

Posted by Orangeillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Orangeillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 23:05:26, in reply to "Holy shit is Mike Macdonald gonna be our DC??*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I mean do we really want to take whoever loses the Super Bowl?*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 0:08:22, in reply to "Mike Vrabel would be acceptable too*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Flipped a WR from ISU

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 21:32:41, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

That's Illinois St not Iowa St

COMMIT: #illini flip 2026 Mt. Zion WR Jacob Harvey (@JacobHarvey2007), who had committed to Illinois State on Monday

"It's all been really surreal," Harvey told Illini Inquirer.

Why it matters & how he fits: https://t.co/TiDqH3BYht pic.twitter.com/yCYOco7mvb
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) February 4, 2026

Apparently got another 2026 WR from FL

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 8:38:42, in reply to "Flipped a WR from ISU"

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/leslie-mosley-jr-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-recruiting-class-of-2026-272137460/

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Had no idea there even was a "West Virginia State". *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 9:06:21, in reply to "Apparently got another 2026 WR from FL"

Gotta take those country roads more often, I guess.

It’s the school the young girl gets accepted to in the beginning of Hidden Figures

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 20:04:21, in reply to "Had no idea there even was a "West Virginia State". *"

I used to go there four or five times a year because my old employer had a chemical plant next door

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Had to look it up: total enrollment, 3500+.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2026, 8:59:44, in reply to "It’s the school the young girl gets accepted to in the beginning of Hidden Figures "

Was/is a Historically Black College.

Didn't have a hotlink in the verbiage on the guy's recruiting summary (unlike all his other college options) so I was sorta wondering if the recruiting analyst meant to say West Virginia University.

TIL Chandler Whitmer was IU's QB coach this past season. Just took a job with the Bucs*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 20:26:35, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Nearly a two week break between the Quarterfinals and semifinals the next two years

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 13:52:14, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Gross.

https://x.com/petethamel/status/2018762417358954805?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

RUMOR: new Ryan Field won't be ready for NUrds first 2 home games*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:08:17, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

widely reported now... lol. They'll play Colorado and South Dakota State at the erector set

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:38:05, in reply to "RUMOR: new Ryan Field won't be ready for NUrds first 2 home games*"

open the stadium against Penn State on Oct 2

Hopefully they're in no hurry to take it down. Kinda wonder about tix, suites sold??

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 15:14:10, in reply to "widely reported now... lol. They'll play Colorado and South Dakota State at the erector set"

Doesn’t look close to ready*

Posted by ab75 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ab75' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:15:26, in reply to "RUMOR: new Ryan Field won't be ready for NUrds first 2 home games*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Dave Wischnowsky has thoughts.

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:14:37, in reply to "RUMOR: new Ryan Field won't be ready for NUrds first 2 home games*"

Based on the construction progress I saw when visiting Welsh-Ryan last month, I had a feeling that Ryan Field wouldn’t be ready for the season opener.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Dave Wischnowsky is the IBO4U of construction projects*

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2026, 8:04:34, in reply to "Dave Wischnowsky has thoughts."

Previous Message

Based on the construction progress I saw when visiting Welsh-Ryan last month, I had a feeling that Ryan Field wouldn’t be ready for the season opener.

Reminds me of that PE Guy parody account on social media. DUE TO MY ROLE*

Posted by CWR10 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CWR10' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:35:31, in reply to "Dave Wischnowsky has thoughts."

Previous Message

Based on the construction progress I saw when visiting Welsh-Ryan last month, I had a feeling that Ryan Field wouldn’t be ready for the season opener.

That guy is too good at the parody

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:38:20, in reply to "Reminds me of that PE Guy parody account on social media. DUE TO MY ROLE*"

it's so cringe that I can't even watch it.

Previous Message

Based on the construction progress I saw when visiting Welsh-Ryan last month, I had a feeling that Ryan Field wouldn’t be ready for the season opener.

So what was the 2/2 deadline? Can we not add any more from the portal now?*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 7:57:33, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

IIRC 2/2 was the last day to enroll in classes for the spring semester at UI.*

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 9:39:56, in reply to "So what was the 2/2 deadline? Can we not add any more from the portal now?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Ah okay. The 247 posters are making it seem like we can no longer add anybody

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 9:42:58, in reply to "IIRC 2/2 was the last day to enroll in classes for the spring semester at UI.*"

which confused me

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

i don't think we're adding anyone else for spring ball at this point *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 9:47:14, in reply to "Ah okay. The 247 posters are making it seem like we can no longer add anybody"

Previous Message

which confused me

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

yeah, i think no spring classes = no spring ball

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 12:10:33, in reply to "i don't think we're adding anyone else for spring ball at this point *"

can still add people, but it would be for the fall camp at earliest

Previous Message

which confused me

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Deadline to enter name in portal*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 8:08:20, in reply to "So what was the 2/2 deadline? Can we not add any more from the portal now?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Jon Gruden opens a giant gift box from WIU football. Pretty cool. I had no idea...

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2026, 18:10:37, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

he'd been to Macomb. Unfortunately Chubbys closed. Too bad. Great he mentioned Coach Craddock. In an alternate universe he doesn't pass away from cancer due to agent orange exposure as a USMC captain in Vietnam and I end up as special teams cannon fodder for him watching Rodney Harrison and Lamar McGriggs (who started a few games for the Vikings) blowing people up as safeties.

https://x.com/BarstoolGruden/status/2018383923189805169?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Gruden's the man*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2026, 8:48:45, in reply to "Jon Gruden opens a giant gift box from WIU football. Pretty cool. I had no idea..."

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Got a kid from Byron today who’s dad played at Iowa and 8 years NFL…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 1, 2026, 17:50:24, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2018092858562007054?s=20

Interesting. With his dad you’d think others took a look.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That was my message below.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 1, 2026, 18:01:11, in reply to "Got a kid from Byron today who’s dad played at Iowa and 8 years NFL…"

A buddy from home text me about it.
Supposedly only offered as a PWO at his Dad’s school.
There have been a couple of Byron kids play at Iowa - his Dad and an OL who recently graduated.

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2018092858562007054?s=20

Interesting. With his dad you’d think others took a look.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Is this for this upcoming season?*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 1, 2026, 18:33:40, in reply to "That was my message below."

Previous Message

A buddy from home text me about it.
Supposedly only offered as a PWO at his Dad’s school.
There have been a couple of Byron kids play at Iowa - his Dad and an OL who recently graduated.

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2018092858562007054?s=20

Interesting. With his dad you’d think others took a look.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Yeah, he’s a senior.*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 1, 2026, 19:18:32, in reply to "Is this for this upcoming season?*"

Previous Message

A buddy from home text me about it.
Supposedly only offered as a PWO at his Dad’s school.
There have been a couple of Byron kids play at Iowa - his Dad and an OL who recently graduated.

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2018092858562007054?s=20

Interesting. With his dad you’d think others took a look.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Potential incoming Bret Signal?

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 1, 2026, 16:41:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

#insider

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Discher hired by Ohio state

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 8:52:36, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2017609280761839704?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

tOSU has stolen Robby Discher from us

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 8:52:20, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Oh no

Ohio State is expected to hire Illinois’ Robby Discher as its new special teams coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports.

Has built a reputation as one of the nation’s top special teams coaches while working for teams like Illinois, Tulane, Georgia and Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/5wvtvhZq8H
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 31, 2026

i hear rz might be available. who here doesn't want to see the swinging gate again?*

Posted by Ari Gold <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ari+Gold' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 13:32:36, in reply to "tOSU has stolen Robby Discher from us"

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Oh no

Ohio State is expected to hire Illinois’ Robby Discher as its new special teams coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports .

Has built a reputation as one of the nation’s top special teams coaches while working for teams like Illinois, Tulane, Georgia and Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/5wvtvhZq8H — Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 31, 2026 .

Only question is why tOSU would want him*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 9:51:44, in reply to "tOSU has stolen Robby Discher from us"

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Tired of losing to that juggernaut Indiana year after year after year?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 10:26:49, in reply to "Only question is why tOSU would want him*"

Another notch in a disappointing off-season*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 9:28:45, in reply to "tOSU has stolen Robby Discher from us"

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I am only disappointed that we didn't fire him. Bye bye Robbie*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 14:33:15, in reply to "Another notch in a disappointing off-season*"

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This doesn’t even move the needle*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 10:49:27, in reply to "Another notch in a disappointing off-season*"

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I agree that I’m mildly disappointed in the offseason, but I think we got QB right

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 9:49:06, in reply to "Another notch in a disappointing off-season*"

Which is the most important thing. And discher seemed fine but eminently replaceable.

If there’s not one more DL with actual good experience added, my disappointment level will rise. But I just can’t see a world where that doesn’t happen.

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QB may be ok, but we spent to a budget (which is fine). I think we completely misread the Front 7

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 10:03:14, in reply to "I agree that I’m mildly disappointed in the offseason, but I think we got QB right"

market, especially DL. A bunch of our guys got big $ elsewhere, and we'll sitting on some cash with nobody of interest left to give it to. The front 7 is a big concern

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I am definitely concerned with the front 7, don’t get me wrong

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 10:43:21, in reply to "QB may be ok, but we spent to a budget (which is fine). I think we completely misread the Front 7"

And I do think the market surprised the staff.

But the earmarked Durojaiye and McCollum money is still there, so I’m hoping they have a rabbit in the hat for a guy. I don’t expect 2, unfortunately.

LB, I’m just hoping for Beerman to be legit, but yes also a slight concern.

Barring injury, secondary is improved. And I like the offense on the whole.

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market, especially DL. A bunch of our guys got big $ elsewhere, and we'll sitting on some cash with nobody of interest left to give it to. The front 7 is a big concern

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As it stands now, it mostly eliminates the retention of Bailey and X

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 31, 2026, 10:13:28, in reply to "QB may be ok, but we spent to a budget (which is fine). I think we completely misread the Front 7"

Teams are either going to run at will or, when they pass, will have weeks to throw. Both render the secondary moot.

Bailey could conceivably led the world in tackles.

Sure things could change but are the DLs that are left anything more than scraps?

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market, especially DL. A bunch of our guys got big $ elsewhere, and we'll sitting on some cash with nobody of interest left to give it to. The front 7 is a big concern

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Athletic article lists Fitzee and MSU among biggest portal losers.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 29, 2026, 17:49:10, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

CFB sidejack...SEC LOL

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 29, 2026, 17:33:38, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

perfect 10/10 no notes. also enjoyed people pointing out Prussia would have rolled them*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 29, 2026, 17:40:37, in reply to "CFB sidejack...SEC LOL"

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Lopati had an in-home visit with Michigan last night and ND was in to see him at school today*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 8:59:57, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

good. we'd rather be the second school he plays for than the first one*

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 9:57:35, in reply to "Lopati had an in-home visit with Michigan last night and ND was in to see him at school today*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Jacas praise from the senior bowl

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 22:46:50, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/connorjrogers/status/2016371716226728378?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

looks like Luke did pretty good too*

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 8:39:33, in reply to "Jacas praise from the senior bowl"

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https://x.com/connorjrogers/status/2016371716226728378?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think he will have a long career as a backup*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 8:45:50, in reply to "looks like Luke did pretty good too*"

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https://x.com/connorjrogers/status/2016371716226728378?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I was just thinking the same. Could see him going down the Chase Daniel path*

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 9:02:18, in reply to "I think he will have a long career as a backup*"

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https://x.com/connorjrogers/status/2016371716226728378?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That's a good comp. Smart, accurate, and takes care of the ball.

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 9:04:10, in reply to "I was just thinking the same. Could see him going down the Chase Daniel path*"

Seems like he's got the traits of a solid backup

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https://x.com/connorjrogers/status/2016371716226728378?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

right. he's not overly dynamic so will likely never be a consistent start. but he seems very smart

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 9:23:30, in reply to "That's a good comp. Smart, accurate, and takes care of the ball. "

and dependable. he won't turn the ball over. that seems incredibly valuable as a back up

#BackupQB-U

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 9:33:57, in reply to "right. he's not overly dynamic so will likely never be a consistent start. but he seems very smart"

How Bizarre

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 13:36:49, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

?si=8PmAMdQCSEjrNqaE

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Every time I look around

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 13:38:32, in reply to "How Bizarre"

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?si=8PmAMdQCSEjrNqaE

congrats to Hank Beatty, Academic All-American*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:52:02, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

oh yeah sure give the asian kid the academic honor*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 13:51:29, in reply to "congrats to Hank Beatty, Academic All-American*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

majoring in marketing when both of his parents are doctors smh*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 23:01:55, in reply to "oh yeah sure give the asian kid the academic honor*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

FYI 2026 B1G schedule will be released at 4:30 today*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:48:22, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Darian Mensah is free to go

Posted by TarheelIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=TarheelIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:30:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

dook looking like it will lose their qb

Recrudescence

They lost their star WR and best DB too, they’ve been gutted. Maybe we’ll catch a break for once…

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:44:17, in reply to "Darian Mensah is free to go"

with our non-conference opponent.

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dook looking like it will lose their qb

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

And the WR joining Mensah at Miami. Manny Diaz getting raided by his old school.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 21:24:46, in reply to "They lost their star WR and best DB too, they’ve been gutted. Maybe we’ll catch a break for once…"

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with our non-conference opponent.

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dook looking like it will lose their qb

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Before Mensah and Barkate left, Duke had done well filling holes in the portal.

Posted by Chicago1995 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chicago1995' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 13:45:38, in reply to "They lost their star WR and best DB too, they’ve been gutted. Maybe we’ll catch a break for once…"

The downgrade at QB from Mensah to Walker Eget is big enough it won't matter.

Should have a really good running game -- if they can keep teams from putting 8 in the box to stop the run.

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with our non-conference opponent.

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dook looking like it will lose their qb

Which means, of course, they'll just run the ball against our defense consisting of 11 DBs*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:52:09, in reply to "They lost their star WR and best DB too, they’ve been gutted. Maybe we’ll catch a break for once…"

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with our non-conference opponent.

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dook looking like it will lose their qb

excuse you, 10 DBs and Grant Beerman*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:53:45, in reply to "Which means, of course, they'll just run the ball against our defense consisting of 11 DBs*"

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with our non-conference opponent.

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dook looking like it will lose their qb

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

hmm, seems like Oklahoma is going to make one of Whitman's guys their next AD

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:10:11, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Pete Thamel
@PeteThamel
Sources: Oklahoma is targeting Illinois deputy athletic director/COO Roger Denny to be the school’s next athletic director. He’s interviewed on campus twice, and a deal is expected to be completed in the upcoming days.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

I used to pine for Illinois to go steal some big time school's associate AD...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:16:31, in reply to "hmm, seems like Oklahoma is going to make one of Whitman's guys their next AD"

...and now an SEC school, a football blueblood is... doing it from Illinois... what is this world?

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

My understand is that he was a commecial transactions attorney in a previous life

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 27, 2026, 12:32:56, in reply to "I used to pine for Illinois to go steal some big time school's associate AD..."

I wonder if they're going to try to go the PE route.

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...and now an SEC school, a football blueblood is... doing it from Illinois... what is this world?

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

CFP changes - still at 12 teams, autobids for P4 champs regardless of raking, ND autobid if top 12*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:03:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

The ND thing is so dumb. Join a conference*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:09:05, in reply to "CFP changes - still at 12 teams, autobids for P4 champs regardless of raking, ND autobid if top 12*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

ND's powderpuff schedule assures that*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:05:12, in reply to "CFP changes - still at 12 teams, autobids for P4 champs regardless of raking, ND autobid if top 12*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Such bullshit*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 13:05:31, in reply to "ND's powderpuff schedule assures that*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Delaware at Illinois 9/11/27 The Cubit Bowl*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 13:10:36, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

On a Friday. Booooooo.*

Posted by Ron McDon <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ron+McDon' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 13:12:49, in reply to "Delaware at Illinois 9/11/27 The Cubit Bowl*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Beckhead liked those Friday night games. (Until Mike Thomas told him to shut his fat yap.)

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 16:25:29, in reply to "On a Friday. Booooooo.*"

If there is a better way to never forget 9/11 than to bring back Cubit, let me know.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 21, 2026, 13:28:28, in reply to "On a Friday. Booooooo.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

He collapsed our program*

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 15:57:03, in reply to "If there is a better way to never forget 9/11 than to bring back Cubit, let me know.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

FWLIW: Fernando Mendoza's little brother goes from IU to Ga Tech. *

Coach Google Me probably just noticed he's got a duck-footed walk.

Bent Key gonna break Alberto in half.*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 14:46:04, in reply to "FWLIW: Fernando Mendoza's little brother goes from IU to Ga Tech. *"

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Coach Google Me probably just noticed he's got a duck-footed walk.

Jax St DL signs with Illini

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 20:41:50, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Jacksonville State DT Darrell Prater has signed with Illinois, @mzenitz and I have learned for @CBSSports.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound DT, who is repped by @AgentSarahJ, had 63 tackles, 8.0 TFLs and 5.5 sacks in 39 games played over three seasons.https://t.co/mDrF1bHqJd pic.twitter.com/Co5zQIQQGl
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 21, 2026

Lol i read those stats and thought "oh shit, that seems like a great get"

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 8:07:02, in reply to "Jax St DL signs with Illini"

then i realized it was over 3 seasons. I'll take what we can get at this point though.

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Jacksonville State DT Darrell Prater has signed with Illinois, @mzenitz and I have learned for @CBSSports .

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound DT, who is repped by @AgentSarahJ , had 63 tackles, 8.0 TFLs and 5.5 sacks in 39 games played over three seasons. https://t.co/mDrF1bHqJd pic.twitter.com/Co5zQIQQGl — Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 21, 2026 .

His final season was 5 tfl, 4.5 sacks, 10 pressures.

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 8:14:56, in reply to "Lol i read those stats and thought "oh shit, that seems like a great get""

That's pretty good for a guy who was playing nose.

Seems like a good get assuming the skills transfer up to the next level...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:15:08, in reply to "His final season was 5 tfl, 4.5 sacks, 10 pressures. "

...sure would like to see a difference maker...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Are there any of those left? We are bringing in bodies, so that's good I guess.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 21, 2026, 10:28:28, in reply to "Seems like a good get assuming the skills transfer up to the next level..."

I like our schedule for next year so I can see us getting to ~7 wins.

Kind of a transition year, though. Will lose a lot on defense and the QB of course. Hopefully Bret can restock the cupboard in the interim.

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...sure would like to see a difference maker...

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

"Transition year" is a scary term in an 18-team league where...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:29:33, in reply to "Are there any of those left? We are bringing in bodies, so that's good I guess."

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

absolutely everyone knew the stars aligned last year

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 13:13:12, in reply to ""Transition year" is a scary term in an 18-team league where..."

by definition the stars aren't aligned next year.

I think things are absolutely a lot different than 10 years ago where you consign yourself to a 3 year rebuild... but yea, next year will be different. We'll see on the cignetti magic with Indiana but they lose a ton of guys, they're in a transition year too

Counterpoint - we won 19 games the last 2 seasons with what I’d consider a pretty meh DL.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 12:13:17, in reply to ""Transition year" is a scary term in an 18-team league where..."

Obviously Jacas was a difference maker and what we had certainly seems better than what we have now, but it’s not like we’ve been consistently dominating in the trenches during this great stretch we’ve had.

The bigger question for me is about how much Luke covered for a lot of our talent gaps at other positions.

Previous Message

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I'm not arguing we had great DLs the last 2 years...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 12:16:24, in reply to "Counterpoint - we won 19 games the last 2 seasons with what I’d consider a pretty meh DL."

...right now, we have effectively no DL... at least we had P4-average units before.

It's scary, but I am operating under the assumption we'll get the personnel figured out enough to be competitive.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

fledgling?

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 11:43:30, in reply to ""Transition year" is a scary term in an 18-team league where..."

2022 8-5
2023 5-7
2024 10-3 beat SEC team in bowl
2025 9-4 beat SEC team in bowl

what is your definition of fledgling?

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

We've seen plenty of upward blips turn into 1-3 wins not too long after...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 12:17:37, in reply to "fledgling?"

...no room for rest in today's CFB...

Once you're down in that duldrum state, getting back up is haaaaaaaaaaaaaard.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

They were just that... blips. I'm not saying we're gonna have a winning record this year...

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 13:06:44, in reply to "We've seen plenty of upward blips turn into 1-3 wins not too long after..."

...but I think we've raised the floor quite a bit.

Turning around a program has never been easier.

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 12:36:46, in reply to "We've seen plenty of upward blips turn into 1-3 wins not too long after..."

raise enough $$ you will get enough talent to win.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Roughy had a post comparing our 2022 defensive backfield with the current one.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 21, 2026, 10:36:13, in reply to ""Transition year" is a scary term in an 18-team league where..."

I feel pretty good about the entire team outside of our current Dline pickle. Hopefully we can add enough to make it at least serviceable, I'm not sure where we stand in terms of depth, etc., but know it is still a need.

Maybe we can win 8+ and 2027 will be the transition year. I think we'll be able to "reload" as well as many Big Ten teams but it's hard to predict the future with the portal.

Previous Message

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Yeah but it’s a pretty tenuous comparison

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:45:08, in reply to "Roughy had a post comparing our 2022 defensive backfield with the current one."

I think juice Clarke = Witherspoon and Bailey = Sydney brown were two of the comparisons.

I know what they were going for, but that 2022 backfield was seriously next level. Witherspoon is an all time great and brown is just a way better athlete than Bailey. Xavier Scott = Quan Martin is probably the only comparison that is somewhat like for like to me.

That all said, I do have decently high hopes for the DB’s if Clarke, Bailey, and Scott are healthy.

Previous Message

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

The 2022 defense also played a remarkably easy schedule when it comes to QB play.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 11:00:31, in reply to "Yeah but it’s a pretty tenuous comparison"

The best offense we faced all year was Aidan O’Connell and Purdue.

Previous Message

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Definitely, but the NFL success of all 3 proves they weren’t just feasting on bad offense*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 11:04:10, in reply to "The 2022 defense also played a remarkably easy schedule when it comes to QB play."

Previous Message

The best offense we faced all year was Aidan O’Connell and Purdue.

Previous Message

...everybody has money to reload.

This is still a fledgling program, and not having a DL is just... well... it's almost a guarantee of failure in the Big Ten, regardless of anything else.

...and it didn't go particularly well...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 11:04:03, in reply to "The 2022 defense also played a remarkably easy schedule when it comes to QB play."

Not downplaying that group... just saying... and yes, that awful PI call hurt...

DL makes everything go on defense... IU had been destroying everybody, but Miami largely held their passing game in check because they could control the LOS with just 4 guys... that's the high end example, but the low end means you have to blitz just to break even, and that's a recipe for blowouts.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Having an elite secondary is almost completely irrelevant if your DLine sucks

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:42:28, in reply to "Roughy had a post comparing our 2022 defensive backfield with the current one."

And we were sitting here this time last year talking about our elite secondary and the team struggled to get off the field all season on third down.

Agree, but our elite secondary never showed up once X went down.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 21, 2026, 10:48:56, in reply to "Having an elite secondary is almost completely irrelevant if your DLine sucks"

I've seen the opposite in that we would kvetch about supposed roster holes that never materialize during the season.

Our defense could stink for a lot of reasons, but I'm not ready to panic or give up on the season. We probably won't be as good as we have been the past 2 years but it seems like we're turning over every stone to fill the gaps on the DL.

Previous Message

And we were sitting here this time last year talking about our elite secondary and the team struggled to get off the field all season on third down.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I feel like we're going to get the Parker twins since Bielema loves brothers

Posted by jayd <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jayd' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:25:45, in reply to "Seems like a good get assuming the skills transfer up to the next level..."

and hopefully they're healthy

Yes, it is.*

Previous Message

That's pretty good for a guy who was playing nose.

Duke officially suing Mensah*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 12:57:17, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

wonder if Diaz still remembers the gif he posted during the Jeff Thomas thing

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 10:32:03, in reply to "Duke officially suing Mensah* "

fuck him.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

yes and +1*

Posted by bulldogmba <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bulldogmba' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 14:01:49, in reply to "wonder if Diaz still remembers the gif he posted during the Jeff Thomas thing"

Previous Message

fuck him.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Genius move*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 13:10:59, in reply to "Duke officially suing Mensah* "

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Re: Genius move*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 21, 2026, 17:05:43, in reply to "Genius move*"

https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1768609792.html

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I mean, contracts are contracts. And Mensah isn't a poor college kid. He's richer than you and me.

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 13:14:51, in reply to "Genius move*"

Or at least has a higher annual income.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

(I was just making a Mensa joke)*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:30:08, in reply to "I mean, contracts are contracts. And Mensah isn't a poor college kid. He's richer than you and me."

Previous Message

Or at least has a higher annual income.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

*whoosh* ====>*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 15:16:22, in reply to "(I was just making a Mensa joke)*"

Previous Message

Or at least has a higher annual income.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Well, if ya were a bit smarter, ya'd know what Mensa is.... *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 15:26:59, in reply to "*whoosh* ====>*"

You've got to get up pretty early in the morning to...

... start the coffee or whatever.

The threat of legal action worked for UW... so now others apparently are emboldened.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:25:15, in reply to "I mean, contracts are contracts. And Mensah isn't a poor college kid. He's richer than you and me."

Good... at some point, signing a contract for huge dollars actually does have to protect the paying party...

I'm not crying poor for any school, but investing huge money in a very finite resource needs to have contractual protection.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Seemed like there was some clear cut language in the UW one, kinda about that Mensah’s had that

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 15:05:03, in reply to "The threat of legal action worked for UW... so now others apparently are emboldened."

Particularly if it was signed last year, before this stuff started to become more buttoned up.

Previous Message

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

A contract has to mean something*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:30:41, in reply to "The threat of legal action worked for UW... so now others apparently are emboldened."

Previous Message

Feel a bit bad for the players in the sense that I think a lot of this is agent- rather than player

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:30:06, in reply to "The threat of legal action worked for UW... so now others apparently are emboldened."

driven. At least, I would like to believe it is.

Previous Message

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I see that Mensah has the same attorney as the UW kid

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:38:43, in reply to "Feel a bit bad for the players in the sense that I think a lot of this is agent- rather than player "

That guy is raking in the $$

This dude is definitely building a career on these cases

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 20:48:55, in reply to "I see that Mensah has the same attorney as the UW kid"

Another gem that he has....

It is an honor to represent Charles Bediako as part of his legal team in this eligibility dispute against the NCAA.

Charles seeks recognition of his right to compete for the University of Alabama. The NCAA's arbitrary and inconsistent enforcement of its eligibility standards is… https://t.co/qtES35GbhB
— Darren Heitner (@heitner) January 21, 2026

Business card: "NCAA lawsuits R us".

At least he has an attorney.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 14:43:47, in reply to "I see that Mensah has the same attorney as the UW kid"

IMO, a lot of these people acting as brokers are not operating with the players’ best interests at heart.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Miami DGAF about any of this

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 13:09:22, in reply to "Duke officially suing Mensah* "

And also why any of this is a long way from working the way it was intended to.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/miami-ad-says-quiet-part-152106036.html

According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich believes the $20.5M revenue sharing amount is “too small”. His logic behind that opinion is truly alarming.

Radakovich claims that college football rosters could reach $35M to $40M and would eventually settle around $50 Million if there were no cap on spending. Radakovich’s point rests firmly around a historical inability to level a monetary playing field, so why try?

Rinse/repeat: $20m is the new 85 full ride scholarships*

Previous Message

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Good*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 20, 2026, 13:04:53, in reply to "Duke officially suing Mensah* "

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Good a place as any. Is it bad that only 1 of our last 4 FB HCs is still in college or pros?

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 16:49:40, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

One of the local sports reporters did a check-in:

Zook is the one, consulting for special teams for the Terps and Locksley (even that is not saying a lot).

Beckmeat is a film analyst for some sports sites like the Athletic.

Cubit is apparently retired and has been for a while.

Lovie just took a HS FB coaching job in AZ and apparently is continuing the nepotism by bringing Miles along. Hasn't worked in coaching since getting fired by the Texans 3 years ago apparently and can't get a coaching job away from Dad.

Our "coaching tree" should be cut down, burned and the ground and salted to make sure nothing grows ever again.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

the portable ticket sign out front should've told you. furg/mt.*

Posted by Ari Gold <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ari+Gold' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 19, 2026, 13:08:00, in reply to "Good a place as any. Is it bad that only 1 of our last 4 FB HCs is still in college or pros?"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That’s what happens when you make shit hires*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 19, 2026, 9:08:06, in reply to "Good a place as any. Is it bad that only 1 of our last 4 FB HCs is still in college or pros?"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When was the last time we didn’t fire a coach? of course they all suck*

Posted by shua <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=shua' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 17:29:53, in reply to "Good a place as any. Is it bad that only 1 of our last 4 FB HCs is still in college or pros?"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

IIRC, Lovie's son is the head coach: Lovie is his assistant.*

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 17:14:21, in reply to "Good a place as any. Is it bad that only 1 of our last 4 FB HCs is still in college or pros?"

Previous Message

...Lovie just took a HS FB coaching job in AZ and apparently is continuing the nepotism by bringing Miles along.

Local paper called it a tandem deal.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 17:23:13, in reply to "IIRC, Lovie's son is the head coach: Lovie is his assistant.*"

Previous Message

...Lovie just took a HS FB coaching job in AZ and apparently is continuing the nepotism by bringing Miles along.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Can't find anything to back me up, so maybe it was.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 19, 2026, 9:04:13, in reply to "Local paper called it a tandem deal.*"

About as much as I can find right now is the idea that they say Miles Smith and his dad have been hired as a tandem to lead the program. I'd list the NFL and Super Bowl coach's name first... but whatever.

Further quote: "We hired a tandem — Miles Smith and his dad, Lovie Smith," Swann (high school administrator) told The Republic in an email.

...and...

"Throughout the interview process and our many conversations, Miles' knowledge, his vision and his values were impressive to everyone he came in contact with. We are excited to have him join the staff in January as a teacher, as well."

At one time the rule here in IL was that your high school coaches had to be teachers as well. Maybe that's long gone, or maybe they don't care about that in AZ. Or perhaps Lovie is coming aboard as a volunteer?

Who knows. I'll see if I can find more when I've got the time and energy. :-)

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/12/16/nfls-lovie-smith-son-miles-to-coach-desert-ridge-high-footbal/87790669007/

Tenn finally has their QB, Colorado QB Staub*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 14:37:44, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2012984472229019990?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Valentine officially back via Twitter post*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 14:49:49, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Got a DL…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 12:58:59, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Seems...like another depth piece?*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 15:43:50, in reply to "Got a DL…"

Previous Message

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

We don’t have enough bodies for him to be that*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 21:06:15, in reply to "Seems...like another depth piece?*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

They’re probably all gonna be depth pieces on paper, but some will have to start out of necessity.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 21:15:16, in reply to "We don’t have enough bodies for him to be that*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I remember the Denzel Daxon angst. He is still collecting NFL paychecks*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 8:29:58, in reply to "They’re probably all gonna be depth pieces on paper, but some will have to start out of necessity.*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

It might work out but let’s not pretend like any of this was planned. They are scrambling.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 18, 2026, 14:41:24, in reply to "I remember the Denzel Daxon angst. He is still collecting NFL paychecks*"

They thought they had at least 3/4 of Coenen, McCollum, Neal, Tomi back based on everything that has been said about the situation.

Previous Message

https://x.com/JWerner247/status/2012572537167733172?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

<Wanny voice> ayupppp... </>

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 13:04:07, in reply to "Got a DL…"

Judge in charge of Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility appeal is a graduate of Ole Miss*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 21:01:11, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Impressive that he overcame that disability *

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2026, 21:02:25, in reply to "Judge in charge of Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility appeal is a graduate of Ole Miss*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

More portal fun

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 19:14:23, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Ole Miss is contesting the portal entry of standout edge Princewill Umanmielen as a result of him recently signing a new contract with the Rebels, sources tell @mzenitz and me for @CBSSports.

They’re not currently expected to process his portal entry.https://t.co/MJcEICTfLx pic.twitter.com/L7VajcL7vh
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 17, 2026

Need all these contract legal challenges to play out to get the guardrails in place*

Posted by Carl Spackler <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Carl+Spackler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 19:51:23, in reply to "More portal fun"

Previous Message

Ole Miss is contesting the portal entry of standout edge Princewill Umanmielen as a result of him recently signing a new contract with the Rebels, sources tell @mzenitz and me for @CBSSports .

They’re not currently expected to process his portal entry. https://t.co/MJcEICTfLx pic.twitter.com/L7VajcL7vh — Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 17, 2026 .

Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 15:20:05, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Mensah isn't very smart.

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 19, 2026, 13:13:39, in reply to "Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah "

He should have entered earlier and gotten to be part of a bidding war.

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

Reminder that his contract was supposed to be for 2 years. So this could get interesting*

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

Genius move*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 18:29:52, in reply to "Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah "

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

I thought the portal was closed?*

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 17:55:54, in reply to "Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah "

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

I’m ugly.

Its not 11:59p yet as far as I know*

Posted by Dilbert <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Dilbert' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 18:32:58, in reply to "I thought the portal was closed?*"

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

Will his replacement eat a bunch of popcorn before the game too?*

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 17:12:02, in reply to "Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah "

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

Awesome, I was hoping that would happen. Tennessee or Alabama?*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 15:26:36, in reply to "Pete Thamel reports Duke quarterback Darius Mensah "

Previous Message

has entered the transfer portal.

would be nice if he's gone for next year's game

BEAT UAB

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Miami?*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 15:28:09, in reply to "Awesome, I was hoping that would happen. Tennessee or Alabama?*"

Yeah just saw the tweet saying that is the expected destination.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 15:30:28, in reply to "Miami?*"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Man, Werner is obviously the best Illini reporter we've got but...

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:35:39, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

with how close he's gotten with JW over the last couple years he has lost all objectivity. Obviously, good for him & it leads to better access but my god he is constantly in MUST PROTECT mode on his 247 board. It's okay to be extremely happy with where our programs at but worried about the 2026 DL at the same time.

/End rant

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Watch/listen to the second half of the latest pod *

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 18:52:34, in reply to "Man, Werner is obviously the best Illini reporter we've got but..."

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

The portal just closed. Semester hasn't started. I think he knows the plan but can't discuss it now

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:58:46, in reply to "Man, Werner is obviously the best Illini reporter we've got but..."

I am not worried about it because I think Bret is and he is a good CEO who will have an acceptable solution.

But I am also a fan who will be thrilled if we go 7-5 next year based on what we lost. I think our Secondary can be 2022 special though and feel that Scott, Bailey, Clarke and Morris is a great 4 man start to the Secondary. I also think Barna is the truth so he will solve lots of issues with the defense.

I also don't think Aaron Henry is a disaster as a coordinator. I think he is fine. His worst defense so far has been a top 60 defense. Lunney's worst offense with Tommy Devito, Chase Brown, I. Williams, Pat Bryant, Casey Washington, Tip Rieman and a few other offensive Lineman who have played in the league didn't crack the top 100.

I feel fine with where the roster is right now because I believe in Bret

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I'm with you. I trust in Bret.

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:03:40, in reply to "The portal just closed. Semester hasn't started. I think he knows the plan but can't discuss it now"

He's just so damn condescending on the boards. He acts surprised that the DL is a big point of discussion. Bro, it's the offseason.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think the portal world is a whole lot different for these guys

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 13:13:25, in reply to "I'm with you. I trust in Bret."

They had an entire network of sources and colleagues to rely on for HS recruiting. Transfers are so different, you don't even know who might be entering the portal and have to try and come up with different means to get recruiting info.

He's certainly not "surprised" that the DL topic is hot. Probably tired of responding to questions which is understandable. I know he's talked about not being thrilled having to deal with the message boards, but we all have stuff with our jobs that we don't like.

I think all of these things are right...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:30:09, in reply to "I'm with you. I trust in Bret."

...including the increased level of condescension.

Every fan has a right to be concerned about the DL. It would be insane to just think it's fine... but knowing our HC, it's fair to expect he can figure out a pivot to put together a reasonably good unit.

All of these things can be true.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I just don't get that sense from Werner...

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:36:23, in reply to "I think all of these things are right..."

he seems like the furthest thing from, say, a Kedrick who just blows smoke and tells people signing Jamar Smith, CJ JAckson and Chester Frazier after a Final Four is fine.

I think he is intentionally very sober in his reporting, and doesn't match the energy of people who just want to keep posting 15 times a day about how bad the D-Line situation is.

Agreed. When people are nothing but negative after the two seasons we've just had, and there are

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:58:16, in reply to "I just don't get that sense from Werner..."

quite a few of them, I put them on ignore. Werner can't really do that.

And when one of the first posts commenting on an article asks a question answered in the article (which happens a lot) I can't blame him for getting frustrated.

the term I recently heard about to characterize that: hedonic adaptation

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:04:23, in reply to "Agreed. When people are nothing but negative after the two seasons we've just had, and there are"

basically, the people who were miserable when we sucked but said they would be happy with 8-4 every year are returning to their baseline level of misery now that we've had consecutive seasons eclipsing the 8-4 threshold.

It's a very interesting phenomenon...

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:19:40, in reply to "the term I recently heard about to characterize that: hedonic adaptation"

and of course the events in Bloomington over the last 24 months have completely ruined all expectations...

but are we basically at the upper limits of where we are in the world right now?

(you can ask the same thing in basketball, is being somewhere around #10 basically our upper boundary?)

For some… Honestly, IU’s surge hasn’t affected my feelings at all.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:27:54, in reply to "It's a very interesting phenomenon... "

Cig is a comet. Never happening again. Freak of nature.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think that's a healthy perspective

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:53:08, in reply to "For some… Honestly, IU’s surge hasn’t affected my feelings at all. "

There's two things I think about with Cig.

1) Will it get figured out what he's doing? I'm not saying he's cheating, but will the rest of the industry figure out his method, and replicate. Even the playing field.
2) If they do figure him out, will he change and adapt to keep a flank?

To me Cig is a disruptive technology. He's a Slingbox. The question is if/when others can create their own DVR.

a hot take I've had is: this is the year where CFB's portal really feels like MBB

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:59:39, in reply to "I think that's a healthy perspective"

and I don't know if that's naive (because we had kinda insane retention last year because of class balance and promise of a playoff run that we can't offer next year), or if there really is something that shifted.

IU seized a moment in time better than anyone else has in the history of the sport... I think overall we've played the same game ~pretty well~ but we also need to continue to adapt to stay competitive, and the more the new reality settles in the more that historic powers will catch up and adopt practices that work, and the more the whole ecosystem looks like it always has.

Possibly and IU has capitalized in the portal for next year, at least with top-flight players.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 13:01:32, in reply to "a hot take I've had is: this is the year where CFB's portal really feels like MBB"

But they're still playing with a lot of really undervalued JMU players. And Mendoza was a really good pickup, but no one expected THIS. IU had money to throw around, for sure. But a lot of teams that fired their coaches this year had that money and more... and got what they got.

yup. great coach. even better timing. IU will come back to the pack eventually but reset their floor

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 11:01:33, in reply to "a hot take I've had is: this is the year where CFB's portal really feels like MBB"

Previous Message

He's going to love coaching the Stillers.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 16, 2026, 10:30:08, in reply to "For some… Honestly, IU’s surge hasn’t affected my feelings at all. "

Previous Message

Cig is a comet. Never happening again. Freak of nature.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

he won't because they aren't going to hire him. he's too old for their liking

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:57:36, in reply to "He's going to love coaching the Stillers.*"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

That would be foolish of them; he's got a good 12-15 years in him. Make the call, Bob.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 16, 2026, 11:01:02, in reply to "he won't because they aren't going to hire him. he's too old for their liking"

Previous Message

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

he's 64. he definitely doesn't have 12-15 years left in him

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 11:24:31, in reply to "That would be foolish of them; he's got a good 12-15 years in him. Make the call, Bob.*"

the Steelers are gonna want someone in their 30s, maybe early 40s

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

We need to speak this into existence, Saxxy.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 16, 2026, 11:26:21, in reply to "he's 64. he definitely doesn't have 12-15 years left in him"

Previous Message

the Steelers are gonna want someone in their 30s, maybe early 40s

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

then speak to the Raiders. they're gonna take his QB #1 overall

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 12:01:16, in reply to "We need to speak this into existence, Saxxy.*"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

Good point, I'm down with that too.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 16, 2026, 14:16:19, in reply to "then speak to the Raiders. they're gonna take his QB #1 overall"

Previous Message

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Basketball can win championships. Being in range of top rung of B10 championship…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:26:27, in reply to "It's a very interesting phenomenon... "

if everything goes right is footballs best. we are there. win 8 and have 2-3 shots if everything goes right for 10+. BB did it.

Previous Message

for the last 12 months or so my expectation of next year is "just make a bowl game"

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:49:51, in reply to "Basketball can win championships. Being in range of top rung of B10 championship…"

and that hasn't really changed.

some shifts of the football landscape and the realities of the portal make things a bit different (I think we have more returning than I expected and parts of our schedule are perhaps less doom-y?)

I would consider 7-6 next year a rousing success... I'm kinda looking forward to seeing a team that is on the rebound and seeing who steps up.

Previous Message

if everything goes right is footballs best. we are there. win 8 and have 2-3 shots if everything goes right for 10+. BB did it.

Previous Message

I’m quite happy with that. Just point out BB has probably achieved the ceiling the last 2 years…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 11:00:24, in reply to "for the last 12 months or so my expectation of next year is "just make a bowl game""

which is freaking amazing. Be happy folks.

Previous Message

if everything goes right is footballs best. we are there. win 8 and have 2-3 shots if everything goes right for 10+. BB did it.

Previous Message

Agreed*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:51:53, in reply to "for the last 12 months or so my expectation of next year is "just make a bowl game""

Previous Message

if everything goes right is footballs best. we are there. win 8 and have 2-3 shots if everything goes right for 10+. BB did it.

Previous Message

Not saying that, necessarily...

...it's just a tone thing like... I've answered this already, go read the article... that kind of thing... people come to the boards to ask questions, and don't always have time to read articles... not sure why this irks him.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I find reading the articles much more efficient than wading through the fucking posts in the thread

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:56:07, in reply to "Not saying that, necessarily..."

some of those people...sheesh.

^^^this^^^*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:23:06, in reply to "I find reading the articles much more efficient than wading through the fucking posts in the thread"

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some of those people...sheesh.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I just have a small handful of people on follow, and just click through my notifications *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:22:53, in reply to "I find reading the articles much more efficient than wading through the fucking posts in the thread"

Previous Message

some of those people...sheesh.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

i should do this. I've recently re-subscribed*

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:32:31, in reply to "I just have a small handful of people on follow, and just click through my notifications *"

Previous Message

some of those people...sheesh.

honestly the boards are fairly new to me and that's a portal thing

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:34:35, in reply to "i should do this. I've recently re-subscribed*"

I'll go back to not really reading them in a couple weeks... I subscribe for their articles and as a sort of tip jar for their social media presence

I would argue that if you have time to read and post on teh board you have time to read the article

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:39:11, in reply to "Not saying that, necessarily..."

but if I were Werner, I would just not respond to the 1,000,000th question on a topic. Also, his dad just died suddenly and unexpectedly so I'm going to give him some slack.

Previous Message

...it's just a tone thing like... I've answered this already, go read the article ... that kind of thing... people come to the boards to ask questions, and don't always have time to read articles... not sure why this irks him.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

For sure...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:40:46, in reply to "I would argue that if you have time to read and post on teh board you have time to read the article"

...please note, I am not remotely referring to anything in the past 2 weeks... the vibe I get goes way back.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think they have a degree of not suffering fools

and I've gotten a snippy-ish response from Werner once or twice, each time it was generally me ranting in his general direction about some dumb shit the team or coaches did and his response was basically "the fuck you want me to do about that?"

I dunno, I think they're consistent, I don't mind it, but he isn't the Illini beat reporter to go to if you're upset about something.

Agreed. It's been going on for a while*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:43:23, in reply to "For sure..."

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...please note, I am not remotely referring to anything in the past 2 weeks... the vibe I get goes way back.

I don't read much of their boards but is he condescending to people who think the DL situation

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:33:10, in reply to "I think all of these things are right..."

is a concern and needs attention or his condescending to the people who think Bret is a terrible coach and should be fired because we don't have a complete DL picture right now? I suspect it's the latter more than the former. But like I said, I don't really read those boards much.

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I just think globally...

...I've noticed a tone change over time.

I rarely go there for anything other than info... posting there kinda blows.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think he is over the Fettigator and other overly negative posters saying we are poor

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:05:56, in reply to "I just think globally..."

And the offseason is a disaster. He keeps repeating they are going to add one proven starter and 3 rotation guys including 2 NT and have the money to do so. He has said it with conviction. I think he is just extremely annoyed at the fake insiders questioning him

Previous Message

...I've noticed a tone change over time.

I rarely go there for anything other than info... posting there kinda blows.

I don't know where he's said we shouldn't be worried about the DL *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:54:28, in reply to "Man, Werner is obviously the best Illini reporter we've got but..."

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

He said on his podcast a bit ago that the DL losses were unexpected and bad

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:55:10, in reply to "I don't know where he's said we shouldn't be worried about the DL *"

He is just not catastrophizing

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Bret signal

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:08:04, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Hopefully X is back....

Just feels like a #famILLy kind of night….

Feels like some good news coming…. #ILL
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) January 16, 2026

Yes!

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:08:50, in reply to "Bret signal"

DWWH?*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:59:57, in reply to "Yes!"

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Great but not a DL*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:17:56, in reply to "Yes!"

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Bro this is some grizzle... X's loss was the #1 biggest reason this season didn't go as planned...

...IMO.

They weren't setting the world on fire with him either, but he is a playmaker, and our secondary woefully lacked in playmaking after his departure, the occasional Miles Scott INT notwithstanding.

Obviously, it would be irresponsible to say OSU or Indiana would've gone differently, but I think it's reasonable to say Washington and Wisconsin may have had a different feel if our (at minimum) 2nd best defensive player was on the field.

DL... yeah,... no doubt... you can have 18-19 great starters, and if your 3-4 DL all suck, you are going 2-10... that's Big Ten football... but BB has given us no reason to believe he won't patch something together... he's earned a fair amount of rope on this.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Not saying it’s bad because he’s great. But our DL appears to be a disaster

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:02:23, in reply to "Bro this is some grizzle... X's loss was the #1 biggest reason this season didn't go as planned..."

That’s a fact (barring a late portal barrage) and if that tracks will make the DBs jobs that much harder. We weren’t great rushing the passer last year and our top guy is gone.

Let’s also not forget LB was a bad unit last year and not sure how good
It’s looking now.

It’s not grizzle. It’s a fact

Previous Message

Let’s agree it’s grizzle and fact. You are 100% right.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:21:52, in reply to "Not saying it’s bad because he’s great. But our DL appears to be a disaster"

But we have 3 decades of conditioning that the obvious flashing red lights won’t be fixed, and in this case, we at least have people that acknowledge problems and do everything possible to fix them.

So… fact… and grizzle.

Fair?

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Fair but hard to fix the problem without the bodies available….

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:47:06, in reply to "Let’s agree it’s grizzle and fact. You are 100% right. "

There are just not enough bodies there (that I am aware of to this point). and its not like we have been recruiting then shit out of the DL so are there even young guys ready? Daniel Brown maybe, though he’s not really young

I’m sure BB & co know it’s a problem but hard to fix without the resources, or in this case, bodies, unless they plan to move OL over to the other side.

I love Bert and he’s done things here that are unheard of, but it seems like this has been a massive fail thus far. I’ll be ecstatic to be wrong and here’s hoping a late portal push erases most concerns!

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Yeah this could very well end up being our biggest “pickup” of the offseason *

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:45:52, in reply to "Bro this is some grizzle... X's loss was the #1 biggest reason this season didn't go as planned..."

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BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

I absolutely agree*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:19:35, in reply to "Yeah this could very well end up being our biggest “pickup” of the offseason *"

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People called him an eraser (of defensive errors) in the early season*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:34:11, in reply to "Bro this is some grizzle... X's loss was the #1 biggest reason this season didn't go as planned..."

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Tanner Heckel looked a lot better on the field playing that slot role when X was outside...

...X is just a damn good player, and was a big, big loss... and absolutely, we can question why the hell he was out there at the time... we all did in the moment, and none of us thought initially it looked like a short term problem...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I thought X was are best player going into last year including Gabe and Luke

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:19:01, in reply to "Tanner Heckel looked a lot better on the field playing that slot role when X was outside..."

Not our most important player, but our best. I think the same next year. He is going to be 24 going into the draft but I think he players 7-8 years in the league anyway

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I can’t argue with this. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:25:29, in reply to "I thought X was are best player going into last year including Gabe and Luke"

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Not our most important player, but our best. I think the same next year. He is going to be 24 going into the draft but I think he players 7-8 years in the league anyway

Previous Message

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Huge!*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:54:20, in reply to "Yes!"

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Awesome, now DL and LB please*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:45:01, in reply to "Yes!"

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I have it in my brain that we're gonna be all GRANT FUCKING BEERMAN next year.

Prove me right, brain... or just go kill yourself with malted hops and bong resin.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

fuck yeah*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:30:54, in reply to "Yes!"

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I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

That's big. Now, does he have like 6 DL friends to bring back with him?*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:12:27, in reply to "Yes!"

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Wow awesome. I wonder what his NFL profile is at 24 next year

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:11:31, in reply to "Yes!"

Hopefully not too bad of a ding.

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Hell yeah*

Posted by Ron McDon <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ron+McDon' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 19:09:31, in reply to "Yes!"

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Lots of construction type activity around the stadium today, trucks, cranes,

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2026, 15:27:29, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

other vehicles, pallets of something wrapped in white plastic and mounds of top soil in lot 31. I assume some of it is new board, the soil doesn't fit that, though. Maybe some of the other work around the horseshoe that Whitman mentioned.

TIL from the Light the I interview with JW: Bad - moving the horeshoe in, etc. is not in the cards

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 8:56:51, in reply to "Lots of construction type activity around the stadium today, trucks, cranes,"

within the next 10 years. Good: The videoboard project will include more amenities in the south end zone area, including a new facade and expanded southern concourse.

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Is my memory fading, or at one time didn't we have seats below the HS on the field also?

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 9:40:04, in reply to "TIL from the Light the I interview with JW: Bad - moving the horeshoe in, etc. is not in the cards "

Maybe back in the halcyon 80s?

Surely that area could be used for something to fill it in...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

THere may have been some bleachers down there. There was an erector set of seats ABOVE the....

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2026, 10:17:06, in reply to "Is my memory fading, or at one time didn't we have seats below the HS on the field also?"

....the horseshoe for a long time. Same with the NEZ.

Previous Message

Maybe back in the halcyon 80s?

Surely that area could be used for something to fill it in...

Moczulski coming back to UI *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 19:36:40, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Related - college basketball portal window changed to open day after title game.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:18:18, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

A rare common sense decision within college athletics.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

the problem for the portal in football is that they still are thinking about getting the kids to

Posted by bucktownillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bucktownillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:20:24, in reply to "Related - college basketball portal window changed to open day after title game."

start the semester for school

Previous Message

A rare common sense decision within college athletics.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Well, that too: thought you were going with "spring practice".

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:29:17, in reply to "the problem for the portal in football is that they still are thinking about getting the kids to"

Article on the videoboard project discussed below.

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:01:09, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/01/14/illinois-installing-college-footballs-largest-videoboard-ahead-of-2026-season/?publicationSource=newsletters&issue=6967bef2c2aa6f921a284572&utm_source=sbj&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=issue_daily

The main board will sit above the horseshoe-shaped stadium’s south end zone. Anthony James Partners (AJP) worked with the university to design the scoreboard, which required significant structural and infrastructure coordination to accommodate the increased height and width of the 103-year-old stadium’s primary display.

The videoboard would be the fifth-largest in pro football and moves Illinois ahead of other college football venues with massive boards, including Auburn (10,690 sq. ft.), Purdue (8,461 sq. ft.), Oregon (8,208 sq. ft.), Michigan (8,165 sq. ft.), Wisconsin (7,941 sq. ft.), Utah (7,808 sq. ft.), Oklahoma (7,803 sq. ft.), Mississippi State (7,777 sq. ft.), and Texas A&M (7,635 sq. ft.). Illinois’ videoboard will be more than double the size of those schools’ main display (except Auburn’s) and includes video displays on the outward-facing backside to greet fans as they arrive at Gies Memorial Stadium. And its 16.1 million pixels represent a 195% increase over the previous main stadium display.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

The best estimation I can find puts Mount Rushmore at 60x200 feet

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:06:41, in reply to "Article on the videoboard project discussed below."

So, bigger than those chumps

Wait until they add Trump *

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:14:45, in reply to "The best estimation I can find puts Mount Rushmore at 60x200 feet"

Previous Message

So, bigger than those chumps

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

IU gets OL Brunner from UW too. Mountains of cash for IU football...so weird to say*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 14:26:03, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *

Posted by aimlessillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=aimlessillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:34:30, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Gonna cause beef with Raiola. He'll be stewing all offseason*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 16:03:09, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

he's pretty hearty, he'll let things cool down*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 17:39:23, in reply to "Gonna cause beef with Raiola. He'll be stewing all offseason*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Imagine having the money required to pay Dylan Raiola to be your backup*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 14:25:33, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Wanted NO part of Jets or Raiders *

Posted by aimlessillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=aimlessillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:55:06, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Can’t wait for longsnapper’s take on the Oregon QB room*

Posted by GMAW <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=GMAW' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:42:14, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Didn't they pick up a big portal QB?*

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:37:34, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Perfect opportunity of Raiola to RS and rehab and learn to be himself

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:44:07, in reply to "Didn't they pick up a big portal QB?*"

and not Mahomes

Did Raiola get hurt before or after Mahomes?

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 14, 2026, 13:47:51, in reply to "Perfect opportunity of Raiola to RS and rehab and learn to be himself"

Maybe he should start imitating Caleb if he wants to succeed and make friends.

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and not Mahomes

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Before, by about a month*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:48:49, in reply to "Did Raiola get hurt before or after Mahomes? "

Previous Message

Maybe he should start imitating Caleb if he wants to succeed and make friends.

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and not Mahomes

Raiola*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:38:30, in reply to "Didn't they pick up a big portal QB?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Smart decision*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:36:32, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Wow, shocking*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 14, 2026, 13:34:58, in reply to "Dante Moore staying at Oregon another year *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Miami Thomas named DBs coach at Howard *

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 17:39:03, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Just realized we play OSU, Oregon & Indiana in 2028. That's fun*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:38:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Also, I’m dumb and for some reason thought we had just completed the ‘26 season when I posted*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:02:20, in reply to "Just realized we play OSU, Oregon & Indiana in 2028. That's fun*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

How'd we do? Bowl-eligible?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:53:36, in reply to "Also, I’m dumb and for some reason thought we had just completed the ‘26 season when I posted*"

Playing with no D-Line was a bold strategy*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 15:26:38, in reply to "How'd we do? Bowl-eligible? "

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In Bertie-Bert we trust !!

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 17:00:23, in reply to "Playing with no D-Line was a bold strategy*"

All those IU guys will be 30 years old by then. We'll beat them with youth.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 13, 2026, 13:01:16, in reply to "Just realized we play OSU, Oregon & Indiana in 2028. That's fun*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Excellent point*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 13:05:14, in reply to "All those IU guys will be 30 years old by then. We'll beat them with youth.*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

well, we had 2 fun years.

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:39:29, in reply to "Just realized we play OSU, Oregon & Indiana in 2028. That's fun*"

back to the pile

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:43:52, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/davidubben/status/2011124328310452470?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Seems incredibly dumb. Just do 5 for 5 if you’re gonna do this.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Charlie Baker comments

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 17:18:36, in reply to "Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?"

we’re just a few years away from lifting all eligibility restrictions

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:51:46, in reply to "Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?"

Kids can go to colleges just to play sports. No requirement to attend classes or advance toward a degree, unless the want to.

And no time limits. If you want to play for a school for 10 years, no problem. It will set up well for the vast majority of “student athletes” who are good college players but will never make it as a pro. They have fun, make a decent earning, and even get a degree if they want it.

Think guys like Tony Cutlets or Luke

What possible rationale is for this other than just not giving a fuck?*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:27:49, in reply to "Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?"

Previous Message

https://x.com/davidubben/status/2011124328310452470?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Seems incredibly dumb. Just do 5 for 5 if you’re gonna do this.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

coaches can now promise immediate playing time to more freshmen?*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:40:53, in reply to "What possible rationale is for this other than just not giving a fuck?*"

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

but one game in basketball and ya burnt, huh*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:56:50, in reply to "Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?"

Previous Message

https://x.com/davidubben/status/2011124328310452470?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Seems incredibly dumb. Just do 5 for 5 if you’re gonna do this.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Yea you should be able to play ~10 games*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:11:22, in reply to "but one game in basketball and ya burnt, huh* "

Previous Message

https://x.com/davidubben/status/2011124328310452470?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Seems incredibly dumb. Just do 5 for 5 if you’re gonna do this.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

yea, totally... 5 for 5 makes much more sense. I assume this isn't retroactive? *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:47:01, in reply to "Redshirt on track to be 9 game max instead of 4?"

Previous Message

https://x.com/davidubben/status/2011124328310452470?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Seems incredibly dumb. Just do 5 for 5 if you’re gonna do this.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football.

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:02:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

I do feel the more I read from the actual press release, that this should bring in more revenue

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:24:50, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

It's not just the biggest board, it's boards everywhere. It's a huge ribbon in the North Endzone. It's boards facing Kirby. It's bigger boards on the facia of the balcony. 8 bleacher displays, which I'm guessing hang on the underside of the bleachers instaed of the ones that hang off the towers facing into the underside of the balcony (where they can't see the main screen).

This is gonna drag a lot of eyeballs to the screens, and thus a lot of eyeballs to the advertising.

but only 720p*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:40:30, in reply to "I do feel the more I read from the actual press release, that this should bring in more revenue"

Previous Message

Cool. Think how many DTs a board just 10% larger than any other could have purchased *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 14:15:08, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

the screen gets lowered onto the field when we're on defense*

Posted by ghost_of_clt <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ghost_of_clt' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 19:37:50, in reply to "Cool. Think how many DTs a board just 10% larger than any other could have purchased *"

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

N U D E S I N B I O

Now "Baby Baby" will be bigger and louder

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 13:43:37, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Hooray!

But we still won't be able to stop anyone on 3rd and long

Can we shave like 25% off and put it towards our DL?*

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:23:16, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Smashes like button*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:37:50, in reply to "Can we shave like 25% off and put it towards our DL?*"

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

</Wisch> I dig it, but let's also level up the stadium WiFi signal too*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:06:41, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

WiFi in Colonnades is good

Posted by Ron McDon <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ron+McDon' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:46:26, in reply to "</Wisch> I dig it, but let's also level up the stadium WiFi signal too*"

hi Detlef!

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Wasn't that supposed to have taken effect for the USC game?

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:21:43, in reply to "</Wisch> I dig it, but let's also level up the stadium WiFi signal too*"

I remember whitman saying that at one point but the wifi still sucked ass

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

At one time Arkansas had the biggest video board. They called it the Pig Screen. *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 12:11:25, in reply to "</Wisch> I dig it, but let's also level up the stadium WiFi signal too*"

True story.

Acceptable *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:52:12, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

And the video comparison:

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:49:06, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011128620899598598?s=20

If you moved in the horseshoe you could have made it smaller*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:42:34, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

To think we are not that far removed from the sad old board we had…

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:42:09, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

With the 8 bit “Go Get ‘Em!” pointed finger.

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

The 8-Bit dancing football!*

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:56:45, in reply to "To think we are not that far removed from the sad old board we had…"

Previous Message

With the 8 bit “Go Get ‘Em!” pointed finger.

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

I think this has been in the works for more than a year, despite the Gies announcement.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:26:44, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

There was an RFP for the software part of this. From what I see, it's gonna be 4x UHD. Now some of that may be parcelled out to ribbons and whatnot.

Whoa! *

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:22:30, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

69x250*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:21:19, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

nice

and it still won't show controversial replays*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:21:08, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

I’d rather have DL and LB.

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:17:52, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Waste of Gies’ money IMO

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

We'll get to see our defense get torched on the biggest screen possible.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 13, 2026, 11:39:28, in reply to "I’d rather have DL and LB. "

Previous Message

Waste of Gies’ money IMO

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

awesome*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:16:31, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

Cool.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:06:36, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Does it come with a DT or two?

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

lol holy shit that’s big*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:06:03, in reply to "Huh. We are building the biggest video board in college football. "

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

twss*

Posted by ibdoc <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ibdoc' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 11:17:15, in reply to "lol holy shit that’s big*"

Previous Message

HAIL MEGA BOARD

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2011121401114042712?s=20

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Indiana gets one of the top portal cornerbacks, 2 year starter at Penn State.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 15:51:04, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Overnight powerhouse program. LAME *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 9:37:41, in reply to "Indiana gets one of the top portal cornerbacks, 2 year starter at Penn State.*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

sure, it’s easy to just reload when you’re a blue blood like Indiana or Texas Tech*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 13, 2026, 9:33:33, in reply to "Indiana gets one of the top portal cornerbacks, 2 year starter at Penn State.*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I should be happy (ecstatic) after the all the sportzball success my teams had this weekend but

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 12, 2026, 15:56:45, in reply to "Indiana gets one of the top portal cornerbacks, 2 year starter at Penn State.*"

instead I am focused on ILL FB's inability to field a DL, Bears injuries and the success of our "rivals".

I use quotes because IU football is clearly not our rival anymore. Those fucking assholes; I'm mad!

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Leavitt to LSU*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 14:13:18, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

TENN is the team left hanging here, some team that got a transfer QB is going to get poached from

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 17:15:04, in reply to "Leavitt to LSU*"

Can’t imagine they settle for Pribula, he’s the only real guy still out there. So they’re gonna have to find someone that can be bought out of their current transfer contract.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

And now Pribula committed to Virginia. I guess TEN does have a 5* star freshman coming in*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 19:58:17, in reply to "TENN is the team left hanging here, some team that got a transfer QB is going to get poached from"

Previous Message

Can’t imagine they settle for Pribula, he’s the only real guy still out there. So they’re gonna have to find someone that can be bought out of their current transfer contract.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

(former) Arizona State QB*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 14:32:26, in reply to "Leavitt to LSU*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

He likes the State schools. MSU, ASU now LSU. There are a few more he can hop to*

Posted by ibdoc <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ibdoc' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 14:30:37, in reply to "Leavitt to LSU*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Their fans are gonna eat him alive when he isn’t what they think he will be*

Posted by Ron McDon <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Ron+McDon' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 14:18:06, in reply to "Leavitt to LSU*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Vibe check, a couple days left to get into the portal, and a couple days left to enroll for spring..

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:18:31, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

what are our thoughts:

QB - Fine
RB - Fine
WR - Fine
OL - well, we got some guys to compete
TE - *shrugs*

DL -

OLB - eeeeh...
LB - Why don't they make the whole plane out of Grant Beerman?
CB - I feel OK... getting X back would be really awesome.
S - fine-ish?

Specialists - freshman punter, could use another kicker... need to be good here

Wow, props for busting out the old-school jdl emoji guy*

Posted by Jackie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Jackie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 19:07:43, in reply to "Vibe check, a couple days left to get into the portal, and a couple days left to enroll for spring.."

Previous Message

what are our thoughts:

QB - Fine
RB - Fine
WR - Fine
OL - well, we got some guys to compete
TE - *shrugs*

DL -
OLB - eeeeh...
LB - Why don't they make the whole plane out of Grant Beerman?
CB - I feel OK... getting X back would be really awesome.
S - fine-ish?

Specialists - freshman punter, could use another kicker... need to be good here

what? Calling my lawyer now!!!!11! *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 19:30:33, in reply to "Wow, props for busting out the old-school jdl emoji guy*"

Previous Message

The law firm of Dewey, Cheatum and Howe. *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 23:04:35, in reply to "what? Calling my lawyer now!!!!11! *"

Nyuk nyuk nyuk....

I’ll say this - I thought we’d at least get 1 or 2 P4 guys that their current school wanted to keep

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:02:00, in reply to "Vibe check, a couple days left to get into the portal, and a couple days left to enroll for spring.."

Wisconsin guy is the closest/only one to that description, but he’s barely played football in the last 4 years.

I don’t mind the strategy of evaluating guys at lower levels, but overall it has been a bit of a reality check about where our place is in the pecking order even after a few really good seasons.

Previous Message

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

It seems the new era of recruiting success will be all about $$

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:56:58, in reply to "I’ll say this - I thought we’d at least get 1 or 2 P4 guys that their current school wanted to keep"

But, it's not really about relationships, recent success, etc. Either you are in the upper bracket to buy a team like TT, aTm, blue bloods, IU, etc. or you just have to pick through what's left

Previous Message

so.. mostly where we've always been? but we've got ourselves from 4-6 wins to 8-10?

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 15:24:16, in reply to "It seems the new era of recruiting success will be all about $$ "

that's pretty good

I’m actually all about production > potential and am good grabbing guys who excelled at lower levels

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:54:06, in reply to "I’ll say this - I thought we’d at least get 1 or 2 P4 guys that their current school wanted to keep"

But I did think we’d supplement that with guys who have excelled at our level too. I thought we’d be playing in that pool at least a tad.

It does seem like our money is not on the level.

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Offense: fine; Defense: Oh shit*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:21:08, in reply to "Vibe check, a couple days left to get into the portal, and a couple days left to enroll for spring.."

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We did discuss that loyalty could be BB's Achilles heel during the season.

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:26:09, in reply to "Offense: fine; Defense: Oh shit*"

Its one thing if Bret trusts Henry and the other defensive coaches, but that doesn't mean any of these players trust him.

They have to be as frustrated as the fans with the inability to get off the field on 3rd down.

When TN returned the kick for a touchdown everyone said whew the offense will be closing the game

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:30:24, in reply to "We did discuss that loyalty could be BB's Achilles heel during the season. "

That plus Bert's frequent calling out the defensive play calling in public. I wouldn't be surprised to learn the vibes in the locker room on that side of the ball are rotten.

One thing I'm pretty certain of is that players experiences are vasty different than ours

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:32:14, in reply to "When TN returned the kick for a touchdown everyone said whew the offense will be closing the game"

they have very different motivations than we do

They want to be put in positions to succeed and get compensated accordingly

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:35:29, in reply to "One thing I'm pretty certain of is that players experiences are vasty different than ours"

When our defensive coordinator keeps calling three man pass rushes on third down essentially ensuring every linemen gets double teamed, they can't get home. That isn't attractive at all.

I know its a lot more than that, but if I were on an opposing team I'd be showing these guys film of how they're not being given a chance to show off their abilities.

The d-line situation is getting real concerning.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 10:57:09, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

I was very much in the ‘everyone calm down’ camp originally because I assumed for most of these guys it was a situation where we weren’t promising playing time because we thought we had upgrades in place (like getting the Penn guy right after Coenen went in the portal).

But it’s now clear that wasn’t the case, and we just thought we could retain the existing DL on a budget and spent our resources elsewhere. And all the big talk about a level playing field that we can now compete in may have been partially based in a naive belief that everyone was just going to follow the rev share guidelines.

We’ve missed out on several DL targets in the last couple days and even those guys weren’t particularly exciting had we gotten them. So if we’re not having to dig even deeper than that to find replacements, it could be a major problem. Not only does it seem like we have don’t have the money it takes to get proven guys in that position group, but the available options have dried up. And you can’t hide an overmatched defensive line.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I don’t think it likely that they pull a rabbit out of hat at this point.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 16:15:22, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

That will mean things on the field next year.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Such a stark contrast with all of the retention we've done recently

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:49:49, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

I know Bret foreshadowed things being different due to the new portal dates, but feels like we're not in the best position.

Frustrating thing is of the group only Durojaiye is a habitual portal hopper

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:23:28, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

Should have expected the guy who went Kentucky -> West Virginia -> Florida State -> Illinois to only stay a year.

McCollum and Warren came here out of high school and Coenen made the jump from Bemidji State. Tough to lose those.

The DL situation added a black lining to a silver clouded weekend. We have a manageable schedule

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 12, 2026, 11:11:05, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

next season and I do not want to see us get shredded for 40 points every weekend.

Super disappointing.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I think that's clearly the biggest alarm we have. Probably one of the bigger roster issues Bert has

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:08:01, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

had here overall.

I'm curious how we maintain at least a "C" grade on that unit.

Everything else is kind of a wait and see on what it looks like... a few guys I like but not a ton of splash

It's a 5 alarm fire right now... you cannot win in the Big Ten without a competent DL, full stop.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:14:27, in reply to "I think that's clearly the biggest alarm we have. Probably one of the bigger roster issues Bert has "

We basically have nothing right now except C-level transfers and whoever the freshmen are coming in.

BB has done a ton of good, but right now this feels like the time we were ahead of the curve on transfers with Lovie, and then we fell behind as everybody else started pushing the envelope too.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

They must have a plan tho, right? Like they can offer starting positions

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:17:42, in reply to "It's a 5 alarm fire right now... you cannot win in the Big Ten without a competent DL, full stop."

Bielema should be talking to guys in the portal and anyone who is in the two deep at a power 5 who isn't guaranteed a starting spot.

Unless they're completely broke it has to get better than this.

They had a plan and it got blown up. They didn’t think these guys would draw the interest they did

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:41:35, in reply to "They must have a plan tho, right? Like they can offer starting positions"

Now they seem to be stuck with no easy way out of it. Obviously whatever money they were paying the departing players would now be freed up, but we’ve now found out that you need more money than that to get quality DL.

We similarly misread the inflation in the basketball transfer market the last two years, which is what caused the pivot to international players out of necessity. I think something similar happened here, but there aren’t any 300 pound lineman in Serbia.

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Bielema should be talking to guys in the portal and anyone who is in the two deep at a power 5 who isn't guaranteed a starting spot.

Unless they're completely broke it has to get better than this.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

IDK... we basically got big boy'ed for McCollum... so... I guess we can...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:20:35, in reply to "They must have a plan tho, right? Like they can offer starting positions"

...wait and see what happens with the game of musical chairs, or go backchannel some guys but... this is really bad.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

You legit need 7 or 8 rotational lineman in today's game, and they have like three total

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:03:51, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

the tackle position looks completely dire right now. It's super concerning.

Pretty much zero proven talent at the 2nd most important position on the field*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:05:11, in reply to "You legit need 7 or 8 rotational lineman in today's game, and they have like three total"

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the tackle position looks completely dire right now. It's super concerning.

Coenen to MSU/Fitz. Gross*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:00:54, in reply to "The d-line situation is getting real concerning."

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

NE QB Dylan Raiola to Oregon

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 10:08:28, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Moore has to declare because he'll be a top 5 pick, but i think he's going to stink*

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 10:57:38, in reply to "NE QB Dylan Raiola to Oregon "

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

No chance I’d pick him top 5 if I were a nfl team. I wouldn’t pick him too 20*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 14:32:59, in reply to "Moore has to declare because he'll be a top 5 pick, but i think he's going to stink*"

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

If he wants the lucrative second NFL contract, he needs to stay

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:12:00, in reply to "Moore has to declare because he'll be a top 5 pick, but i think he's going to stink*"

If he goes he’ll become forgotten

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

If you believe he so many issues that he’ll be forgotten in the NFL, one year won’t change that

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:57:15, in reply to "If he wants the lucrative second NFL contract, he needs to stay"

He can get life changing money right now and as a top 5 pick will be given opportunity to play and develop. If it doesn’t work out, it won’t be because he didn’t go back to college for another year. It will be because he was never going to be enough regardless.

He’d be crazy not to go now.

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If he goes he’ll become forgotten

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

He’ll get life changing money at Oregon too and more reps

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:48:27, in reply to "If you believe he so many issues that he’ll be forgotten in the NFL, one year won’t change that"

With this environment you can stay and make plenty of money AND still develop

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If he goes he’ll become forgotten

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

The top of the NIL QB market is around $5-6M. That’s incredible for them, but it’s not life changing

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 12:57:11, in reply to "He’ll get life changing money at Oregon too and more reps"

When you can guarantee $50M.

Look at nussmeier, allar, etc. Those guys were going first round last year and now they’re out of the discussion. They each got paid this year but their NFL contracts disappeared.

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With this environment you can stay and make plenty of money AND still develop

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If he goes he’ll become forgotten

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

2026 Heisman finalist Dylan Raiola*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 10:09:30, in reply to "NE QB Dylan Raiola to Oregon "

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https://x.com/on3sports/status/2010731324668047727?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

We got a DL from Wazzou*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2026, 14:47:52, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

was just a freshman who barely played, so this one's depth not impact*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2026, 14:51:15, in reply to "We got a DL from Wazzou*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Best player in the portal (Auburn WR Cam Coleman) to Texas.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2026, 12:24:40, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Gonna run back the Texas preseason #1 and Arch Heisman preseason betting favorite for the second straight season, much more likely to be accurate this time though.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Browns interviewing Nate Scheelhaase.*

Posted by gullit <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gullit' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2026, 12:13:50, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Kind of weird that McVay's actual OC gets like no looks*

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2026, 11:02:47, in reply to "Browns interviewing Nate Scheelhaase.* "

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Backup QB Ethan Hampton to Southern Mississippi *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2026, 10:30:09, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

DL Tomiwa Durojaiye to South Carolina *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 11:42:24, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Probably makes sense for guys like this to level down to the SEC where maybe they can be a star*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 13:49:59, in reply to "DL Tomiwa Durojaiye to South Carolina *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

At some point we're going to need to pony up some cash for impact DL

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 11:59:48, in reply to "DL Tomiwa Durojaiye to South Carolina *"

Everyone needs them and they're expensive, but we're at like Pat Farrell and the new Penn guy

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

yeah I can squint and see enough in the rest of the defense if certain guys pan out

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 13:38:55, in reply to "At some point we're going to need to pony up some cash for impact DL"

but the DL is just a giant hole. and watching indiana, you realize how important an impact DL is.

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Everyone needs them and they're expensive, but we're at like Pat Farrell and the new Penn guy

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

It’s the T2 for most important position group. *

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 14:01:46, in reply to "yeah I can squint and see enough in the rest of the defense if certain guys pan out"

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but the DL is just a giant hole. and watching indiana, you realize how important an impact DL is.

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Everyone needs them and they're expensive, but we're at like Pat Farrell and the new Penn guy

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

LB Robert Edmonson from Colorado St to Illinois *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 20:29:42, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

196tth ranked LB. Not player. The 196th ranked LB. I can’t figure how we are not shopping in more

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 14:16:04, in reply to "LB Robert Edmonson from Colorado St to Illinois *"

Elite circles

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

He reminds me of BJ Bello. I mean that as a compliment*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 14:47:14, in reply to "196tth ranked LB. Not player. The 196th ranked LB. I can’t figure how we are not shopping in more"

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Elite circles

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

There is a 15-sack edge from D3 Hope College. Undersized (6'5", 230), but 15 sacks.

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 20:18:22, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Runs a 10.55 100. Absolutely insane at that size.

https://247sports.com/article/get-to-know-explosive-d3-edge-transfer-liam-danitz-a-portal-gem-270216170/

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

already a favorite of this site:

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:24:23, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Deuce Fillmore-DB from Georgia State- http://x.com/JWerner247/status/2009744877819486566?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

A DL or six would be nice*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 19:02:21, in reply to "already a favorite of this site:"

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Deuce Fillmore-DB from Georgia State- http://x.com/JWerner247/status/2009744877819486566?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Trey Petty to WMU *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:43:54, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Very Small.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 16:12:26, in reply to "Trey Petty to WMU *"

McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:41:09, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Until yesterday I believed we just weren’t promising things because we thought we could do better

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 15:10:22, in reply to "McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*"

But now it does kinda seem like these guys, particularly Coenen and McCollum, realized they could get more elsewhere and we weren’t counting on having to pay them that kind of money. Which now is a problem because we’ve invested the available money elsewhere.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I think you're catastrophizing and that this is early in the ballgame.

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:20:04, in reply to "Until yesterday I believed we just weren’t promising things because we thought we could do better"

There's no doubt in my mind that Josh, Bret and staff would counter where they thought it was reasonable money. This regime has, short of IU football, been exemplary in how to manage this new normal. So when the dust clears, I think we'll have a good D line that we have not overpaid for and continue to boss SEC teams in next year's Reliaquest Bowl.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I think that’s right. But I also think about Gies on every sideline, in every locker room.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:15:00, in reply to "Until yesterday I believed we just weren’t promising things because we thought we could do better"

He’s as much a part of this athletic department as anyone. And I love him for it.

Accordingly, I can’t see an outcome where he doesn’t pony up another $3-5M. I just don’t see a guy like that allowing Whitman and Bert to twist in the wind when they need help.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Whitman had some interesting (and potentially naive) comments in Werner’s podcast

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:19:55, in reply to "I think that’s right. But I also think about Gies on every sideline, in every locker room. "

He said he thinks there’s going to be a lot of unfilled promises with the above-revenue-share deals because they’re going to be rejected once they’re submitted to the CSC portal. He also acknowledged they might never be submitted, which I think is the right answer.

Anyway, my sense from his comments was that we’re only marginally supplementing above the revenue share numbers. But I’m not sure if he was just putting on to maintain appearances.

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He’s as much a part of this athletic department as anyone. Accordingly, I can’t see an outcome where he doesn’t pony up another $3-5M. I just don’t see a guy like that allowing Whitman and Bert to twist in the wind when they need help.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

ooo

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 19:02:39, in reply to "Whitman had some interesting (and potentially naive) comments in Werner’s podcast"

Whitman has never struck me as naive.*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:20:39, in reply to "Whitman had some interesting (and potentially naive) comments in Werner’s podcast"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Me either. I’m just reporting what I watched in the podcast*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:21:33, in reply to "Whitman has never struck me as naive.*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

He’s saying all the party line things.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:24:31, in reply to "Me either. I’m just reporting what I watched in the podcast*"

But I’ve yet to see any evidence that a VFR direct payment from rich guy to player won’t happen. All this enforcement council and clearinghouse shit is meaningless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I hope so (and think we probably are too)*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:26:35, in reply to "He’s saying all the party line things. "

Previous Message

But I’ve yet to see any evidence that a VFR direct payment from rich guy to player won’t happen. All this enforcement council and clearinghouse shit is meaningless.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sirius had Greg Sankey and Jimmy Phillips on their air last night.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:32:03, in reply to "I hope so (and think we probably are too)*"

The question was where is all of this going. Both began by discussing the CSC. Standard.

Then they quickly pivoted to federal legislation. The asymmetry in state law across 37 states and the uncertainty and chaos it creates. The stuff we’ve heard before. This is fundamentally a national problem.

I think that’s the next move. Increased pressure on congress to do something.

Previous Message

But I’ve yet to see any evidence that a VFR direct payment from rich guy to player won’t happen. All this enforcement council and clearinghouse shit is meaningless.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

maybe they can fix the settlement for olympic sports.*

Posted by illinibone <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinibone' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 18:58:37, in reply to "Sirius had Greg Sankey and Jimmy Phillips on their air last night. "

Previous Message

But I’ve yet to see any evidence that a VFR direct payment from rich guy to player won’t happen. All this enforcement council and clearinghouse shit is meaningless.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Script Kiddie

It’s interesting. Sankey’s and Phillips’ conferences have been losers in this model but in different

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:53:58, in reply to "Sirius had Greg Sankey and Jimmy Phillips on their air last night. "

ways.

Previous Message

But I’ve yet to see any evidence that a VFR direct payment from rich guy to player won’t happen. All this enforcement council and clearinghouse shit is meaningless.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Yeah, there goes scheme fit*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 15:02:28, in reply to "McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Knew it had to be somebody with deep pockets... seems like a Morez situation*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:48:53, in reply to "McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

seems more like we fucked up the market value of linemen

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:13:24, in reply to "McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*"

or, can't pay it.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Or it's a coaching problem.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 19:19:19, in reply to "seems more like we fucked up the market value of linemen"

Previous Message

or, can't pay it.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Yeah, losing 5 DL to the portal isn't ideal*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:34:21, in reply to "seems more like we fucked up the market value of linemen"

Previous Message

or, can't pay it.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Not overly impressed with our portal activity to date*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 15:03:21, in reply to "Yeah, losing 5 DL to the portal isn't ideal*"

Previous Message

or, can't pay it.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Oh wow*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:08:44, in reply to "McCullom visiting A&M so that probably explains that*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Malik Elzy to LSU (new WR coach George McDonald)*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:13:44, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Wow. Thought he was looking for playing time*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 15:01:53, in reply to "Malik Elzy to LSU (new WR coach George McDonald)*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Well, ya know, playing time, sure: but that NIL cash as a throw-in might sway him a bit too.

lol, come on.*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:43:33, in reply to "Malik Elzy to LSU (new WR coach George McDonald)*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hope he enjoys the bench*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:36:02, in reply to "Malik Elzy to LSU (new WR coach George McDonald)*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Chambliss denied a 6th year at Miss.

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 12:54:34, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

lawsuits to follow

Pete Thamel
@PeteThamel
NEWS: The NCAA has denied Trinidad Chambliss a sixth-year of eligibility, which would his college career. The decision comes after a verbal denial in December. Ole Miss can still appeal the decision.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

curious why he wouldn't get a medical redshirt

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:04:45, in reply to "Chambliss denied a 6th year at Miss. "

does that mean that Cole Rusk is fucked too?

NCAA says he/the school didn't submit the proper medical paperwork

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:14:13, in reply to "curious why he wouldn't get a medical redshirt"

https://x.com/NCAA_PR/status/2009696030598565961

Previous Message

does that mean that Cole Rusk is fucked too?

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

ok, that seems pretty open and shut to me. Good job NCAA.

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:47:41, in reply to "NCAA says he/the school didn't submit the proper medical paperwork"

*shrugs shoulders*

seriously, if it takes you 6 years to graduate, perhaps college isn’t for you *

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:00:33, in reply to "Chambliss denied a 6th year at Miss. "

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

this goes doubly for people going to Ole Miss*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:21:28, in reply to "seriously, if it takes you 6 years to graduate, perhaps college isn’t for you *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

but those coeds; if only someone had told me about them when I was choosing colleges

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 17:25:22, in reply to "this goes doubly for people going to Ole Miss*"

stupid, lazy internet

“His rights will now be determined by a Mississippi judiciary.”

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 12:59:44, in reply to "Chambliss denied a 6th year at Miss. "

Congrats on the 6th year, Mr. Chambliss.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

first time in history a black man has been happy to hear that*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:18:10, in reply to "“His rights will now be determined by a Mississippi judiciary.”"

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Congrats on the 6th year, Mr. Chambliss.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

damn*

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 13:20:42, in reply to "first time in history a black man has been happy to hear that*"

Previous Message

Congrats on the 6th year, Mr. Chambliss.

my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 9:09:11, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Michigan's Justice Haynes, who was leading the BT in rushing til he got hurt is now in

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 12:17:59, in reply to "my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal"

Adam Rittenberg
@ESPNRittenberg
·
24m
Michigan RB Justice Haynes, who led the Big Ten in rushing at the time of his foot injury, is entering the portal for his final season.

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Bo knows portalling*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 11:25:39, in reply to "my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal"

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeah this is definitely out there.*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 9:46:18, in reply to "my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal"

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I'm sure OSU is pushing out a lot of guys and will be throwing stacks around as needed*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 9:20:44, in reply to "my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal"

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

they've apparently lost their starting LG, 2 starting DBs, and a WR who was set for a starting role

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 11:23:43, in reply to "I'm sure OSU is pushing out a lot of guys and will be throwing stacks around as needed*"

I'm sure they have the talent behind those guys so it won't matter that much but my buddy says they're crying poor a bit when it comes to NIL vs some of the true big schools. Doesn't seem like they're pushing out backups.

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

"true big schools"... who the hell would that be?

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 12:29:50, in reply to "they've apparently lost their starting LG, 2 starting DBs, and a WR who was set for a starting role"

Isn't Ohio State still one of the 5 largest universities in the country?

I'm not exactly crying for them...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I mostly meant the SEC schools with IDGAF money

Posted by Gene Parmesan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Gene+Parmesan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 14:50:06, in reply to ""true big schools"... who the hell would that be?"

I have no sympathy for them, and my buddy isn't really an OSU fan other than marrying into an OSU family. This is just what he's hearing.

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Isn't Ohio State still one of the 5 largest universities in the country?

I'm not exactly crying for them...

Do they have any LB/DL who are unhappy?*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2026, 9:18:43, in reply to "my buddy in Columbus says rumor is that Bo Jackson is unhappy with his current deal"

Previous Message

and is considering portaling. And tOSU in general is losing a bunch of guys.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Demond Williams returning?

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 18:37:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Matt Zenitz
@mzenitz
Despite the developments of the last couple days, Washington would still welcome Demond Williams back to the team and is still hoping for him to remain with the program, sources tell
@CBSSports

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Demond Williams returning.

https://x.com/heitner/status/2009429370855936263

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Contracts work?

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 19:30:43, in reply to "Demond Williams returning. "

This situation is a good example of how the Big Ten's template rev-share contract - which Washington used - limits movement.

Buyout provisions & rev-share reductions built in these contracts are mechanisms to stabilize rosters. They will likely find a courtroom at some point.
Quote
Ross Dellenger
@RossDellenger
·
23m
If he had left, Demond Williams or his new school would have owed Washington the value of his contract ($4 million), sources tell @YahooSports. His new school would have also incurred a reduction in its revenue-share pool next year by that amount, per House settlement guidelines

Abe Simpson gif *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 19:18:38, in reply to "Demond Williams returning. "

Previous Message

https://x.com/heitner/status/2009429370855936263

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

did we ever find out where he was headed?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 19:00:59, in reply to "Demond Williams returning. "

Previous Message

https://x.com/heitner/status/2009429370855936263

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Yes. LSU *

Posted by aimlessillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=aimlessillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 19:21:16, in reply to "did we ever find out where he was headed?*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/heitner/status/2009429370855936263

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

WR Alex Capka Jones portaling *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 17:55:24, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Angelo McCollum in the portal*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:15:26, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

like Tomi D, annoying because projected starter

Posted by jayd <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jayd' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 20:10:15, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

but at the same time the defense needs upgrades everywhere.

Fear is that our rotational guys ate getting bigger $ elsewhere and the staff isn’t assessing the required costs of quality DL appropriately

hosting a UNT EDGE tomorrow

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 18:58:46, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

https://247sports.com/Player/joshua-pierce-46138678/

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Better than a UNT C.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 19:20:02, in reply to "hosting a UNT EDGE tomorrow"

Previous Message

https://247sports.com/Player/joshua-pierce-46138678/

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Do we even have a defensive line at this point?*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:34:52, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I like the old guy we got from Utah State.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 8, 2026, 14:54:26, in reply to "Do we even have a defensive line at this point?*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Pat Farrell *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:52:26, in reply to "Do we even have a defensive line at this point?*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Or, any front 7 for that matter*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:36:42, in reply to "Do we even have a defensive line at this point?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Beerman is going to play every LB position*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:40:54, in reply to "Or, any front 7 for that matter*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Likely starter, so my guess is someone came with a big offer. Otherwise I don’t get it*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:29:05, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Werner says "scheme fit issues."*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:30:10, in reply to "Likely starter, so my guess is someone came with a big offer. Otherwise I don’t get it*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeeaaahhh... feels wonky, but maybe there's a big plan*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:53:17, in reply to "Werner says "scheme fit issues."*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

That sucks*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:24:28, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Oh man I hate that. He was "my guy." He's going to be a stud wherever he goes*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:24:24, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Damn what is going on on the d-line. This must be a surprise given that it’s happening late.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:23:10, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We all seem to love Jamison but man there's a lot of turnover there. *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:24:47, in reply to "Damn what is going on on the d-line. This must be a surprise given that it’s happening late.*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Didn't see that coming*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:16:47, in reply to "Angelo McCollum in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Fla's DJ Lagway to Baylor*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:28:33, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Demond Williams' agent cuts ties

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:22:47, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Hmmmm

pic.twitter.com/9wfihuPeKw
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) January 8, 2026

ESPN reporting he's under the guide of the same dude that got Nico to leave Tenn

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:23:32, in reply to "Demond Williams' agent cuts ties"

Amanda Christovich

@achristovichh
·
8m
Statement from Wasserman saying they no longer represent Demond Williams.

@ESPN
reported that Williams was under the influence of Cordell Landers, the same person who guided Nico Iamaleava through his abrupt decision to leave Tennessee.

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Hmmmm

pic.twitter.com/9wfihuPeKw — Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) January 8, 2026 .

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

So this guy is a leech and tried to pull his special brand of bullshit…

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 13:25:22, in reply to "ESPN reporting he's under the guide of the same dude that got Nico to leave Tenn"

…with a school and conference that doesn’t fuck around anymore.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

what the hell is a Cordell Landers?

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:48:55, in reply to "ESPN reporting he's under the guide of the same dude that got Nico to leave Tenn"

I guess we've figured out where bag men would land in all of this?

And Williams hiring the lawyer who helped the Wisconsin player who went to Miami

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:27:07, in reply to "ESPN reporting he's under the guide of the same dude that got Nico to leave Tenn"

More in this thread from yesterday on the situation with Demond Williams, who has retained noted attorney Darren Heitner, who also handled a similar case with Xavier Lucas last year moving from Wisconsin to Miami https://t.co/0DGS44H9i3
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 8, 2026

there actually hasn't been any damn movement in that UW/Miami case right?

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 12:47:33, in reply to "And Williams hiring the lawyer who helped the Wisconsin player who went to Miami"

everything I've seen has said it's "in the courts"

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More in this thread from yesterday on the situation with Demond Williams, who has retained noted attorney Darren Heitner, who also handled a similar case with Xavier Lucas last year moving from Wisconsin to Miami https://t.co/0DGS44H9i3 — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 8, 2026 .

Correct *

Posted by aimlessillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=aimlessillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 14:03:34, in reply to "there actually hasn't been any damn movement in that UW/Miami case right?"

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everything I've seen has said it's "in the courts"

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WR from FIU Alex Perry signed with Illini

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:26:14, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/i/status/2009300205829570590

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I like this one a lot... seems like a solid Bowick replacement

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:28:35, in reply to "WR from FIU Alex Perry signed with Illini"

hard to say if he's an obvious upgrade but seems like it

Yeah this seems like one of our better adds. Meanwhile, Bowick just committed to OK State*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:31:31, in reply to "I like this one a lot... seems like a solid Bowick replacement"

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hard to say if he's an obvious upgrade but seems like it

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Yeah this seems like one of our better adds. Meanwhile, Bowick just committed to OK State*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:30:34, in reply to "I like this one a lot... seems like a solid Bowick replacement"

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hard to say if he's an obvious upgrade but seems like it

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

got a edge rusher from Utah State

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:00:00, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

25 year old Junior who played baseball for several years.

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/william-holmes-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-utah-state-transfer-269975786/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPMsRVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJMkR3emN2Mld2NnVJa0dVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr0nlzNBkPCN79On0mqUyvpUiom2-5tfcQHuZ3TpDacAJ_Hw8lkXF8iehVE__aem_WIH4kyUSdP5UL5LQMIWGeg

also rumored we got another WR coming that I'm more excited about than Robinson

one thing i find amusing in that article is it talks about "stout edge setters"

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:20:53, in reply to "got a edge rusher from Utah State"

and almost every team is playing some version of Mint/Tite and trying to bounce everything outside to an apex defender (it's Matt Bailey in our defense which is why he led the team in tackles.)

some football memes will never die, like "you've got to set the edge". the guy "setting the edge" is now far outside the tackle box - it's not a DE.

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Like that idea. Probably didn't cost a lot to sign and is an athletic freak entering his athletic pr

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:06:00, in reply to "got a edge rusher from Utah State"

That is a interesting pickup

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We know who will be buying booze for the team... without an ID.*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:04:48, in reply to "got a edge rusher from Utah State"

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Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

we know who can rent a car *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:10:41, in reply to "We know who will be buying booze for the team... without an ID.*"

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We know who’s running for congress*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2026, 14:00:19, in reply to "we know who can rent a car *"

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Jojo Hayden to Purdue *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 18:22:24, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Per Warner we got Ty Robinson - WR from Ball State.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 7, 2026, 17:02:30, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Meh. Nice size, limited production, always hurt*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 17:05:42, in reply to "Per Warner we got Ty Robinson - WR from Ball State.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

i feel like this is most people in the portal lol *

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 18:43:29, in reply to "Meh. Nice size, limited production, always hurt*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Fran Brown (Syracuse coach) said the portal is "everybody swapping their #2s"

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:03:55, in reply to "i feel like this is most people in the portal lol * "

and that's a pretty accurate description minus the QB position

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I don’t understand what roughy is getting at here.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 14:35:13, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

I know there’s the House settlement that is giving every team a certain amount of revenue share money, but I thought it was understood that everyone is getting varying levels of donor funding on top of that. It’s why Texas Tech is getting all the best players with oil money.

So I can’t figure out why this would be inaccurate reporting, what am I missing?

https://x.com/alioneye/status/2008969302553317592?s=61&t=obkYTPkbGlNfrGoozxL-mg

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Have all schools signed the College Sports Commission agreement?

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:34:38, in reply to "I don’t understand what roughy is getting at here."

Texas schools were advised not to.
https://frontofficesports.com/college-sports-enforcement-up-in-the-air-as-participant-agreement-delayed/

Even so, does the CSC really have any teeth to deny deals?

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ooo

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:37:00, in reply to "Have all schools signed the College Sports Commission agreement?"

https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1767806924.html

Will read.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:41:51, in reply to "ooo"

Ross is actually the guy I thought I heard say on a podcast a few weeks back that only a handful of NIL deals had been denied by the clearinghouse up to that point.

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https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1767806924.html

chicken curry*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:18:25, in reply to "I don’t understand what roughy is getting at here."

...

I mean, Mark Cuban can dump money into IU football NIL *AND* not break the system

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:17:51, in reply to "I don’t understand what roughy is getting at here."

he can up his donation, freeing institutional money for other expenses.

he can presumably offer NIL deals to IU athletes through his many enterprises at whatever the fuck "market rate" is

none of that unwinds the system or should cause us to piss our pants

Under the House Settlement rules, which were not in effect for last season IIRC, this is not

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 15:09:46, in reply to "I don’t understand what roughy is getting at here."

supposed to happen. Non rev-share rules are supposed to go through the clearinghouse process. Supposed to. Because there's apparently no real enforcement mechanism in place (even if there is one in writing).

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Whitman was pretty clear that this would work only if schools adhered to it.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 15:54:57, in reply to "Under the House Settlement rules, which were not in effect for last season IIRC, this is not"

We all knew that was laughable.

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Dylan Lord entering portal as well. Illinois State Freshman WR*

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:01:05, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Come to Champaign please*

Posted by reggiedunlop <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=reggiedunlop' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:23:59, in reply to "Dylan Lord entering portal as well. Illinois State Freshman WR*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

my memory is getting fuzzy but isn't that a move that players could have made 15 years ago?

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:16:37, in reply to "Dylan Lord entering portal as well. Illinois State Freshman WR*"

or was it just that you could always go down immediately?

down not up, I think... I think.*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:17:01, in reply to "my memory is getting fuzzy but isn't that a move that players could have made 15 years ago? "

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or was it just that you could always go down immediately?

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Stinks for Illinois State, but this is like *the* shining example of what the portal...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:07:15, in reply to "Dylan Lord entering portal as well. Illinois State Freshman WR*"

...*should* be about... guys who want a shot at the highest level, and earned it a level down... not just guys chasing $ because they've got a straggler earning 20%.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Really interested to see what level of program goes after that guy.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:13:08, in reply to "Stinks for Illinois State, but this is like *the* shining example of what the portal..."

Incredible production, showed some really impressive skill in the championship, and is only a freshman. But is super small and I’m guessing the combine stats wouldn’t be great, I wonder if he’s viewed as a guy that could actually get separation at this level.

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...*should* be about... guys who want a shot at the highest level, and earned it a level down... not just guys chasing $ because they've got a straggler earning 20%.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Good read on how some of these new deals work

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:28:45, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

These multi-million dollar NIL guarantees to players are expected to result in an influx of submissions to the NIL Go clearinghouse. If deals are denied, athletes are deemed ineligible.

“There’s going to be some rude awakening,” says one college official.https://t.co/5Or09TFtk9
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 7, 2026

And then the athletes will sue and win*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 12:29:54, in reply to "Good read on how some of these new deals work"

Previous Message

These multi-million dollar NIL guarantees to players are expected to result in an influx of submissions to the NIL Go clearinghouse. If deals are denied, athletes are deemed ineligible.

“There’s going to be some rude awakening,” says one college official. https://t.co/5Or09TFtk9 — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 7, 2026 .

Interesting take on American youth sports culture

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 10:54:15, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/CamCleeland/status/2008803455734083666?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

As someone currently with kids...youth sports fucking sucks. I hate it...

Posted by haighter <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=haighter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 13:17:22, in reply to "Interesting take on American youth sports culture"

...and we're not even that involved. I would prefer zero sports in our household.

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https://x.com/CamCleeland/status/2008803455734083666?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think "loyalty" as a concept only exists as a means of control, up and down any facet of society

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:19:13, in reply to "Interesting take on American youth sports culture"

maybe that was different 20-30 years ago but I think there are plenty of people out there who can tell you how much loyalty to an employer has been worth in their lives.

For sure, loyalty is for suckers in the modern era*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:33:18, in reply to "I think "loyalty" as a concept only exists as a means of control, up and down any facet of society"

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maybe that was different 20-30 years ago but I think there are plenty of people out there who can tell you how much loyalty to an employer has been worth in their lives.

I'm fortunate enough to be an exception to the rule...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:38:45, in reply to "For sure, loyalty is for suckers in the modern era*"

...loyalty has paid off quite well.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Ty Simpson declares for the draft. Taking advantage of a weak QB class, I guess*

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Terrible decision. I wouldn’t touch him. Hes nowhere near ready*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:10:42, in reply to "Ty Simpson declares for the draft. Taking advantage of a weak QB class, I guess*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

If he gets a QB3 grade, I think he has to go. Nussmeier and Klubnik weren't ready last year

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:16:09, in reply to "Terrible decision. I wouldn’t touch him. Hes nowhere near ready*"

either, but probably wish they had struck while the iron was hot.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

QBs with 15 or fewer college starts don’t fare well in the league

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 23:43:16, in reply to "If he gets a QB3 grade, I think he has to go. Nussmeier and Klubnik weren't ready last year"

https://x.com/dpbrugler/status/2008934775026057661?s=46&t=VDTRR0GkIKnfO4NFZnH3Yw

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either, but probably wish they had struck while the iron was hot.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

seems like a very low sample size.. and what's our definition of "fare well"?

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2026, 10:17:08, in reply to "QBs with 15 or fewer college starts don’t fare well in the league"

like... what's the expected career arc for a 1st round QB pick? (honest question, everyone excpects to land a franchise guy but in reality everyone is just searching and unless you're one of a few guys in the league that stick for a decade it's all just churn)

Trubisky just played his 9th year in the league.. i wouldn't say he's had a bad career

I mean look at Allard*

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either, but probably wish they had struck while the iron was hot.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

he and Moore should go now, especially Simpson

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:33:21, in reply to "If he gets a QB3 grade, I think he has to go. Nussmeier and Klubnik weren't ready last year"

his stock will never be higher.

i agree with bjl though, he's probably not going to make it in the NFL. but that's why the Jets, Raiders, etc are the Jets, Raiders, etc.

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either, but probably wish they had struck while the iron was hot.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

These fools will just be footnotes in the story of NFL HOFer Luke Altmyer.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 7, 2026, 13:21:46, in reply to "he and Moore should go now, especially Simpson"

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his stock will never be higher.

i agree with bjl though, he's probably not going to make it in the NFL. but that's why the Jets, Raiders, etc are the Jets, Raiders, etc.

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either, but probably wish they had struck while the iron was hot.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Malachi Hood to West Virginia*

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:42:43, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:55:31, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/recruiting-roundup-michigan-targeting-four-130000469.html

One recruit who Kyle Whittingham is expected to target is already committed to a Big Ten school — 2027 four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati, who committed to Illinois back in July. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder ranks No. 150 overall in the class and had a good junior season, throwing for 2,671 yards while completing 64.8 percent of his passes.

Despite his commitment to the Illini, Lopati did admit the Whittingham hire is intriguing. It will be hard for any school to flip his commitment, but there is a chance he shows some interest in the Wolverines.

“I would be because of coach Whittingham,” he told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($).

Samoan kid from Utah ending up at Illinois

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 10:31:50, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

i've never thought this one would go the distance for us.

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Hey, crazier things have happened. Admittedly, not often; but... here we are.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 12:27:48, in reply to "Samoan kid from Utah ending up at Illinois"

There was a time where we'd soon get long lists of HS kids signing with their four-year programs, all published in something called a newspaper.

Today? Kinda peek at the roster around Labor Day. Fairness, ya know. JMHO, but entire conferences (and the bottom half of the largest conferences) will soon look like Jucos. Some minor Cignetti-style miracles here and there, but: harder and harder to escape the basement.

(Now ending my shouting at the clouds rant.)

yeah always assumed BYU or Utah would scoop him up*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 12:13:21, in reply to "Samoan kid from Utah ending up at Illinois"

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i've never thought this one would go the distance for us.

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I think we have a better horse school than Michigan

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:16:50, in reply to "Samoan kid from Utah ending up at Illinois"

apparently that was our in with him

I forgot about the horse thing.*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 12:19:21, in reply to "I think we have a better horse school than Michigan"

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apparently that was our in with him

That one hurts... it wouldn't get this public if it wasn't really far along.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 10:12:14, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

The Whittingham thing at UM was something I didn't see creating an immediate recruiting problem, but... here we are.

My guess is we aren't far from flip season with it coming out like this.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

i think there's very little point for Illinois to recruit elite QBs

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 10:34:24, in reply to "That one hurts... it wouldn't get this public if it wasn't really far along."

waste of time and resources. you recruit such a player, you have to play him immediately. he plays immediately, he will stink because that's what Freshmen do. He stinks, then he transfers because we didn't "develop" him properly. Now we're out $2-3mm (or more) we could have otherwise spent on retention.

i don't think anyone should think this kid getting away hurts. if we get him great, but we've seen what happens when you recruit an Elite 11 type QB - he stays a year or two and txfers before doing anything meaningful.

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The Whittingham thing at UM was something I didn't see creating an immediate recruiting problem, but... here we are.

My guess is we aren't far from flip season with it coming out like this.

f we get him, great, but he's of limited value in 2027, potentially a 2028 starter

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:14:46, in reply to "i think there's very little point for Illinois to recruit elite QBs"

that's ages from now, and there's going to be some kid who loses a QB competition at Texas or has a great year at Kennesaw State that's a viable option.

I want to land him but I can't be too bothered if we don't

I just want to know at what point boosters will throw up their hands on all of this...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:24:37, in reply to "f we get him, great, but he's of limited value in 2027, potentially a 2028 starter"

...this cannot be sustainable at the current velocity and unpredictability.

Wealthy people don't get wealthy by losing money... and at some point, guys who effectively steal cash and then go to the next green plot of grass for more are doing effectively that... and since nobody can enforce a contract, it gets chalked up to being a free market...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

College sports is mostly funded by ego driven idiots with fuck you money

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:33:21, in reply to "I just want to know at what point boosters will throw up their hands on all of this..."

built on a foundation of schools amassing large media rights guarantees and ticket sales (with associated "donations" for good seats).

none of this has ever been a good investment for anyone.

True, but these guys weren't formally funding 7 figures for players either.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:36:40, in reply to "College sports is mostly funded by ego driven idiots with fuck you money"

The dollar figures have gone waaaaaaaaaaay up, and the old deal was you had that player for 3-4 years because transfering wasn't a blindly simple decision.

Now it's a 1-year hope and pray... and sure, there's a line out the door at every major school of alums with money, but at some point they're going to get sick of the way this is going... the return isn't there.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

There's always gonna be some guys with real f-u money who will want to say...

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 16:39:53, in reply to "True, but these guys weren't formally funding 7 figures for players either."

See that RB? I paid for him. Or even worse...He's mine.

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to that point, I completely agree

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:41:58, in reply to "True, but these guys weren't formally funding 7 figures for players either."

I think there's been this phase of excitement and disruption and there's going to be a lot of burnout on the back end (especially if we nationally are headed towards any sort of recession) as stuff resets.

I think the following can all be true:

1. Just about everyone is doing variations of the same thing, we can pretty much discount any "X school has secured all sorts of funding and will be competitive" as PR bulllshit.
2. At the end of the day there is some rise and fall of programs due to the churn, but you wind up with programs with certain natural or historical advantages more or less in teh same position as they were.
3. A lot of rise and fall with programs can be explained by demographics or leadership changes
4. Illinois has done a pretty darn good job as a whole navigating this environment

as some drop out, others will opt in *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:34:03, in reply to "College sports is mostly funded by ego driven idiots with fuck you money"

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build on a foundation of schools amassing large media rights guarantees and ticket sales (with associated "donations" for good seats).

none of this has ever been a good investment for anyone.

Can't argue with this logic... still not entirely used to the new paradigm*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 11:00:52, in reply to "i think there's very little point for Illinois to recruit elite QBs"

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The Whittingham thing at UM was something I didn't see creating an immediate recruiting problem, but... here we are.

My guess is we aren't far from flip season with it coming out like this.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Agree. I think it extends well beyond the IL level. Think about how much better Michigan

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 10:37:43, in reply to "i think there's very little point for Illinois to recruit elite QBs"

would have been with chambliss instead of underwood. For like 1/10 the cost

Sucks, but it has felt likely it would end this way eventually - whether Michigan or someone else*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:31:02, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Didn’t really think that one would ever stick anyway. *

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:27:51, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

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He gawn. 90/10 rule *

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:17:12, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

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BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

Meh.

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:02:50, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

Prep QB's offer the outside chance of cost savings because you grew the talent organically... but you can just go buy something of equal or greater value on the market.

I love the click bait articles for recruiting*

Posted by KCWildcat <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KCWildcat' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:04:02, in reply to "Meh."

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Prep QB's offer the outside chance of cost savings because you grew the talent organically... but you can just go buy something of equal or greater value on the market.

Fuck you Larry Ellison*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:58:49, in reply to "Michigan targeting four-star QB committed to Big Ten school"

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

We got a long snapper from Arkansas*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 23:27:44, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We pipped Houser from then too right? They must feel like Tennessee right now.*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 6:47:33, in reply to "We got a long snapper from Arkansas*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Hell yeah*

Posted by Tortillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Tortillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 6:47:22, in reply to "We got a long snapper from Arkansas*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

wooo pig sizzle*

Posted by Nobster <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Nobster' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:53:20, in reply to "Hell yeah*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

how much do you think we paid to get Houser? between $2-3M?*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:15:25, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Werner said 1.5-2*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 22:05:30, in reply to "how much do you think we paid to get Houser? between $2-3M?*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Amazing. Good for these players*

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That does seem like the going range for a 2nd/3rd tier transfer. Seems top of market is $4-6*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 21:01:58, in reply to "how much do you think we paid to get Houser? between $2-3M?*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:10:56, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I hope Washington tries to enforce the contract. There must be some rules. And I'm willing to draw

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 6:49:35, in reply to "Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*"

the line at "you sign a contract, you are committed."

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeah, if the line is going to hold this may be where it starts*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 9:17:46, in reply to "I hope Washington tries to enforce the contract. There must be some rules. And I'm willing to draw "

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the line at "you sign a contract, you are committed."

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

delete*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:48:56, in reply to "I hope Washington tries to enforce the contract. There must be some rules. And I'm willing to draw "

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the line at "you sign a contract, you are committed."

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Or if you break it you owe this amount. *

Posted by harb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=harb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:36:01, in reply to "I hope Washington tries to enforce the contract. There must be some rules. And I'm willing to draw "

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the line at "you sign a contract, you are committed."

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

[Assassin] Harb is the epitome of a Goldfish Troll.
[Opey] Assholes gonna asshole
[tiki] #### all the way off with that, you bloodthirsty hilljack.

Ye olde "liquidated damages", IIRC what an old UIUC prof told us.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 7, 2026, 8:56:09, in reply to "Or if you break it you owe this amount. *"

Sounds like Leavitt is gonna pick Tennessee so LSU dropped a huge bag for Williams.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 21:40:57, in reply to "Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

rumor is Washington is enforcing the deal he signed last week

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:58:03, in reply to "Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*"

http://x.com/PeteNakos/status/2008730326223515731?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I was going to say, they just announced he was staying at UW a few days ago*

Posted by DocWalk20 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DocWalk20' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 23:48:01, in reply to "rumor is Washington is enforcing the deal he signed last week"

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http://x.com/PeteNakos/status/2008730326223515731?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Pulling a Morez?

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:18:30, in reply to "Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*"

Demond Williams signed a deal to return to Washington last week. It will be interesting to see this unfolds with that deal at Washington in place. Sources indicated to ESPN that the deal he signed was near the top of the market. https://t.co/sbn0KjqMbP
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 7, 2026

Yeah, some school must've floated a huge offer*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 21:00:54, in reply to "Pulling a Morez?"

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Demond Williams signed a deal to return to Washington last week. It will be interesting to see this unfolds with that deal at Washington in place. Sources indicated to ESPN that the deal he signed was near the top of the market. https://t.co/sbn0KjqMbP — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 7, 2026 .

Maybe LSU *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 21:20:51, in reply to "Yeah, some school must've floated a huge offer*"

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wow. He’s gotta be getting a bag*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:12:10, in reply to "Washington QB Demond Williams to the portal. Huge loss for them*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

MSU QB Chiles to NW *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:08:03, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Seems like an odd choice, but ok*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 21:00:15, in reply to "MSU QB Chiles to NW *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Well that's kind of funny, actually.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 20:10:50, in reply to "MSU QB Chiles to NW *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Brendan Sorsby is getting 6 million dollars from Texas Tech. Wow*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 19:41:46, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Nebraska now has UNLV’s former QB Anthony Colandrea*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 18:10:18, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Too bad, that’s probably an upgrade over the other guy.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 18:32:36, in reply to " Nebraska now has UNLV’s former QB Anthony Colandrea*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 13:59:44, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I don't like that it's Indiana, but I kind of love it*

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:41:10, in reply to "I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t "

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

At least so far... IU Football fans are like UI football fans.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 16:07:59, in reply to "I don't like that it's Indiana, but I kind of love it*"

They're just elated to be here. Had no premonition or notion that this was going to happen and it just fell on their lap. I don't know when we'll make the turn to IU basketball fan behavior, but I have not seen that yet

Heh. I was at the 63-10 game. They were already there then*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 16:18:18, in reply to "At least so far... IU Football fans are like UI football fans."

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If it were anyone else I would too*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:57:32, in reply to "I don't like that it's Indiana, but I kind of love it*"

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Better IU than Iowa or Northwestern experiencing this. Minnesota I guess about equal.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 6, 2026, 14:44:59, in reply to "I don't like that it's Indiana, but I kind of love it*"

Would prefer MSU made this jump instead of IU because it would put a burr in the saddle of every Michigan fan.

Hopefully IU hoops stays mid.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

This is a great point *

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:54:50, in reply to "Better IU than Iowa or Northwestern experiencing this. Minnesota I guess about equal."

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Would prefer MSU made this jump instead of IU because it would put a burr in the saddle of every Michigan fan.

Hopefully IU hoops stays mid.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

I would also add better them than Purdue*

Posted by jjlocke923 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jjlocke923' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:54:22, in reply to "Better IU than Iowa or Northwestern experiencing this. Minnesota I guess about equal."

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Would prefer MSU made this jump instead of IU because it would put a burr in the saddle of every Michigan fan.

Hopefully IU hoops stays mid.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Proud Winner of the 2024 Deuce ROY Award

Infinitely better and frankly it’s a feature that it must absolutely infuriate Purdue fans *

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:57:07, in reply to "I would also add better them than Purdue*"

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Would prefer MSU made this jump instead of IU because it would put a burr in the saddle of every Michigan fan.

Hopefully IU hoops stays mid.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

Have we had IU boss’s take on this?*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:37:52, in reply to "I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t "

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I will always hate Indiana, but I don't hate seeing a new program emerge...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:24:04, in reply to "I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t "

...it's a reminder that there's always hope... and right now, things aren't so bad for us either.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

as long as Curt Cignetti never experiences a moment of happiness, I'm good

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:07:24, in reply to "I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t "

and from everything I've seen and heard about him, that seems to be an IPC-level lock

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Their fans are obviously enjoying it though, it really grinds my gears.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 6, 2026, 14:17:23, in reply to "as long as Curt Cignetti never experiences a moment of happiness, I'm good"

I had to talk to an IU football fan at my work Christmas party and the whole time I just wanted to punch him. This goober's happiness was too much for me to take. Enough!

Hopefully he decides to give the NFL a shot. Honestly seems like an easier job.

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and from everything I've seen and heard about him, that seems to be an IPC-level lock

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

yeah, I might be singing a different tune if I had to interact with Hoosiers in the wild

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:23:54, in reply to "Their fans are obviously enjoying it though, it really grinds my gears."

at least they're not also good at basketball!

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

He actually wasn't too bad, and was the spouse of a co-worker so I don't have to interact with him.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on January 6, 2026, 14:28:42, in reply to "yeah, I might be singing a different tune if I had to interact with Hoosiers in the wild"

Exaggerating but it still gob-smacks me how good they are. They have been physically dominant over the best programs in the country and it looks like that will continue.

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at least they're not also good at basketball!

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I was all set last week to make a “their fans don’t deserve it” take but then I looked up their

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:21:43, in reply to "Their fans are obviously enjoying it though, it really grinds my gears."

attendance over the last 10 years or so and it’s better than ours

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and from everything I've seen and heard about him, that seems to be an IPC-level lock

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

thank god I almost never run into their alumni.*

Posted by cpsteine <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=cpsteine' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:21:36, in reply to "Their fans are obviously enjoying it though, it really grinds my gears."

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and from everything I've seen and heard about him, that seems to be an IPC-level lock

Just had the realization that there are tons of alums from UofI, Wisky, MI, tOSU, MN here in Seattle

Posted by IlliniRunner <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniRunner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:28:44, in reply to "thank god I almost never run into their alumni.*"

but I rarely run into Indiana alums.

I think it's the lack of tech focus of Indiana, but agreed*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:43:24, in reply to "Just had the realization that there are tons of alums from UofI, Wisky, MI, tOSU, MN here in Seattle"

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but I rarely run into Indiana alums.

I live in tech and m&a; never see 'em*

Posted by cpsteine <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=cpsteine' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 15:46:04, in reply to "I think it's the lack of tech focus of Indiana, but agreed*"

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but I rarely run into Indiana alums.

I think beating Ohio State and then destroying Alabama changed everything.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:02:58, in reply to "I still had hope that Indiana was just a two year fling but they clearly aren’t "

They were still going to remain good under Cignetti regardless, but those two results have elevated them to a different level. And as a result they’re now starting to recruit in a way that will actually allow them to sustain it.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

No lie I think beating Alabama modified the entire CFB balance of power in a meaningful way

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:22:50, in reply to "I think beating Ohio State and then destroying Alabama changed everything."

Especially beating them the way they did

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

Fringe playoff teams getting stomped by #1 happens most years.

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:26:38, in reply to "No lie I think beating Alabama modified the entire CFB balance of power in a meaningful way"

The laundry involved is just making everyone run around like jdl's favorite emoji.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Doesn't hurt to have Mark Cuban and Eli Lilly GLP-1 $$$ flowing into the program.*

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:12:25, in reply to "I think beating Ohio State and then destroying Alabama changed everything."

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Where do all these "Lilly GLP-1 money" insinuations come from?

Posted by gvibes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=gvibes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:59:39, in reply to "Doesn't hurt to have Mark Cuban and Eli Lilly GLP-1 $$$ flowing into the program.*"

They are publicly traded, they aren't funding college football programs.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Lots of IU alums at Lilly. Lots of bonuses and stock options from GLP-1.*

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 18:19:32, in reply to "Where do all these "Lilly GLP-1 money" insinuations come from?"

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They are publicly traded, they aren't funding college football programs.

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Numbers update from BB

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 13:33:09, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

#illini Bret Bielema: Projected to lose about 40 players on our roster. Had about 20 players so far. Some guys I told to get in. A lot of guys who were two-deep guys, we told we'd allow to come back.

Probably will add 15-20 transfers overall.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 6, 2026

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in those player meetings.

BB seems to have good bedside manner and the respect of his players so I imagine he handles it pretty gracefully.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

How does that math work? Lose 40, but gain 15-20? Rest are HS recruits?*

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#illini Bret Bielema: Projected to lose about 40 players on our roster. Had about 20 players so far. Some guys I told to get in. A lot of guys who were two-deep guys, we told we'd allow to come back.

Probably will add 15-20 transfers overall. — Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 6, 2026 .

we were oversigned by about 10-12 to start with

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:51:40, in reply to "How does that math work? Lose 40, but gain 15-20? Rest are HS recruits?*"

number is a bit fuzzy because I think you can still be a shade over 105 while the house settlement shakes out... but if you assume a couple of portal exits boomerang back that will probably land you around ~105

Seems like some of the guys who went in the portal may come back *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 14:35:37, in reply to "How does that math work? Lose 40, but gain 15-20? Rest are HS recruits?*"

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TE Cole Rusk to Arizona*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 12:44:30, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Bert said only one player in the portal was not expected.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 12:34:27, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

I’m gusssing Neal or Tomi?

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

The coaching staff is totally cutting off the insiders with some of these recruitments.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 20:32:21, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

The Wisconsin and FAU guys had never been mentioned once.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Renfro was*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 20:33:26, in reply to "The coaching staff is totally cutting off the insiders with some of these recruitments."

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The Wisconsin and FAU guys had never been mentioned once.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Doug was*

Posted by General Engineer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=General+Engineer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 21:18:50, in reply to "Renfro was*"

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The Wisconsin and FAU guys had never been mentioned once.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Kentucky flipping Minchey from UNL *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 20:07:31, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Who was the Knebraska QB who was called "the next Mahomes" when we played them? Assume he's gone....

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 13:29:41, in reply to "Kentucky flipping Minchey from UNL *"

I am 99% sure that was their 400th consecutive sellout (no pun intended) game.

Transferred? Declared for the draft? Some injury? In any case, that guy seems to have disappeared from Lincoln.

Raiola

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 6, 2026, 15:34:28, in reply to "Who was the Knebraska QB who was called "the next Mahomes" when we played them? Assume he's gone...."

He has to be so pissed that Sorsby went to Texas Tech and gets to hang with Mahomes along with the big payday.

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I am 99% sure that was their 400th consecutive sellout ( no pun intended ) game.

Transferred? Declared for the draft? Some injury? In any case, that guy seems to have disappeared from Lincoln.

That is a truly terrible look for Nebraska.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 20:33:01, in reply to "Kentucky flipping Minchey from UNL *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Interesting. So, LSU likely outbid them for Leavitt*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 20:10:25, in reply to "Kentucky flipping Minchey from UNL *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

FAU wide receiver Jayshon Platt to Illinois *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:19:35, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

also Averaged 23 yards on KORs*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:26:17, in reply to "FAU wide receiver Jayshon Platt to Illinois *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Beatty replacement?*

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:22:11, in reply to "FAU wide receiver Jayshon Platt to Illinois *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Seems like it*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:24:27, in reply to "Beatty replacement?*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Colorado State OL Christian Martin to Illinois*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:13:59, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Let me throw this out there. BB is what Cignetti would have been if he came to IU…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:54:01, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

at the same time and had to begin their time building a program via traditional means and without the NIL/portal supercharge Cignetti has enjoyed. And given that unlimited transfers and unlimited spending won’t last forever it was a perfect window in time for IU. Perfect and they got the perfect coach to take advantage of it.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Bailey's back

Posted by Jersey <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Jersey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:32:28, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJcJE-mHov/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Terrific*

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJcJE-mHov/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

woah. which his injuries figured he was going to roll the draft dice. Big pickup*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:37:45, in reply to "Bailey's back"

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJcJE-mHov/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Matthew Bailey back. That's nice*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:32:25, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

now do X *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:42:03, in reply to "Matthew Bailey back. That's nice*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sorry I moved to BlueSky *

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:16:56, in reply to "now do X *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Jake Renfro signed

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:02:23, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/IlliniFootball/status/2008312726259417320?s=20

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Ethan Hampton gone... Carson Boyd, backup QB? *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:10:16, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Grandson of Dan Hampton. (Did he transfer to Arkansas?)

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:15:53, in reply to "Ethan Hampton gone... Carson Boyd, backup QB? *"

so as of 4pm, I've got us at 23 guys in the portal

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:03:15, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

67 guys returning
30 guys signed as prep or juco
4 in the portal.

that 101 players. We're capped somewhere near 105 (might be able to go over a couple of spots due to transition to the House settlement)...

so any portal additions beyond the next 5-6 guys will require someone else to leave

Walk ins are grandfathered in. I believe we are at 110-112 for next year*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 18:12:22, in reply to "so as of 4pm, I've got us at 23 guys in the portal"

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Which means more are going in, because there’s no way we’re not bringing in a bunch more guys

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:04:59, in reply to "so as of 4pm, I've got us at 23 guys in the portal"

Although not sure if walk ons are part of the 67. Some spots could come from there.

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walkons aren't really a thing anymore, at least not in the traditional sense

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:07:59, in reply to "Which means more are going in, because there’s no way we’re not bringing in a bunch more guys"

you're just limited to 105 players on the roster. (I think you are limited to 85 scholarships, beyond that their financial aid comes out of your NIL budget?)

Ok then former walk ons

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:10:07, in reply to "walkons aren't really a thing anymore, at least not in the traditional sense"

I just meant non-recruited, bottom of the roster guys. If there are any left in that 67, the spots could come from there.

Previous Message

you're just limited to 105 players on the roster. (I think you are limited to 85 scholarships, beyond that their financial aid comes out of your NIL budget?)

correct.

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:11:00, in reply to "Ok then former walk ons"

and yea... you can scan the list of guys who are RS So or RS Jr next year and haven't seen the field and you'd assume that's what you pluck from

in taking a look, there's actually not a ton of those guys left

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:30:22, in reply to "correct."

guillermo gallardo, corey rashad, carter smith, karson kaiser, and trey peters are the only non-senior names on our listed roster that I don't recognize as recruited players.

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and yea... you can scan the list of guys who are RS So or RS Jr next year and haven't seen the field and you'd assume that's what you pluck from

yea, which is why you're having a lot of guys who are getting SOME pt leaving

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:34:38, in reply to "in taking a look, there's actually not a ton of those guys left"

either to get more time, more money, or they are being told they might be in danger from below

I think Bielema has his eyes on not letting 26 be a down year...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:37:41, in reply to "yea, which is why you're having a lot of guys who are getting SOME pt leaving"

...and knows that this fledgling program could be right back in its old spot with a bad season... there's just so much competition now that you can never rest.

So he's churning out the guys who he doesn't see as legitimate 75%+ snap guys, regardless of what we've seen so far... and at least from what he's previously said, he already has talked to these guys and there really aren't any surprises.

Which also leads me to believe he and his scouting dept. have done a shit ton of work finding the guys they believe are legitimately better than the ones they have while expecting some of the younger guys (Trimble, in particular) to step up huge next year.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think there's a wide range of reasons why guys are leaving

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:51:53, in reply to "I think Bielema has his eyes on not letting 26 be a down year..."

middle/bottom of the roster guys with little to no playing time? definitely bielema letting them know.

but some of the starter/2-deep guys are probably a combo of money and opportunity rather than getting churned.

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we're in a rebuild (or at least, reload) phase... last year we sold players on a possible playoff

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:02:05, in reply to "I think there's a wide range of reasons why guys are leaving"

and we landed at 9 wins which is FANTASTIC..

I think you're starting closer to the foundations with next year.

We got a center from Wisconsin.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 15:57:00, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Interesting one, has only had one real season of actually playing since 2021.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:54:18, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

1 game in 2022
1 game in 2023
4 games in 2025.

Certainly a good pickup no matter what, but probably not someone you can heavily count on.

Previous Message

https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

That’ll bother me only if TJ McMillen leaves.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:53:54, in reply to "Interesting one, has only had one real season of actually playing since 2021."

TJ, not Tyler.

Previous Message

1 game in 2022
1 game in 2023
4 games in 2025.

Certainly a good pickup no matter what, but probably not someone you can heavily count on.

Previous Message

https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hmm... goes with Fickell from Cincy to Wisconsin... now to Illinois.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:33:51, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

This seems like one of the most impactful, important gets of the offseason.

A super experienced C with a new OL is massive.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Immediate upgrade*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:29:15, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

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https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

nm.*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:02:48, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

Hopefully he is healthy (and eligible)*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:00:51, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

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https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

that seems very good*

Posted by John Coctostan <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=John+Coctostan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:00:39, in reply to "We got a center from Wisconsin. "

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https://x.com/chris_hummer/status/2008296211808133539?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Juice Clarke to stay at Illinois.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 15:07:27, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Which is helpful.

https://x.com/glenn_kinley/status/2008277943567753246?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I'm legit bummed by Olano, Hood and JoJo. Really frustrating. And Bowick just makes no sense to

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 15:37:12, in reply to "Juice Clarke to stay at Illinois. "

me. he's going to get more money or be in a better spot than he was going to be here? I just cant believe that

I'm just stunned at how many defenders have bounced. Is it a reflection of Henry, our money or something else?

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Which is helpful.

https://x.com/glenn_kinley/status/2008277943567753246?s=46

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I was as big a fan of Hood as anyone. But that kid just didn’t make plays*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:57:52, in reply to "I'm legit bummed by Olano, Hood and JoJo. Really frustrating. And Bowick just makes no sense to"

Previous Message

Which is helpful.

https://x.com/glenn_kinley/status/2008277943567753246?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think we've been extraordinarily lucky the last two years

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 15:39:52, in reply to "I'm legit bummed by Olano, Hood and JoJo. Really frustrating. And Bowick just makes no sense to"

and this is more a reversion to the mean...

we are about 10-12 players over the cap, and have had a lot of guys in the program for a year or two that haven't found the field a ton.

get back to me in 4 weeks

I'm resting a little easier with us getting our QB*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:30:59, in reply to "I think we've been extraordinarily lucky the last two years"

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100%

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:44:38, in reply to "I'm resting a little easier with us getting our QB*"

that's done so we can build around that.

Great teams are built up the middle, right? Oh, that's baseball.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:46:43, in reply to "100% "

Counts in football too.

So... DT... LB... safety...?

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

we need some stars on this team. Last year it was X, Jacas, Bailey, Luke, Beatty, Davis

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 17:03:52, in reply to "Great teams are built up the middle, right? Oh, that's baseball."

might get 2 of them back, we got our QB... maybe we have a guy waiting in the wings... but we could use some impact players

but amar reynolds will not

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 15:31:14, in reply to "Juice Clarke to stay at Illinois. "

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2008273463715459497

the sheer number is getting very high.

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Which is helpful.

https://x.com/glenn_kinley/status/2008277943567753246?s=46

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

What are the chances we have guys committed that haven’t announced?*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 14:21:06, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Olana to aTm is officially official *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:48:41, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

In more ways than one.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:19:03, in reply to "Olana to aTm is officially official *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Olano*

Posted by jjlocke923 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jjlocke923' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:51:03, in reply to "Olana to aTm is officially official *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Proud Winner of the 2024 Deuce ROY Award

Apologies for the typo *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:58:34, in reply to "Olano*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Olana Ohana*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 13:02:07, in reply to "Apologies for the typo *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Saboor Karriem portaling*

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:34:13, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Thought he was going to be a stud*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 14:42:56, in reply to "Saboor Karriem portaling*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Man, that sucks. His family are great*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:57:58, in reply to "Saboor Karriem portaling*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hopefully they know Bailey and/or X is returning*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:41:17, in reply to "Saboor Karriem portaling*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Caleb Patterson to K-State*

Posted by KCWildcat <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KCWildcat' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:30:23, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Fire Bert, can’t let this one get away

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:11:33, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/transferportal/status/2008194253873353103?s=61&t=obkYTPkbGlNfrGoozxL-mg

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

VIV would’ve hated it anyway*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:12:18, in reply to "Fire Bert, can’t let this one get away"

Previous Message

https://x.com/transferportal/status/2008194253873353103?s=61&t=obkYTPkbGlNfrGoozxL-mg

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

rejected Frozen lyrics*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:55:35, in reply to "VIV would’ve hated it anyway*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/transferportal/status/2008194253873353103?s=61&t=obkYTPkbGlNfrGoozxL-mg

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Acknowledged*

Posted by PapaDels <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PapaDels' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:10:52, in reply to "rejected Frozen lyrics*"

Previous Message

https://x.com/transferportal/status/2008194253873353103?s=61&t=obkYTPkbGlNfrGoozxL-mg

I have schweppervessence and wessonality.
Too sweet to be sour, too nice to be mean.

I'm not even sure what the draw is for me anymore for college sports

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 7:51:25, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I understand why people feel this way but it really hasn’t hit me in the same way.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:18:16, in reply to "I'm not even sure what the draw is for me anymore for college sports"

I hate seeing a guy like Morez at Michigan and if Luke had gone to Tennessee and killed it there, that too would have been a nut punch.

But I actually like the fact that there’s always hope, and I think that fact gets minimized by those who say they hate this new era. You used to be fully locked in with what you have for years by your high school recruiting, and there was very little you could do about it if you had some misses. I don’t miss the days where Quentin Snider decommitting on signing day made me (correctly) think that the next 2 seasons of Illinois basketball were pretty much fucked. That ruined my enjoyment more than having to learn some new names and faces every year.

Its also taken me way less time than expected to feel like the transfer players are “one of us,” I don’t really think it takes 3 years for there to be that connection.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Probably because we're in the best place we've ever been

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:32:53, in reply to "I understand why people feel this way but it really hasn’t hit me in the same way."

Imagine being a Northwestern fan instead

I mean... they're building an $800M stadium... can't be too bad up there*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:37:16, in reply to "Probably because we're in the best place we've ever been"

Previous Message

Imagine being a Northwestern fan instead

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Facilities are great, sure

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:44:16, in reply to "I mean... they're building an $800M stadium... can't be too bad up there*"

But I'm talking about results on the field/court. Braun's done well to get them in 2 bowls but the last 7 seasons have not been that great from where they were. And it looks like Collins may have peaked in hoops because they're not dancing again this year.

And it's missing my point that most people will care more about winning. If that stops then the other stuff may start to make them wonder.

must be nice to have one super rich alum willing to fund everything

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:39:21, in reply to "I mean... they're building an $800M stadium... can't be too bad up there*"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

as I said below, I'd like to see contracts become multi-year

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:43:27, in reply to "I understand why people feel this way but it really hasn’t hit me in the same way."

I don't think life is too bad for us, we have the resources to be competitive, and I think have elevated ourselves during this period of churn... I also think we need to understand our "increased resources" are matched by just about everyone else.

I think it sucks most if you're a mid-major fan... you have a good year you're going to get absolutely gutted with no compensation whatsoever.

Yes, paying players is fine, free movement is fine, but the two together with no limits

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 10:22:23, in reply to "as I said below, I'd like to see contracts become multi-year"

is a problem. We need to somehow get to multi-year contracts with a buyout clause. If you want to sign for one year, the school can pass or pay less. If you sign for multiple years and want to move, then you (or really your new program) needs to pay back some of the money you received.

Agreed. I've been thinking about it a lot, and I'm not sure exactly the right answer...

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:29:45, in reply to "Yes, paying players is fine, free movement is fine, but the two together with no limits"

I feel like it be something like everything is a 2 year contract. Commit out of HS? 2 year contract. Once those 2 years are up, you sign another 2 year contract. I know you can go to 5 years, so there might be an option structure around that 5th year.

In general, I feel like for the sport and fandom to survive, both the school and the player should always commit to 2 years minimum. Then you end up with real free agency, etc.

The house settlement just did that. The upcoming freshman just signed their NIL

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:01:49, in reply to "Yes, paying players is fine, free movement is fine, but the two together with no limits"

Rights for the next 4 years

Previous Message

That's for revenue sharing from the school

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:46:25, in reply to "The house settlement just did that. The upcoming freshman just signed their NIL"

NIL from other sources seems to be continuing unfettered despite the alleged oversight from the CSC.

WHAT?!?!?!?

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 16:43:44, in reply to "That's for revenue sharing from the school"

I was told on the internet that rev share was going to solve everything.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

That doesn’t sound right to me. Maybe we are talking about two separate things

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:26:23, in reply to "The house settlement just did that. The upcoming freshman just signed their NIL"

but my understanding of those NIL agreements are that the schools and conferences get to use the athletes NIL in perpetuity. For example, if UI wants to put Luke Altmyer on a billboard or if the B1G wants to use Keaton Wagler in an advertisement they have the rights to do that.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Yep... portal, fine. Money, fine. Combined with no guardrails, not fine*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:37:44, in reply to "Yes, paying players is fine, free movement is fine, but the two together with no limits"

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Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Yeah if I was a fan of a mid major I would feel differently, it’s brutal for them.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:53:40, in reply to "as I said below, I'd like to see contracts become multi-year"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I’ve been thinking about how few upsets there have been in basketball

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 14:02:21, in reply to "Yeah if I was a fan of a mid major I would feel differently, it’s brutal for them.*"

Maybe it’s all anecdotal or maybe it’s no diffferent than most years, but really feels like the gulf between the top 30 or so is wider than ever.

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My heart breaks for mid majors . They are the heartbeat and backbone of March Madness!

Posted by illinilosch <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinilosch' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 12:00:25, in reply to "Yeah if I was a fan of a mid major I would feel differently, it’s brutal for them.*"

I don't see how they survive and thrive in this NIL/Transfer portal culture.

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As a fan of both Illinois and Charlotte, I can confirm

Posted by GrandmotherPearlsJam <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=GrandmotherPearlsJam' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 11:21:58, in reply to "Yeah if I was a fan of a mid major I would feel differently, it’s brutal for them.*"

Football sucks, with no hope on the horizon. And without any large benefactors to pull from, it's just too much to overcome.

On the basketball side, they can get good for a season from some surprises or diamonds in the rough, but the next year, those pieces get plucked.

I dunno, we're pretty good, the football team is basically what we spent 20 years saying we wanted

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:13:34, in reply to "I'm not even sure what the draw is for me anymore for college sports"

recruiting has always been icky and you don't strike me as the type that obsessed over what 16-17 year olds thought

I'd like to see some multi-year contracts but otherwise I don't have a problem with much of this.

The brand and the coach is all that is left. Glad we've got Bert and Brad. I like them. It would be

Posted by LovetheChief <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LovetheChief' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 8:25:18, in reply to "I'm not even sure what the draw is for me anymore for college sports"

brutal to be stuck with a coach you didn't like now.

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it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Watching Iowa State fall to shit with Campbell leaving is disheartening

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:14:33, in reply to "The brand and the coach is all that is left. Glad we've got Bert and Brad. I like them. It would be"

they've got a big rebuild ahead of them... hopefully we're in pretty solid position when the time comes because being gutted like that sucks

Brutal to be stuck pre-Whitman Illinois. He had his finger on the pulse of this before it started*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 9:10:48, in reply to "The brand and the coach is all that is left. Glad we've got Bert and Brad. I like them. It would be"

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brutal to be stuck with a coach you didn't like now.

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it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

“Always has been” astronaut meme.*

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it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Agreed, but even more so now

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 8:04:02, in reply to "“Always has been” astronaut meme.*"

faster turnover. Less about the school even more about money. And strange this, I feel like students should get paid. But the side effects make it less compelling for me.

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it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think it will all level out at some point. When? IDK. But this pace is unsustainable *

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faster turnover. Less about the school even more about money. And strange this, I feel like students should get paid. But the side effects make it less compelling for me.

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it's now the most "rooting for laundry" of all.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Sorsby to Texas Tech*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:42:48, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Looks like LSU/Lane going to have to throw the bag at someone else*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:57:58, in reply to "Sorsby to Texas Tech*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Leavitt maybe*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 22:18:55, in reply to "Looks like LSU/Lane going to have to throw the bag at someone else*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

thought he was going to UK*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 22:35:47, in reply to "Leavitt maybe*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:00:31, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

It went from suck to blow*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 5:58:12, in reply to "This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Yeah, I don’t care for it much either.*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 5:11:43, in reply to "This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

IU killing it in the portal? You and me, brother.*

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 5, 2026, 4:05:12, in reply to "This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I’m ugly.

1/3 of CFB players in the portal definitely seems unsustainable*

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:05:33, in reply to "This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Need a handle on amount of times one can transfer. The every year thing isn’t feasible. *

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:04:54, in reply to "This is so fucking stupid and I hate it.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

That would require some kind of collective bargaining arrangement

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 21:47:53, in reply to "Need a handle on amount of times one can transfer. The every year thing isn’t feasible. *"

Tough to see how we get there without some kind of major restructuring of college sports.

Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:01:36, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yikes, so Tomi, Neal, Coenen, Warren all to the portal. Nearly the whole DL*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:51:43, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

so far he’s been on teams in the SEC, B12, ACC, and B1G.*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:17:43, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

So, Notre Dame bound to complete the circuit?*

Posted by illini222 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini222' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:20:04, in reply to "so far he’s been on teams in the SEC, B12, ACC, and B1G.*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Drink Everytime Brad Underwood says "Elite" in a press conference.

Wow*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:09:16, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I don’t like that *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:05:46, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

That one seems bad, but maybe we have an upgrade in mind like we did with Coenen*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:03:36, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

sheesh *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:02:05, in reply to "Tomiwa Durojaiye to the portal. We need like an entire DL*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Looks like we got the ecu qb *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:33:10, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

and a transfer QB D2 Chowan.Ethan Hampton a goner*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:51:37, in reply to "Looks like we got the ecu qb *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

He's Micah Smith's brother, I don't think he's ever supposed to play*

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:57:13, in reply to "and a transfer QB D2 Chowan.Ethan Hampton a goner*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Nice. Seems like a really good option*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:45:22, in reply to "Looks like we got the ecu qb *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Terrific*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:34:53, in reply to "Looks like we got the ecu qb *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Huge *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:33:33, in reply to "Looks like we got the ecu qb *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

6’3” 225, so yeah, decent size*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:47:21, in reply to "Huge *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Harvard QB to TCU*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:22:46, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

nm*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 17:58:10, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

nm*

Posted by DocWalk20 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DocWalk20' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 17:01:38, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

nm*

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

TCU QB Josh Hoover to Indiana. So that’s annoying *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 16:10:38, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 16:19:53, in reply to "TCU QB Josh Hoover to Indiana. So that’s annoying *"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

You guys understand the sort of GLP-1 money Lilly is pumping into that program, right?*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 19:52:09, in reply to "They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I've heard they are top 5 in NIL budget/spending nationally*

Posted by WhitmansFolly <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=WhitmansFolly' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 17:41:34, in reply to "They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Podcast from Friday mentioned Indiana as sub $30M NIL.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:04:11, in reply to "I've heard they are top 5 in NIL budget/spending nationally*"

But closer to $30M than $20M. (I assume that includes the House settlement money - it wasn't stated.)

Another podcast noted top 1/2 to 1/3 in the B1G

That, or they have comparable money and unreal results the last two years

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 17:15:59, in reply to "They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*"

And now a top RB: Turbo Richard from BC*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 16:44:41, in reply to "They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Lots of our billionaire grads have no interest, are crazy or give to Michigan*

Posted by illini222 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini222' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 16:24:01, in reply to "They've got a top QB, WR, and DL today. Must have a ton of $$ to throw around*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Drink Everytime Brad Underwood says "Elite" in a press conference.

Rocco Becht to PSU official*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 15:19:00, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

IU gets former MSU WR Nick Marsh. Still odd getting used to them paying for blue blood talent

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 13:50:42, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Clearly have a budget far higher than ours

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

40 guys trying to portal away from Fitzee and his BS.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 15:11:31, in reply to "IU gets former MSU WR Nick Marsh. Still odd getting used to them paying for blue blood talent"

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Clearly have a budget far higher than ours

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Jojo Hayden visiting Purdue, Arizona State, and Kansas State

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 12:20:21, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

That’s not a bad list.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Not sure why or how any of those would value him higher than we would.*

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 20:46:57, in reply to "Jojo Hayden visiting Purdue, Arizona State, and Kansas State"

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That’s not a bad list.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Assuming QB is done, we need a nose/0 tech type—and badly*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:53:57, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Need a WR too.*

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 14:04:31, in reply to "Assuming QB is done, we need a nose/0 tech type—and badly*"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I’m ugly.

Penn DL Carter Janki signs

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:37:34, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

He was 1st Team All-Ivy this year with 42 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 4 sacks.

BREAKING: Penn transfer DL Carter Janki has signed with Illinois, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/twx2zKBxOG pic.twitter.com/27MslXWNYM
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 4, 2026

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hell yeah*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:44:29, in reply to "Penn DL Carter Janki signs"

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He was 1st Team All-Ivy this year with 42 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 4 sacks.

BREAKING: Penn transfer DL Carter Janki has signed with Illinois, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/twx2zKBxOG pic.twitter.com/27MslXWNYM — Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 4, 2026 .

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That explains Coenen leaving today *

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 15:04:07, in reply to "Hell yeah*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Another SEC bashing article with an Illini hero photo

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:36:55, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Love it

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6938399/2026/01/04/sec-football-bowl-records-nil-transfer-portal/?source=user_shared_article

“The world that has been created through NIL, revenue share and the portal that we operate in now has erased the limitations to a certain level,” Bielema told The Athletic on Saturday, a few days after his Illini defeated Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. “I know this: Before I came here, we’d never beaten an SEC team in our history, and we’ve now beaten two back-to-back (in bowl games).”

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

That's a top ten Illini FB photo moment

Posted by jfinsocal <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jfinsocal' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:33:38, in reply to "Another SEC bashing article with an Illini hero photo "

Anderson busting it for 10 yards on fourtn and one on a simple fullback run. Hope that Bielema frames that photo and puts it on the wall in the football offices. So good.

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One obscure kid on our roster I never want to see in the portal is Andre Lovett

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:33:49, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

I firmly believe showing well on special teams portends good position play. Lovett is that. I hope he starts.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Crystal ball for East Carolina quarterback *

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:08:14, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

How good is the qb we got in December from FLA?*

Posted by TarheelIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=TarheelIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:49:19, in reply to "Crystal ball for East Carolina quarterback *"

I’ll hang up and listen

Recrudescence

Michael Clayton from Miami? I’m skeptical

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:58:18, in reply to "How good is the qb we got in December from FLA?*"

I’m sure he has tools and all that. But his HS head coach used to front 2 Live Crew. So I’m going to assume he’s had ass coaching and will need time to develop.

I’ll also assume that, if he performs well, he’ll be in the portal and Florida-bound in a heartbeat.

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

Don’t know about his Sr year, but his comp % as a Jr was barely 50%

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 16:35:56, in reply to "Michael Clayton from Miami? I’m skeptical "

Don’t know the context (bad WRs, etc) but it is a bit of a red flag

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

supposedly Bielema thinks he's his best ever QB recruit*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:56:48, in reply to "How good is the qb we got in December from FLA?*"

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

I believe that was about Boyd, not Clayton.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 12:57:42, in reply to "supposedly Bielema thinks he's his best ever QB recruit*"

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Wait til he sees Lopati*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 12:55:04, in reply to "supposedly Bielema thinks he's his best ever QB recruit*"

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

He did and said he’s the best high school QB he’s ever seen, so there’s that.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 12:56:54, in reply to "Wait til he sees Lopati*"

Move over Brad Underwood, there’s a new hyperbole sheriff in town.

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Brad Underwood called him elite*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 12:32:22, in reply to "supposedly Bielema thinks he's his best ever QB recruit*"

Previous Message

I’ll hang up and listen

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

He checks all my boxes*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:24:24, in reply to "Crystal ball for East Carolina quarterback *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

TMI? TWSS?*

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

TBH I don’t love the Kaliak-whatever comp, but I trust in the staff that if he’s the guy, he’s…

…the right guy.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Don't tell that to Werner. I know he's going through a rough time but he's being extra snarky

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 13:24:49, in reply to "TBH I don’t love the Kaliak-whatever comp, but I trust in the staff that if he’s the guy, he’s…"

with anyone that questions the guys we're going after. FTR I'm satisfied with this guy being our QB next year though.

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…the right guy.

That comp is not based on his ball. This kid throws it deep well. Kaliakmanis doesn’t.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:28:25, in reply to "TBH I don’t love the Kaliak-whatever comp, but I trust in the staff that if he’s the guy, he’s…"

Trouble is, we don’t have a speed guy to take the top off a defense. Need one.

Previous Message

…the right guy.

Do we know when he’s visiting us and Arkansas?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:10:53, in reply to "Crystal ball for East Carolina quarterback *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Believe he's at Illinois now, going to Arkansas when he leaves here. *

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:19:08, in reply to "Do we know when he’s visiting us and Arkansas?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Eli Coenen in the portal*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:06:37, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Wow. I thought he was going to be really productive. Maybe other teams think so too.*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:29:05, in reply to "Eli Coenen in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Surprising and disappointing *

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That’s an interesting one. Looked like he was carving out a role here*

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeah, DLs are tough to find. He looked like an interesting piece/prospect*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:11:35, in reply to "That’s an interesting one. Looked like he was carving out a role here*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Safety Lavon Williams commits

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 9:19:05, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2007832567836512306?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

East Texas A&M sounds like a made up school that you'd see in a movie *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:05:51, in reply to "Safety Lavon Williams commits"

Previous Message

https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2007832567836512306?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Bubba from Varsity Blues played there and graduated with a degree in animal husbandry*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 11:14:02, in reply to "East Texas A&M sounds like a made up school that you'd see in a movie *"

Previous Message

https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2007832567836512306?s=46&t=qWbYzilv9wbGGv_awycNAg

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Alabama is Illinois now.

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 9:05:38, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Beat UAB.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

Link: Praise or insult?

Meaningless content*

Posted by MtHoodIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MtHoodIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 14:56:23, in reply to "Alabama is Illinois now."

Previous Message

Beat UAB.

Bought a second book for their "library"? *

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:06:20, in reply to "Alabama is Illinois now."

Obligatory "yeah, that thar first one was all colored in..."

Not remotely offended ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 9:07:14, in reply to "Alabama is Illinois now."

Previous Message

Beat UAB.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I will apply the commutative property and say that Illinois is Alabama now.*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 9:20:05, in reply to "Not remotely offended ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>*"

Previous Message

Beat UAB.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

The south really screwed up by not dominating at the start of NIL

Posted by RVA <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=RVA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2026, 10:02:53, in reply to "I will apply the commutative property and say that Illinois is Alabama now.*"

Churn the Indianas and Illinoises into paste so the fans have no hope. Thus preventing the maxing out of rev share (and then some on top of that). Instead Indiana is set for the decade while Illinois beat Tennessee first for the sevices of the star qb and then on the field itself. Why wouldn't an Illini fan be more optimistic about the future?

Kentucky's QB to Arizona State, Arkansas State's to Iowa State

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 21:46:20, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

are UK and ASU just trading?

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz to Louisville*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 22:01:34, in reply to "Kentucky's QB to Arizona State, Arkansas State's to Iowa State"

Previous Message

are UK and ASU just trading?

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Dang*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 22:09:19, in reply to "Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz to Louisville*"

Previous Message

are UK and ASU just trading?

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hmm, not really sure where we go if we don’t get the ECU guy. Pribula from Miznoz maybe*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 22:08:23, in reply to "Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz to Louisville*"

Previous Message

are UK and ASU just trading?

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Nevermind, seems Pribula is probably bound for Georgia Tech. So I dunno.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 22:30:35, in reply to "Hmm, not really sure where we go if we don’t get the ECU guy. Pribula from Miznoz maybe*"

Previous Message

are UK and ASU just trading?

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

IL Crystal Ball picks coming in for a Western Carolina DB (Hasaan Sykes)*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 21:30:13, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

"in contact with" a scUM DB

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:20:16, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Mizzou is getting a visit from Michigan DB transfer Elijah Dotson next week.

Variety of other schools are in contact like Pitt (who he was committed to in HS), Auburn, Illinois, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Kentucky and more.https://t.co/LZmU3BzZXc pic.twitter.com/9YTleUsuVh
— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) January 3, 2026

No rebuild. Only reloads. So happy we have Bret, Brad, and Josh leading us during this era*

Posted by Phytynlini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Phytynlini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:17:47, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Completely agree. *

Posted by harb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=harb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 17:25:23, in reply to "No rebuild. Only reloads. So happy we have Bret, Brad, and Josh leading us during this era*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

[Assassin] Harb is the epitome of a Goldfish Troll.
[Opey] Assholes gonna asshole
[tiki] #### all the way off with that, you bloodthirsty hilljack.

This is bonkers. 4500 in the portal. We’ve got like 6 guys on visit now or imminently*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:13:30, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Gonna be a busy two weeks*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:28:01, in reply to "This is bonkers. 4500 in the portal. We’ve got like 6 guys on visit now or imminently*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Tysean Griffin enters the portal *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:25:16, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 11:36:03, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Looks solid…but only 1 year of eligibility *

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 17:17:51, in reply to "looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Gotta maintain the idea that Lopati could start Day 1...

...ok, not really... but I would imagine those conversations have taken place... we're just keeping the seat warm...

After the pub he's gotten recently, I can only guess he'll get more recruiting attention, as if he didn't already have a lot.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

They’re high on Boyd and Clayton so makes sense*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 17:19:25, in reply to "Looks solid…but only 1 year of eligibility *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

They see us bowlin, they Katin *

Posted by meanjeans <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=meanjeans' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:17:41, in reply to "looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

He appears to be our #1 target and will be a battle between us and Arkansas*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:20:36, in reply to "looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We can’t lose that. Just can’t.*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:14:44, in reply to "He appears to our #1 target and will be a battle between us and Arkansas*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

This is my complete agreement*

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Nm*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 15:14:28, in reply to "He appears to our #1 target and will be a battle between us and Arkansas*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

That would be a good add, imo

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:20:22, in reply to "looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*"

A lot of experience and good pedigree.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Grandson of Barry Houser.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 11:38:38, in reply to "looks like we're interested in East Carolina QB Katin Houser*"

Cousin of Doogie*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:16:30, in reply to "Grandson of Barry Houser. "

Previous Message

Please turn in your log in*

Posted by Chilango <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chilango' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:51:01, in reply to "Cousin of Doogie*"

Previous Message

Well, outta South Alabama comes a country safety, said he's looking for a guy named Bertie-Bert....

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 11:35:59, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

May or may not be called "Slim" down home: given name is Ty Goodwill (that part is no joke). Height is 6-3, weight 210.

All of the above (well most of the real stuff) comes from Carson Gourdie on Facebook.

Northwestern hiring Jerry Neuheisel (Ken doll from UCLA) as QB coach

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 10:20:36, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Source: Northwestern is set to hire Jerry Neuheisel as quarterbacks coach. Neuheisel is a former Chip Kelly assistant at UCLA, who remained with the Bruins under DeShaun Foster and became the team's offensive play-caller after Tino Sunseri stepped away this fall.

https://x.com/espnrittenberg/status/2006793248212398394?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Curt Neal portaling

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 18:03:58, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2007232041700790492?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Hmm that one is mildly surprising, Werner was touting him as a returning contributor.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 19:48:47, in reply to "Curt Neal portaling"

When it comes to the status of current roster players though, I feel like this staff has done a pretty good job of limiting access to real information. So maybe it wasn’t a surprise to the coaching staff.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Neil Peart Cortaling*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 19:47:22, in reply to "Curt Neal portaling"

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2007232041700790492?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

Huh, portal season just starting: kinda wonder what the rush is?

Austin Simmons is now in the portal*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 18:01:06, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Can we maybe tag non-Illinois players with their school?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 23:30:29, in reply to "Austin Simmons is now in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Supposedly going to Mizzou*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 18:24:24, in reply to "Austin Simmons is now in the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Olano visiting Texas A&M, so all the smoke was in fact correct*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 16:32:40, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Been a sure thing for weeks*

Posted by Drippy <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Drippy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 18:09:25, in reply to "Olano visiting Texas A&M, so all the smoke was in fact correct*"

he just wants to take their legendary Meats class*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 16:36:23, in reply to "Olano visiting Texas A&M, so all the smoke was in fact correct*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

oof Koi Perich (Minnesota) entering the portal*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 16:31:15, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Seems fishy*

Posted by Phytynlini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Phytynlini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 3, 2026, 13:27:32, in reply to "oof Koi Perich (Minnesota) entering the portal*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:38:19, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Wonder if some of the ISU players would be worth a gamble?

Posted by DanSaint <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DanSaint' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:53:32, in reply to "Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle "

Playing in FCS Championship tonight

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

the game is Monday night*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 16:08:06, in reply to "Wonder if some of the ISU players would be worth a gamble? "

Previous Message

Playing in FCS Championship tonight

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Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Please stop replying to the ####ing See 'n Say."

when I posted it I thought it was Monday. been a long ass week*

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Playing in FCS Championship tonight

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Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

The Cignetti effect *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:30:31, in reply to "Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle "

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

at the risk of aping ranger

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:25:39, in reply to "Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle "

I'll take a guy who's had some success at a lower college level over a guy who's barely played since high school, even if the latter has better measurables.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

my caveat to that is QB is different

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:41:21, in reply to "at the risk of aping ranger"

you can be good and be behind a guy, a la Altmyer. plus, a lot of a QB success is being coached well.

but i don't want a cornerback that was a high 4* recruited to UF that didn't play for them. that kid can't play football.

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I'll take a guy who's had some success at a lower college level over a guy who's barely played since high school, even if the latter has better measurables.

I would agree (although my additional caveat is im intrigued by this Harvard kid)

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:47:39, in reply to "my caveat to that is QB is different"

Previous Message

I'll take a guy who's had some success at a lower college level over a guy who's barely played since high school, even if the latter has better measurables.

Smart, we need 2-3 million for a QB *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:50:16, in reply to "Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle "

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

i'd take a hard look at QB DJ Williams from SIU if he portals *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:38:21, in reply to "Smart, we need 2-3 million for a QB *"

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

We aren’t going to be able to get that level of QB, IMO.*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:51:04, in reply to "Smart, we need 2-3 million for a QB *"

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We do have a pretty good recent success story at the position.*

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=SurfTheBoneyard' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:33:54, in reply to "We aren’t going to be able to get that level of QB, IMO.*"

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle

“Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Stop pissing in my Cheerios bruv *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:28:52, in reply to "We aren’t going to be able to get that level of QB, IMO.*"

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

The University of Cincinnati kid is being offered $5M for one year by LSU and Texas Tech supposedly.

Posted by voiceofreason <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=voiceofreason' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:18:59, in reply to "We aren’t going to be able to get that level of QB, IMO.*"

So, that’s top of the market.

How much would this Harvard kid cost? Is that still a thing?

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

I think that's the right play for most of your portal shopping *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:42:25, in reply to "Early indications are that we’re shopping pretty heavily in the FCS aisle "

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

It's likely the budget-friendly model. But, hopefully we can pay for some top 100

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:49:19, in reply to "I think that's the right play for most of your portal shopping *"

transfer types as well

Previous Message

Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

I think you bulk up in FCS and pay strategically for a couple of spots

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 16:00:01, in reply to "It's likely the budget-friendly model. But, hopefully we can pay for some top 100"

For example getting a Terrance Brooks and a Torrie Cox.

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transfer types as well

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Won’t post the names since it’s behind the 247 paywall, but the early list of visitors are all guys that would be taking a major step up in level.

Do we have a running list of our players that are in the portal?*

Posted by reggiedunlop <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=reggiedunlop' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:30:38, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

As of 2:30 1-2-26

Posted by illini222 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini222' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:38:58, in reply to "Do we have a running list of our players that are in the portal?*"

Curt Neal
Justin Bowick
Ashton Hollins
Kaleb Patterson
Jake Furtney
Tyson Rooks
Malachi Hood
Cole Rusk
David Olano
Jojo Hayden
Kellen Francis
Vernon Woodward III
Mario Sanders II
Jeremiah Warren
Easton Baker
Trey Petty
Malik Elzy

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Drink Everytime Brad Underwood says "Elite" in a press conference.

247 has one.. I think its free?*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:38:40, in reply to "Do we have a running list of our players that are in the portal?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Dang, Bowick to the portal*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 13:36:39, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

going to need Trimble to step up*

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Read somewhere that he was likely to portal.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 13:56:23, in reply to "Dang, Bowick to the portal*"

Chase the bag I guess.

Thought he had a big enough role that he may stay.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

This seems to be the first one that kind of hurts, correct?*

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Cole Rusk will hurt a lot whose next TE??

Posted by redgrange77 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=redgrange77' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 17:25:17, in reply to "This seems to be the first one that kind of hurts, correct?*"

He made sensational catches and great lockerroom guy.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I think Hood hurts too*

Posted by ilinni11 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ilinni11' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 15:31:25, in reply to "This seems to be the first one that kind of hurts, correct?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Olano too*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:16:30, in reply to "This seems to be the first one that kind of hurts, correct?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Yeah that one is kind of a bummer. But certainly not irreplaceable*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 13:52:55, in reply to "This seems to be the first one that kind of hurts, correct?*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I feel like he was more impactful early in the year...seemed to disappear a lot

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 14:16:23, in reply to "Yeah that one is kind of a bummer. But certainly not irreplaceable*"

as others began to step up.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

The KS OC (Kotelnicki) who went to PSU is back at KS

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 11:13:49, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Back on Kansas soil.

We’re excited to welcome back Andy Kotelnicki as our Associate Head Coach 🔴🔵

🔗→ bit.ly/45xqe4o

https://x.com/ku_football/status/2007137311406817465?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

I assume we are buying a QB and DL as priority? *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 9:55:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

Linebackers please. Not pass rushing ones. Middle of the field ones*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 12:08:58, in reply to "I assume we are buying a QB and DL as priority? *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

It’s the biggest thing on defense, I think. We need a radical increase in speed at that position*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 12:31:29, in reply to "Linebackers please. Not pass rushing ones. Middle of the field ones*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

We also need a scheme change to have them within 15 yards of the LOS to utilize those abilities.*

Posted by voiceofreason <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=voiceofreason' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 13:50:45, in reply to "It’s the biggest thing on defense, I think. We need a radical increase in speed at that position*"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Still OL more than DL I think, unless you're counting OLB.

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 11:54:27, in reply to "I assume we are buying a QB and DL as priority? *"

Probably need one interior D lineman who is starter level, but we have a bunch of guys back.

And, LB and DB*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 10:06:04, in reply to "I assume we are buying a QB and DL as priority? *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

LB is sort of crazy as there were a bunch on the roster.

But now apparently a bunch in the portal.

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

a bunch on the roster...

Posted by Taz <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Taz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 13:29:01, in reply to "LB is sort of crazy as there were a bunch on the roster."

And not one of them was better than mediocre.

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But now apparently a bunch in the portal.

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Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

Sometimes you just need to yeet a bobcat *

Being an Illini fan is a goddamn curse.*

Couple of CB picks for Minchey to UNL *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 8:45:16, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

idkwti *

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 9:01:39, in reply to "Couple of CB picks for Minchey to UNL *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Had to look it up, Notre Dame backup QB that has barely played in 3 years but is highly regarded*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 9:18:58, in reply to "idkwti *"

Previous Message

Rocco Becht visiting Penn State in coming days and presumably will land there with Matt Campbell.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

1000 players already in

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 1, 2026, 23:20:53, in reply to "College football portal thread - the portal is now officially open"

A total of more than 1,000 FBS/FCS players are now officially in the transfer portal. Just like that.

https://x.com/max_olson/status/2006955782609506762?s=46&t=Z2WDeGTY1oiKv3V21L4QWw

I won't let you down
So please don't give me up

Drop in the bucket. :-/

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 2, 2026, 9:32:19, in reply to "1000 players already in"

Kinda wonder if anyone has ever correlated the number of "fairness" transfers for any one particular kid to the probability him of having a degree in five years.

Oh well. Genie ain't a gpin' back in the bottle.

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