The Deuce

The Deuce
[ The Deuce ]

DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles.

Posted by tvillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=tvillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 30, 2026, 18:45:33

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

John Holocek is returning to Loyola as HC. Current HC is moving to “GM”*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 17, 2026, 10:38:05, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Gonna hire Howard and Hardy. Offer out to Simeon Hrice.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 17, 2026, 12:10:15, in reply to "John Holocek is returning to Loyola as HC. Current HC is moving to “GM”*"

Lopati to Michigan*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 17:47:09, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Larry will get his.*

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 19:16:06, in reply to "Lopati to Michigan*"

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

I’m ugly.

Outwork, outsmart, outpay. :-( Eh.

Posted by Dilbert <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Dilbert' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 17:58:51, in reply to "Lopati to Michigan*"

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Outwork, outsmart, outpay. :-( Eh.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 17:53:13, in reply to "Lopati to Michigan*"

Outwork, outsmart, outpay. :-( Eh.

Donovan Leary to West Florida

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 14:50:08, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Hope he finally gets to play

Source: Former Illinois and Tulane QB Donovan Leary has committed to West Florida. He’s a former three-star recruit from the Class of 2022 who has one season of eligibility remaining. He’s the brother of former NC State/Kentucky QB Devin Leary. pic.twitter.com/xjbG4oAyvh
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 14, 2026

Gotta admit I'd never heard of West Florida. First classes: fall of 1967.

So, ya know, a Florida Ivy.

Little-known fact: One of the Space Grant institutions, just like UIUC. (Don't ask me, saw that on Wiki.)

All-time record in football: 81-30. So they gotta be doing something right. (Program started in 2016.)

They announced like a week ago they're moving to Division I (FCS)

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 18:03:02, in reply to "Gotta admit I'd never heard of West Florida. First classes: fall of 1967."

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So, ya know, a Florida Ivy.

Little-known fact: One of the Space Grant institutions, just like UIUC. (Don't ask me, saw that on Wiki.)

All-time record in football: 81-30. So they gotta be doing something right. (Program started in 2016.)

Go Argonauts!*

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:05:05, in reply to "Donovan Leary to West Florida"

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Hope he finally gets to play

Source: Former Illinois and Tulane QB Donovan Leary has committed to West Florida. He’s a former three-star recruit from the Class of 2022 who has one season of eligibility remaining. He’s the brother of former NC State/Kentucky QB Devin Leary. pic.twitter.com/xjbG4oAyvh — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 14, 2026 .

"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."

Related....

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:23:47, in reply to "Go Argonauts!*"

Driving to soccer a few weeks ago and we go right past Argo

Kid - Dad, that's argo high school, right?

Me - Yes

Kid - I guess it makes sense why they're the Argonauts

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Yup! The nickname picks itself.

Did you tell him you know one of the finest ones?

It's still odd to me that it was named after the area around it, which in turn was named after corn starch, and not after any of the 4-5 communities it actually pulls from. (Summit, Bridgeview, Justice, Willow Springs, Bedford Park)

"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."

We’ll always have that two point conversion vs Michigan*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 14:50:51, in reply to "Donovan Leary to West Florida"

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Wasn’t it Purdue?*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:52:32, in reply to "We’ll always have that two point conversion vs Michigan*"

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Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 16:00:19, in reply to "Wasn’t it Purdue?*"

https://x.com/tomfornelli/status/1847757354604904594?s=46&t=MWDCul4OYT_bx4k20dduAA

Lopati has decomitted *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 13:47:22, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Meh, we're a basketball school

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:43:07, in reply to "Lopati has decomitted *"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

meh. Bigger things to worry about for the 27 class.

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 13:57:17, in reply to "Lopati has decomitted *"

sucks we got in early on that one but it's the position I'm most comfortable in finding a solution for if we need one

My biggest worry about the 2027 class

Posted by jayd <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jayd' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:13:54, in reply to "meh. Bigger things to worry about for the 27 class. "

is that we really don't have one yet and not sure who we lead on that is someone worth getting excited about. We had a decent class last season and was hoping for the same type of class, albeit less volume, this cycle but it seems like we're quite a bit behind that pace. I don't get it.

It can't only be because of the staff turnover, right?

I’m wondering about our financial situation compared to the Jonses

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:21:15, in reply to "My biggest worry about the 2027 class"

At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

I was concerned the second Bert and Josh started talking about a level playing field.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:43:46, in reply to "I’m wondering about our financial situation compared to the Jonses"

They’re too smart to have ever actually believed that all schools were just going spend their $22M and nothing more than that, but I never really understood the benefit of speaking about it in those terms.

And Bert complaining on Twitter about Michigan throwing big money at Lopati, combined with us not budgeting enough money to keep any of our DL, it just gives off the vibe that we have misread the situation in some way.

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

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

Yeah I have faith in both Bret and Josh and think it can get corrected by next offseason

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 16:59:24, in reply to "I was concerned the second Bert and Josh started talking about a level playing field."

But I’m now fairly confident there was a misread this offseason. And while I love spicy Bret, complaining openly about being poor is not where you want to be. Probably burned the bridge doing it (not that we were ever going to get him back, but still).

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

I get the feeling they thought there would be some correction in the overall market

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:54:39, in reply to "I was concerned the second Bert and Josh started talking about a level playing field."

And we felt good about where we were at and spent our money on the world’s largest scoreboard.

But that didn’t happen. Things continued to escalate. And now we have no defensive line.

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

Yeah, but think how good the opposing running lanes will look on that monstrosity*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:56:35, in reply to "I get the feeling they thought there would be some correction in the overall market"

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And we felt good about where we were at and spent our money on the world’s largest scoreboard.

But that didn’t happen. Things continued to escalate. And now we have no defensive line.

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

There was a time when we wouldn't show replays at Memorial.

Supposedly "against B1G rules".

They finally figured out that we were the only ones paying attention to that rule.

So there's what I will call "hard NIL" and "soft NIL". We know for a fact, with "Hard NIL"...

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:20:33, in reply to "I’m wondering about our financial situation compared to the Jonses"

..which I'm defining as the ~$22mil institutional NIL that all schools could spend... that we spend more on hoops than others (as we fucking should), so by definition football has less of the pie.

"Soft NIL" is all of the other levers you can pull to give kids money. We're not an uber program with huge national branding like Texas, Ohio State, etc... we have less there. We have some heavy hitting donors, yay, but baseketball gets a good amount of the cash too.

I think we're solidly upper middle class, which is a testament to Josh and the university in the last decades... we went from being lower middle status to starting to be on a tier with Wisconsin/Iowa/others in terms of resources. We also have a smaller class projected this year and maybe we're being more strategic?

I'll squirm a bit if we don't get a few decent commitments in the next 4 weeks.

We are either a poverty program, or playing by imaginary rules. Either reality is bad.*

Posted by Dude_The <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Dude_The' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:29:19, in reply to "I’m wondering about our financial situation compared to the Jonses"

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

In reality, it can't be good. For some reason, we are trying to socialize we have plenty of $$

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:24:17, in reply to "I’m wondering about our financial situation compared to the Jonses"

But, we whiffed on most portal targets and can't get any traction with a loaded in-state '27 class. Coming off the best 2-year stretch in recent memory, that doesn't add up unless we just can't offer what our competitors can

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

we have plenty of money, everyone has plenty of money.

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 15:22:13, in reply to "In reality, it can't be good. For some reason, we are trying to socialize we have plenty of $$"

The end result of a decade of growth and spending is we clearly moved ahead of a couple of Big Ten programs and nudged ourselves into proximity to the main pack.

That's it, that's what we've done.

Bert had better come up with a Balkan type strategy if true.*

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 April 13, 2026, 14:33:05, in reply to "In reality, it can't be good. For some reason, we are trying to socialize we have plenty of $$"

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Agree*

Posted by jayd <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jayd' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:25:54, in reply to "In reality, it can't be good. For some reason, we are trying to socialize we have plenty of $$"

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At least publicly Whitman seemed pretty Pollyanna-ish that everyone was going to stick to the House settlement

Agreed but this just is a continuation of a pretty awful 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 April 13, 2026, 14:08:59, in reply to "meh. Bigger things to worry about for the 27 class. "

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sucks we got in early on that one but it's the position I'm most comfortable in finding a solution for if we need one

Yeah, even the big boy playoff teams seem to be using portal quarterbacks to actually see field time

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 13:58:19, in reply to "meh. Bigger things to worry about for the 27 class. "

and I'm happy for Michigan to be spending its resources on a sophomore and freshman QB.

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sucks we got in early on that one but it's the position I'm most comfortable in finding a solution for if we need one

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

If he would have seen the field in 2027 we have big issues

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 14:06:16, in reply to "Yeah, even the big boy playoff teams seem to be using portal quarterbacks to actually see field time"

2028 is a long long ways off and we may have a guy for that year signed anyways.

Let someone else pay for his clipboard years.*

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

That was fun*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 13, 2026, 13:52:52, in reply to "Lopati has decomitted *"

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

congrats to 2029 MAC Champion, Buffalo

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 16:03:22, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

future Illini opponent

https://www.instagram.com/p/DW7IIIqmnvg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

lol Bert responding to a Michigan site about Lopati

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 10:56:21, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

Losing Lopati doesn't bother me. It's almost all transfer QBs nowadays for every program*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:06:13, in reply to "lol Bert responding to a Michigan site about Lopati "

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

getting Lopati is actively harmful to whoever recruits him

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:48:37, in reply to "Losing Lopati doesn't bother me. It's almost all transfer QBs nowadays for every program*"

opportunity cost is high on these FR QBs. pay Lopati $2mm a year, red shirts one year, sits the bench another, then txfers. the program got virtually nothing from that but spent $4mm.

waste of time and resources for Illinois to chase this type of QB prospect after he blew up and became a national recruit.

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if he never starts a game for Michigan either*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 12:24:44, in reply to "getting Lopati is actively harmful to whoever recruits him"

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

They can pay for his development and then he can come here in 3-4 years*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 12:23:00, in reply to "getting Lopati is actively harmful to whoever recruits him"

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

depends on how highly ranked he ends up

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 13:58:05, in reply to "They can pay for his development and then he can come here in 3-4 years*"

if he's a 5* or whatever its unlikely he would transfer here even if he never plays at UM. if he plays and is kind of OK to bad, i still think unlikely as a 5*. somebody will talk themselves into paying him a multi million dollar deal if he ends up very highly ranked.

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

When was the last time we started a non-transfer QB? Probably Williams back in like 2020*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:26:55, in reply to "Losing Lopati doesn't bother me. It's almost all transfer QBs nowadays for every program*"

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

You're definitely right

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:08:08, in reply to "Losing Lopati doesn't bother me. It's almost all transfer QBs nowadays for every program*"

I'm just butt hurt because he's my favorite QB recruit we've landed in my lifetime.

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

He'll probably end up taking BYU or something to the CFP in 2029*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:10:50, in reply to "You're definitely right"

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I'm just butt hurt because he's my favorite QB recruit we've landed in my lifetime.

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

What exactly is his point here?*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:03:03, in reply to "lol Bert responding to a Michigan site about Lopati "

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Agreed. It's snarky and just not much upside. And, if anything, he is just highlighting

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:03:35, in reply to "What exactly is his point here?*"

that our boosters aren't as booster-y as UMs

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Love me some Bert but if saying MIchigan is offering Lopati several million

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:05:19, in reply to "Agreed. It's snarky and just not much upside. And, if anything, he is just highlighting"

is supposed to be some kind of shade being thrown...

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

I think it’s a commentary on the article not mentioning it at all*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:07:56, in reply to "Love me some Bert but if saying MIchigan is offering Lopati several million"

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is supposed to be some kind of shade being thrown...

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

Ahh okay that makes sense*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 11:08:23, in reply to "I think it’s a commentary on the article not mentioning it at all*"

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is supposed to be some kind of shade being thrown...

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https://x.com/BretBielema/status/2042269773082284439?s=20

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Luke Altmyer on GMFB *

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 8:37:02, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

"Friday tailgates suck. People have jobs and school."

Practice

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 8, 2026, 22:20:41, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

95 seconds of sights and sounds from Wednesday night's #Illini football practice: pic.twitter.com/9oZAM7GWvj
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 9, 2026

"Pardon me sir, how do you get to Carnegie Hall?"

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 8:33:43, in reply to "Practice"

Not a game!*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 8, 2026, 22:25:42, in reply to "Practice"

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95 seconds of sights and sounds from Wednesday night's #Illini football practice: pic.twitter.com/9oZAM7GWvj — Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 9, 2026 .

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

QB1

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 8, 2026, 22:21:13, in reply to "Practice"

50 seconds of Katin Houser throws #Illini pic.twitter.com/F8eRp8EYN3
— Tristan Thomas (@TristanThomasTV) April 9, 2026

Seems we're just about on the verge of losing our big-time prep QB. Not a lot of good fball news

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 8, 2026, 20:49:21, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

for a while

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

I found it pretty adorable that Werner kept trying to keep the fanbases hope alive

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2026, 8:16:55, in reply to "Seems we're just about on the verge of losing our big-time prep QB. Not a lot of good fball news "

"His relationship with Art is special!"

Anyone with a brain knew several weeks ago he wasn't coming here

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for a while

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Tank got a new deal

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 6, 2026, 11:52:52, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Source: Illinois head strength and conditioning coach Tank Wright has received a new 3-year deal with the school. Wright is in his sixth season in the role after first working under coach Bret Bielema at Arkansas.

⁦@mzenitz⁩ first reported. pic.twitter.com/mNmScJxVE6
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) April 6, 2026

we have added a transfer safety from NIU

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2026, 20:19:53, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

https://x.com/TransferPortal/status/2040190363453808958

guy was a legit recruit. interesting.

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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

He'll fit into our 1-1-9 scheme! Prevent defense all game!*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2026, 20:21:16, in reply to "we have added a transfer safety from NIU"

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https://x.com/TransferPortal/status/2040190363453808958

guy was a legit recruit. interesting.

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

can he play DL?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2026, 20:20:45, in reply to "we have added a transfer safety from NIU"

Previous Message

https://x.com/TransferPortal/status/2040190363453808958

guy was a legit recruit. interesting.

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

Who is the starting QB next year? *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2026, 17:10:00, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

Katin Houser*

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2026, 17:30:40, in reply to "Who is the starting QB next year? *"

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

meh, we're a basketball school again

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 10:06:24, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

This has not been a fun offseason

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 9:12:37, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Also, no surprise, but Lopati to ND appears imminent. As much as I hate ND I’m pretty happy it’s not Michigan.

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https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

It gives me an awful feeling that we've topped out, and the decline may be starting...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 10:28:57, in reply to "This has not been a fun offseason"

...I didn't like the Montana DC hire, and don't find him particularly impressive. Losing the entire DL (the McCullom spin is absurd) is a monster problem.

There's still a lot of good going on, but the USCs and Washingtons aren't just going to settle for being mid-pack.

I have a ton of faith in BB, but it's taken a little bit of a hit this offseason. Of course, if we can score 35 PPG and win 7-8 games this year by outscoring teams, that would be really nice... and probably will be necessary.

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

What’s the critique of Hauck?

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:13:23, in reply to "It gives me an awful feeling that we've topped out, and the decline may be starting..."

It seems like Bret is giving him total control of the defense.

Bret seems to trust him

Hauck, perhaps undeservedly, will be the scapegoat

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:20:35, in reply to "What’s the critique of Hauck?"

He may know what he’s doing with this 3-3-5 thing but I worry it will be hard to keep teams from gashing us in the run game. Scheme and strategy may not overcome a glaring lack of talent up front

Previous Message

It seems like Bret is giving him total control of the defense.

Bret seems to trust him

any scheme has so many variables who knows what we'll end up with, but...

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:58:03, in reply to "Hauck, perhaps undeservedly, will be the scapegoat"

watching the 3-3-5 at Iowa State the last couple years, it's effective, a bit gimmicky, and we'll give up yards... lots of them. I saw a lot of teams marching up and down the field and then you wind up winning 24-17 or something like that.

we may have a totally different approach that may or may not work out.

IDK... just don't get a great feel about him. Hope to be wrong, of course*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:15:47, in reply to "What’s the critique of Hauck?"

Previous Message

It seems like Bret is giving him total control of the defense.

Bret seems to trust him

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

he seems ok, but the degree to which we bought into just being Montana

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 12:00:41, in reply to "IDK... just don't get a great feel about him. Hope to be wrong, of course*"

is perhaps a bit much.

I watched highlights of one game and it was then getting ran over by Montana St in the national semifinals.

granted, montana st did that to most people.

The good news is that it would have to be a disaster to be a clear step back. Offense reloaded and may still be pretty damn good.

Other way.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 12:03:42, in reply to "he seems ok, but the degree to which we bought into just being Montana State "

Hauck is from Montana and got run over by Montana State.

Previous Message

is perhaps a bit much.

I watched highlights of one MSU game and it was then getting ran over by Montana in the national semifinals.

granted, montana did that to most people.

The good news is that it would have to be a disaster to be a clear step back. Offense reloaded and may still be pretty damn good.

chumped like a chump

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Hauck is from Montana and got run over by Montana State.

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I think we're taking a step back this year, and I don't think our ceiling is much higher than we've

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 10:54:28, in reply to "It gives me an awful feeling that we've topped out, and the decline may be starting..."

seen the last two years

I'm 100% ok and in fact very delighted with that

Ceiling is one thing... my concern is about our history of being black or white.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:00:02, in reply to "I think we're taking a step back this year, and I don't think our ceiling is much higher than we've "

I would be happy with a nice charcoal... but that seems rare for us... and maintaining that is almost as hard as maintaining that higher ceiling... there's so much jockeying in the middle, and I feel like our staff took a big step backwards... and the whole DL thing just seems so anti-Bielema...

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

I agree with that and I'm not blown away by Hauck, Bert has enough of a leash that I'll wait and see

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:04:38, in reply to "Ceiling is one thing... my concern is about our history of being black or white."

I do think we're underplaying how our prep recruiting had a pretty darn good class, but that doesn't help us until 2027-2028 timeframe... so next year I just want 6

Things change year to year now... so down years just don't get the patience they once did...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:17:17, in reply to "I agree with that and I'm not blown away by Hauck, Bert has enough of a leash that I'll wait and see"

...which leads me to be a little concerned how this class will end out shaking out if we struggle badly next year, and they start getting poached.

Granted, we have zero reason to believe BB will let this thing fall apart... the DL thing just gives me such awful mid-00s vibes that I can't shake it.

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

It could be Matha-Moss level bad*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:21:51, in reply to "Things change year to year now... so down years just don't get the patience they once did..."

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We also have a favorable schedule next year. Hopefully the DL thing is just a one year blip.*

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 March 31, 2026, 11:12:23, in reply to "I agree with that and I'm not blown away by Hauck, Bert has enough of a leash that I'll wait and see"

Previous Message

I do think we're underplaying how our prep recruiting had a pretty darn good class, but that doesn't help us until 2027-2028 timeframe... so next year I just want 6

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

We shall see but read somewhere we are unlikely to get any of the top 10 in the state this year

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:18:37, in reply to "We also have a favorable schedule next year. Hopefully the DL thing is just a one year blip.*"

but since I don’t follow all that closely I’m not sure how good the talent is in state.

Previous Message

I do think we're underplaying how our prep recruiting had a pretty darn good class, but that doesn't help us until 2027-2028 timeframe... so next year I just want 6

We are barely even in the conversation for most. And, even the ones where we may get a visit

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:22:06, in reply to "We shall see but read somewhere we are unlikely to get any of the top 10 in the state this year "

It seems like a longshot. It's so odd. It's one of the deepest in-state classes in recent memory and it feels like late-stage Zook or Turner where we aren't even among the consideration set

Previous Message

but since I don’t follow all that closely I’m not sure how good the talent is in state.

Previous Message

I do think we're underplaying how our prep recruiting had a pretty darn good class, but that doesn't help us until 2027-2028 timeframe... so next year I just want 6

IDC if it's the worst class in 40 years... 0/10 would be an abysmal failure in recruiting...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:20:10, in reply to "We shall see but read somewhere we are unlikely to get any of the top 10 in the state this year "

...that's Lovie shit.

Football still requires development...

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

I just don’t understand the strategy with the 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 March 31, 2026, 10:39:47, in reply to "It gives me an awful feeling that we've topped out, and the decline may be starting..."

Only got guys from small schools who were mostly rotation guys there

We supposedly have money so why did they not address
Their biggest needs? I do think the O will be fine but I think the whole scheme change has been a lie. It’s not to try something different IMO as much as to try an overcome the holes they failed to address

Maybe it will work but I just see teams running wild through our front seven….i mean six. It could totally invalidate what appears to be a fine secondary

Previous Message

We supposedly have money so how did we let McCullom leave?

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 10:46:33, in reply to "I just don’t understand the strategy with the DL and LB"

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

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

I'm just not sure I'm buying the we have $$ thing (or else, what is the explanation)

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 10:59:20, in reply to "We supposedly have money so how did we let McCullom leave?"

Aside from QB, we made pretty much 0 noise in the portal. And, we seemingly have no in-state recruiting traction with this really deep class. It just doesn't make sense

Previous Message

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

The most recent Whitman interview with Werner was extremely concerning to me.

Posted by Dude_The <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Dude_The' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:12:18, in reply to "I'm just not sure I'm buying the we have $$ thing (or else, what is the explanation)"

Obviously this isn't a critique of what Whitman has done with the Illinois athletic department as a whole, that would be insane.

I do think he might be the only AD in the country that even considers the CSC as something more than a myth.

It is just so Illinois to have a true renaissance under somebody so competent at his job that that very competence lands him in a role that requires steadfastly following rules only he could help put in place.

Fighting with two hands tied behind his back, but somehow fighting to a tie?

Previous Message

Aside from QB, we made pretty much 0 noise in the portal. And, we seemingly have no in-state recruiting traction with this really deep class. It just doesn't make sense

Previous Message

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

I'm hoping that's just misdirection. JW is much smarter than that.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:18:51, in reply to "The most recent Whitman interview with Werner was extremely concerning to me."

The whole CSC/NIL thing is completely toothless.

The only thing that will solve this is putting steadfast transfer rules into place. IDC if it's not equitable between players and coaches. Grow the fuck up and do something before you call the shots.

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

It seems like we've heavily invested in certain positions and neglected others

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:10:05, in reply to "I'm just not sure I'm buying the we have $$ thing (or else, what is the explanation)"

This team is gonna give up so many rushing yards next season.

If we're about to lose our best recruit for next year and don't have much momentum otherwise I'm confused how this all went sideways after closing out last year's recruiting class and winning a bowl game against Tennessee.

After 19 wins over 2 years and our best class in years... it's boggleworthy*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:00:33, in reply to "I'm just not sure I'm buying the we have $$ thing (or else, what is the explanation)"

Previous Message

Aside from QB, we made pretty much 0 noise in the portal. And, we seemingly have no in-state recruiting traction with this really deep class. It just doesn't make sense

Previous Message

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

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

everyone has money and we have to feed Brad too (and Shauna to a very small degree)*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:05:19, in reply to "After 19 wins over 2 years and our best class in years... it's boggleworthy*"

Previous Message

Aside from QB, we made pretty much 0 noise in the portal. And, we seemingly have no in-state recruiting traction with this really deep class. It just doesn't make sense

Previous Message

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

Right?? This should be peak excitement time*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2026, 11:04:41, in reply to "After 19 wins over 2 years and our best class in years... it's boggleworthy*"

Previous Message

Aside from QB, we made pretty much 0 noise in the portal. And, we seemingly have no in-state recruiting traction with this really deep class. It just doesn't make sense

Previous Message

Retention has been so good, and... well... I guess we'll see... but next year is so damn vital in at least keeping our heads above water while losing so many valuable players.

We had depth? *

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 30, 2026, 21:52:44, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

At least that's a position where we loaded up with talent in the portal and had no defections

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 30, 2026, 19:17:28, in reply to "DL depth just took a hit. Cam Brooks out with an achilles."

Right? Right? Right?

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

We’re running the 3-3-5 for a reason*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 30, 2026, 22:10:50, in reply to "At least that's a position where we loaded up with talent in the portal and had no defections"

Previous Message

Right? Right? Right?

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

going to be a 1-4-6 at this rate*

Posted by Orangeillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Orangeillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 30, 2026, 22:59:15, in reply to "We’re running the 3-3-5 for a reason*"

Previous Message

Right? Right? Right?

Previous Message

https://x.com/mrwagner25/status/2038764086989562146?s=46

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