QQ…. Is it that big of a deal to get a top 5 recruiting class if you have the Portal?

Cause BK is rocking that portal

You are gonna need both to compete consistently.

It seems it’s becoming an even bigger deal to have a pocket full of cash to buy good players

Yes. You will always need top level high school talent. The transfer portal is for plug and play guys for the most part to fill in roster holes. Just look at the ceilings between Harold Perkins and Speights (the LB we just picked up in the portal). Those are two different caliber players

Portal is great to build depth. Long term you need high school kids

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I think the importance of high recruiting rankings will continue to be eroded to the point of obsolescence eventually. Remember the Wild West portal is in its infancy, and look at the effects on recruiting already.

Im not sure there is a specific number, but if you sign 25 and trade 7-8 kids in the portal, that would seem to be a good mix. You get rid of those not wanting to be here while not having to rebuild team chemistry every spring.

In this scenario the other programs are essentially like the minor leagues for us. They develop the talent and then we cherry pick the best of the best to play in the majors.

I think ideally you need to recruit good HS classes and, perhaps more importantly, retain as much of that talent as possible.

With the state of CFB today you’re going to lose some guys, particularly if you recruit top classes. But I don’t think having to completely rebuild through the portal every year is going to lead to sustained success for many programs. Those that can recruit well out of HS and retain that talent will be in a great position. Instead of having to fill holes in the portal, you can add depth or upgrade talent.

I also think getting really talented guys with 3-4 years of remaining eligibility will be a huge focus. Guys like Anderson and Harris (assuming he is aligned) basically turn into an extension of our 2022 class. And they are much less likely to transfer again.

Tamu had the number one class didn’t make a bowl game. Establishing a winning culture has to come first. Need a good job at getting the kids to buy in.