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re: The Portal era is just different. Not better or worse
Posted on 2/4/26 at 12:00 pm to Odysseus32
Posted on 2/4/26 at 12:00 pm to Odysseus32
The portal is not going away, but hopefully we are seeing the players playing 7 years at 7 different schools at its peak. No more COVID year will at least drop a year off of it. I hope whoever is advising the players see that transferring every year into new systems with new coaches makes it more difficult for the players to develop. In addition the majority of these players will never play pro ball, and I would think transferring every year makes it more difficult to complete a degree. I would be nice for them to have a degree to fall back on. So I’m just hoping that the situation stabilizes a bit and you see 1 to 2 transfers over players careers instead of every year.
I’ve heard NFL scouts say that the portal can make their jobs easier, especially for players at smaller schools. Before the portal, the all star games were more important for them because that was the only time they could see these players against the top competition. Now they like to see the smaller school players play 1-2 years there, then move up to a larger school and see them for a year or 2 play against a higher level of competition.
I’ve heard NFL scouts say that the portal can make their jobs easier, especially for players at smaller schools. Before the portal, the all star games were more important for them because that was the only time they could see these players against the top competition. Now they like to see the smaller school players play 1-2 years there, then move up to a larger school and see them for a year or 2 play against a higher level of competition.
1
Posted on 2/4/26 at 12:38 pm to Odysseus32
It’s just not college football anymore. There was a time when we were rooting for mostly Louisiana kids who were fiercely loyal to the school. That got attenuated over the years, but it took a huge dive with NIL and the portal. Now it’s just a minor league pro system masquerading as college football. But if you can stopper your ears and believe, then more power to you. 
Posted on 2/4/26 at 12:51 pm to Odysseus32
I do pull for LSU no matter who the players are, but it was nice in that era where you knew most of the players and they had been around for awhile. I even enjoyed knowing most of the players on the other teams that we played every year and I remember thinking the other teams always had players that I thought “I didn’t realize he was still there. Seems like he’s been around forever.” Now we see the players that HAVE been around forever except just for different schools.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 1:10 pm to Penrod
Ohhh, got it.
It was more state pride to you than football. You're less of a football guy, more of a "my tribe" fellow.
Makes sense
It was more state pride to you than football. You're less of a football guy, more of a "my tribe" fellow.
Makes sense
Posted on 2/4/26 at 1:18 pm to Odysseus32
Only a masochist would like what the portal has done to college football.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 1:22 pm to tgdk11
quote:
Its worse because you care less about 1 yr players. Program you build is similar to an nfl system of revolving door, and players have 0 commitment to a program, university, staff, etc. If they care less, it's common sense that the fans will care less. Its great for 1 yr attempt to rebuild, but 3 years of rebuilding through the louisiana high school ranks is a part of what made great seasons mean more. And teams didnt fall apart with 40-50 departures if a coach left, due to the limitless transfers.
100%. I used to follow recruiting closely, even tho most of it was chaotic and pointless because it was still exciting to see the guys that were going to be the future of LSU football. Now, there simply no point in paying attention. Whether a guy is highly rated or a 3* you were surprised to see offered, it feels like they are on borrowed time from day 1.
It’s also nice right now that we are the dodgers of CFB, but that can change quickly and it’s incredibly frustrating to be on the other side. Money whipping everything is cool until you are on the other end of it. Overall, it sucks.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 1:41 pm to clamdip
quote:THIS.
It only feels 'not worse' right now because LSU got the better end of it in the portal.
Just think of everybody else, 90% of other teams fans probably REALLY hate it.
Just think if you were a Clempsun fan. Their only decent player was pickpocketed from them at the last minute in Dabo's first serious attempt at using the portal. Now their piddlling 70th rated class looks up at us at number 1. Of course, some of their holier than thou fans need a little grounding so not completely a bad thing.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 1:54 pm to 1999
quote:
this system is for sure chaotic, but it's better than alabama having a monopoly on the top talent. there was a 10 year period where they stockpiled everyone. so many more teams have a chance now. it's better for the sport
Excellent point!
Posted on 2/4/26 at 2:24 pm to Alt26
quote:
quote:
The difference between pro and college ball was the emotional connection to the players and the university.
quote:I agree, I'm a fan of LSU and not necessarily any particular player. I cheer for the purple and gold.
The bottom line is you (and I) cheer for the "colors". It doesn't matter who is wearing those colors in that particular year. If they are playing in an LSU uniform you are going to cheer for them...because you are an LSU fan, not a (insert player) fan. You are only a fan of the player BECAUSE he is wearing an LSU uniform...not a fan of LSU because LSU is the team that player happens to play for at the time. The "names" have always changed. The brand/program hasn't.
But knowing the players, especially when they've been here awhile, adds to my emotional attachment to the team. Seeing mostly new guys every year, who are only here for the money, and knowing most will leave next year, lessens my attachment to the team, even if they're wearing P&G.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 2:56 pm to Odysseus32
OK
Posted on 2/4/26 at 3:29 pm to Odysseus32
Worse by a long shot. It marks the end of amateur college sports. End of students playing football . End of college football as we have grown to know it !
Posted on 2/4/26 at 3:54 pm to kew48
I never dreamed I would miss LSU football in the 90’s but this is worse!
My nostalgia for College football has entered the portal!
My nostalgia for College football has entered the portal!
Posted on 2/4/26 at 4:44 pm to Odysseus32
Entire sport is shite now. RUINT
Posted on 2/4/26 at 7:10 pm to Odysseus32
The Jamarcus Russell class was my all time fav and I miss that feeling. Forgot it was signing day.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 7:52 pm to bbnitiger
quote:
The Portal era is just different. Not better or worse
Different? Yes. Definitely worse. It's no longer amateur athletics.
And please don't try to tell me it's been going on forever
Posted on 2/4/26 at 7:59 pm to AlxTgr
Do you feel the same about baseball?
Mmmm?
Mmmm?
Posted on 2/4/26 at 9:02 pm to Odysseus32
It used to be a lot worse, until we hired a coach known as The Portal King and we signed three of the top five 5 star players on the market while trimming the fat off of the roster. Now I like it as much as the bag man era.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 9:24 pm to Sissidog02
quote:Not yet. Fewer players and seems like we watch more develop from freshman.
Do you feel the same about baseball?
Mmmm?
Posted on 2/5/26 at 10:24 am to AlxTgr
That’s because they can go pro and get paid, 30% of the players are foreign with no college at all.
Football players have to wait for 3 years out of high school.
A lot of the baseball families have played travel ball for years spending lots of $$ every weekend since they were 10. Most football recruits come from a vast different backgrounds. These kids have never seen the kind of money being offered or their parents either.
Everyone knows the unspoken truth about a future college recruit in baseball and football. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it.
Football players have to wait for 3 years out of high school.
A lot of the baseball families have played travel ball for years spending lots of $$ every weekend since they were 10. Most football recruits come from a vast different backgrounds. These kids have never seen the kind of money being offered or their parents either.
Everyone knows the unspoken truth about a future college recruit in baseball and football. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it.
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