Title says it all. With Elko I expected fewer starters on the defensive end to leave. Any chance big Walt stays?

I would think a couple come back. Who knows. My guess is there's a timeline from Elko as we are in full recruiting mode. Musical chairs is great until the music stops and the chair you want isn't there.

some asked for NFL type money to stay.

some have been visiting numerous schools across the country.

Elko decides…

This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

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It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

As of today, Texas A&M currently has 14 scholarship portalees. Other notable teams with 14 scholarship portalees (Mass Exodus) or more that I ran across. [updated to 14 since Garza (TE) jumped in today]

Michigan State 20 (coaching change)
South Carolina 17
Ohio State 15
Georgia 14

The real question is, do you want them back?

I understand there are places A&M is in desperate need of talent or depth. But get it somewhere else. Get it from guys who WANT to be here or at the very least, bring in kids who weren't a part of whatever was wrong with what culture. I'm not saying the kids in the portal are to blame, but at some point you have to put 2 and 2 together. Especially with the out of state kids. I have had a pretty rigid stance on this over the last 2 weeks. I think Sark has the right idea that once a kid is in the portal, good luck. But upon thinking further, if I was the Head Coach, I would NOT have that stance in year 1, as these kids just lost their HC. But, before the first portal opens in year 2, I make it clear that you are here and we are all in this together and we do want to do everything we can to make you happy here. That even includes bumps in NIL where needed...BUT there won't be any negotiations or bidding when you hit the portal. You have given your spot up, and from the second you hit the portal, we can begin replacing you however our roster dictates.

To do this any other way is splitting your staff too many ways. It makes about as much sense if an NFL team said they weren't going to sign any free agents until after the draft.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

---

Biggest issue is contract negotiations now being done yearly for all current and prospective players. That's what's draining and what is making fanbases jaded and frustrated now. This game is played every damn year for every "student" athlete if they decide they "deserve" it. Eventually this game will piss off everyone involved.

If you want to make a more direct comparison to what you described, then every player should sign a contract for a certain length of time that's for more than a year (and they have to actually play all the damn games for seasons they're signed for, including bowl games), then include a buyout (paid by the new team maybe?) if they decide to leave, but also one if we decide to fire them. And penalties for not doing your job by playing in games. No other job can you get paid, and then decide to not show up whenever you want to without ramifications. You want to be treated like an adult, then you better follow through and actually be one.

OriolePete said:

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The real question is, do you want them back?

I understand there are places A&M is in desperate need of talent or depth. But get it somewhere else. Get it from guys who WANT to be here or at the very least, bring in kids who weren't a part of whatever was wrong with what culture. I'm not saying the kids in the portal are to blame, but at some point you have to put 2 and 2 together. Especially with the out of state kids. I have had a pretty rigid stance on this over the last 2 weeks. I think Sark has the right idea that once a kid is in the portal, good luck. But upon thinking further, if I was the Head Coach, I would NOT have that stance in year 1, as these kids just lost their HC. But, before the first portal opens in year 2, I make it clear that you are here and we are all in this together and we do want to do everything we can to make you happy here. That even includes bumps in NIL where needed...BUT there won't be any negotiations or bidding when you hit the portal. You have given your spot up, and from the second you hit the portal, we can begin replacing you however our roster dictates.

To do this any other way is splitting your staff too many ways. It makes about as much sense if an NFL team said they weren't going to sign any free agents until after the draft.

---

I agree. Maybe have an official "pre-portal" period where they can start negotiating with only their current team (and teams can't talk to potential replacement players elsewhere), then once the portal opens up then they open up to talks with all teams, knowing that by doing so they also lost their spot at their current team. Let them hit free agency as it is in the pros.

No more of these stupid games. You want to test the waters, then it goes both ways.

redjalapeno-87 said:

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As of today, Texas A&M currently has 13 scholarship portalees. Other notable teams with 13 scholarship portalees (Mass Exodus) or more that I ran across.

Michigan State 20 (coaching change)
South Carolina 17
Ohio State 15
Georgia 14
Kentucky 13
Arkansas 13

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The real difference is the level of talent that is leaving TAMU, many more starters from TAMU entering the portal than other universities. I understand you want to feel better about the exodus, but portal coupled with the dropping commitments is tough.

We will get through this and will have thoroughly committed players, which will likely mean a more cohesive team.

OilFieldIRI said:

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some asked for NFL type money to stay.

some have been visiting numerous schools across the country.

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The only departure that has had their play justify significant money demands is Walk. If any of the others did I hope Elko laughed them out of the facility.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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LOL!

RossWag said:

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redjalapeno-87 said:

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As of today, Texas A&M currently has 13 scholarship portalees. Other notable teams with 13 scholarship portalees (Mass Exodus) or more that I ran across.

Michigan State 20 (coaching change)
South Carolina 17
Ohio State 15
Georgia 14
Kentucky 13
Arkansas 13

---

The real difference is the level of talent that is leaving TAMU, many more starters from TAMU entering the portal than other universities. I understand you want to feel better about the exodus, but portal coupled with the dropping commitments is tough.

We will get through this and will have thoroughly committed players, which will likely mean a more cohesive team.

---

Ohio State and Georgia have more talent leaving than Texas A&M, without coaching changes.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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I don't see the humor in ANY of it. Capitalism at its worst and I'm pro Capitalist.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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Maybe we've learned a lesson.

How many entered the portal but came back last year? Bobby Taylor is the only one I remember. I don't see any of these guys returning.

Aggie2 said:

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rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

---

Maybe we've learned a lesson.

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So, is fair market value that one HS OT is demanding $750,000 to sign with a college team? At that rate it will cost us several mil just to field and OL. That ok, Mr. Capitallist? That's throwing Jimbo money at players that may never work out.

Now that I am no longer spending money supporting this football team I think we should pay the men their money if they are worth keeping and maybe buy some studs from other teams. BMAs, get your check books out!

redjalapeno-87 said:

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RossWag said:

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redjalapeno-87 said:

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As of today, Texas A&M currently has 13 scholarship portalees. Other notable teams with 13 scholarship portalees (Mass Exodus) or more that I ran across.

Michigan State 20 (coaching change)
South Carolina 17
Ohio State 15
Georgia 14
Kentucky 13
Arkansas 13

---

The real difference is the level of talent that is leaving TAMU, many more starters from TAMU entering the portal than other universities. I understand you want to feel better about the exodus, but portal coupled with the dropping commitments is tough.

We will get through this and will have thoroughly committed players, which will likely mean a more cohesive team.

---

Ohio State and Georgia have more talent leaving than Texas A&M, without coaching changes.

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I'll call you on that. Most of the Georgia and OSU portal guys were not starters. Lots of potential, but not starting. Until you prove yourself on the field, it's speculative. Likely reason they are not starting.

We are losing starters Nolen, Diggs, Chappell, Bisontis, Jake Johnson, Harmon...I won't count Max Johnson as he was likely gone without a coaching change.

Enzomatic said:

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rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

---

Biggest issue is contract negotiations now being done yearly for all current and prospective players. That's what's draining and what is making fanbases jaded and frustrated now. This game is played every damn year for every "student" athlete if they decide they "deserve" it. Eventually this game will piss off everyone involved.

If you want to make a more direct comparison to what you described, then every player should sign a contract for a certain length of time that's for more than a year (and they have to actually play all the damn games for seasons they're signed for, including bowl games), then include a buyout (paid by the new team maybe?) if they decide to leave, but also one if we decide to fire them. And penalties for not doing your job by playing in games. No other job can you get paid, and then decide to not show up whenever you want to without ramifications. You want to be treated like an adult, then you better follow through and actually be one.

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You can walk into your bosses office tomorrow and threaten to leave if they don't pay you what you think you are worth. Your employer can decide if what you are asking for is worth the cost to keep you. You can also keep your LinkedIn profile up to date to gauge what someone with your skill set is worth. How is this any different except for the fact that elite college football players are worth more than most of us?

Why on earth should I be upset if someone is willing to pay Walter Nolan $4M dollars to play football? I'm happy for him and glad I live in a country where this is possible.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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1. I think both are ruining the game, it isn't one or the other.
2. Fair market value? Get out of here with that nonsense.

Yep - they are all year to year free-agents. Trying to max out their deal by finding out existing market.

Good news - gloves are off. Cut the ones that aren't producing and send them off campus. It's now just all business

OriolePete said:

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The real question is, do you want them back?

I understand there are places A&M is in desperate need of talent or depth. But get it somewhere else. Get it from guys who WANT to be here or at the very least, bring in kids who weren't a part of whatever was wrong with what culture. I'm not saying the kids in the portal are to blame, but at some point you have to put 2 and 2 together. Especially with the out of state kids. I have had a pretty rigid stance on this over the last 2 weeks. I think Sark has the right idea that once a kid is in the portal, good luck. But upon thinking further, if I was the Head Coach, I would NOT have that stance in year 1, as these kids just lost their HC. But, before the first portal opens in year 2, I make it clear that you are here and we are all in this together and we do want to do everything we can to make you happy here. That even includes bumps in NIL where needed...BUT there won't be any negotiations or bidding when you hit the portal. You have given your spot up, and from the second you hit the portal, we can begin replacing you however our roster dictates.

To do this any other way is splitting your staff too many ways. It makes about as much sense if an NFL team said they weren't going to sign any free agents until after the draft.

---

I want Nolen and Diggs back.

JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

@John, I don't understand your point of view.

To me, the economics are just like any other $90,000,000 business: a) the organization managing the revenue has a budget for labor. b) labor comes and goes based on how labor is treated, opportunities, performance, and other factors. c) labor rates are a function of supply, demand, and talent. How is this different from your job?

To me, A&M is the last team who should worry about the evolution of the business. This is an advantage for us because we're football crazy and resource rich. Have confidence, A&M will get our share.

To me, the game is better: a) year to year there will be many labor changes that will maximize competition. b) there's more drama, making the human interest stories more compelling. c) I think we'll see more parity; for example look at how many players from Ohio State and GA are now in the portal. I'd rather see talented players on the field than on the bench.

ps, top players have been paid for many years.

Quote:

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We are losing starters Nolen, Diggs, Chappell, Bisontis, Jake Johnson, Harmon...I won't count Max Johnson as he was likely gone without a coaching change.

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harmon was a starter only because we were so bad at corner.

jake johnson was a starter only because Green was hurt

so the only "real" starters we may lose are nolen, diggs, chappel and bisontis, and billy has said that bisontis and diggs are still in play and nolen is nayone's guess.

Garza (TE) jumped in the portal today bringing scholarship portalees to 14. OC Klein may want to bring in TE that better fit his system. We shall see. There are a few good ones out there. Garza had no stats available.

Garza had no business ever being offered out of high school. No idea what Jimbo was thinking. He's played maybe 10 snaps in 3 years.

I can't begrudge these players testing the waters and then if they come back we are better for it. If they leave then someone thought they were better than they performed here. Regardless, just restock best you can and coach well, which actually might result in a better team overall.

If Conner plays like His new OC did for KState he will be a Heisman candidate. A productive offense would make our defense that much better. The schedule sets up well for a run at the 12 team tournament field and maybe an SEC title.

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

---

It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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Well, we fleeced ourselves for $75M and did so willingly when we did his contract. And both can be true.

Is there a list of the fair market value for every player?

rootube said:

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JohnLA762 said:

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This is the new normal. They are just going through contract negotiations. If we want to keep them, we gotta pay more than the other offers.

This game sucks ass now.

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It's funny that Jimbo just fleeced us for $75M and we are blaming players for demanding their fair market value as ruining the game.

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But it is ruining the game. We will have vastly overpaid 5-stars underperforming on the football field now instead of focusing on improving their game for the NFL draft.

....Remember Zeke Elliot sitting on a beach in Mexico waiting for his enormous contract extension from Jerry? He underperformed from that day forward.

one safe place said:

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rootube said:

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Well, we fleeced ourselves for $75M and did so willingly when we did his contract. And both can be true.

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Is there a list of the fair market value for every player?

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Market value is whatever the 2 parties agree to. It is determined in a free market. There is no cap in NIL game.

Jimbo did not fleece us. Our admin agreed to it in a written contract. If you went work for a company as say a national sales manager and the company offered you a no performance contract of x$$$ per year no matter what sales you generate and then in said contract said they would guarantee you the money no matter… whose fault is it? Easy answer…. The company that offered the contract.
No comparison between a coaches contract and the players except neither one has to perform to actually get the money. Poor plan all the way around.