AJS

Then Wednesday, yes, a bit. Didn't think my statement was as controversial as it became. Losing four impact players by Wednesday of Week 1 (portal) was a lot. IF those are the only four impact players that enter, that would be a success (imo). TBD really, but more optimistic. If we get a Rucker is coming back post, then I'll be all the way back.

It was odd that Walker didn’t walk for Senior day. He also only played in 4 games (non-playoff). Maybe could get a medical redshirt? That would be a huge deal. You think if that was the case, media would have reported it.

Some teams can lose more than others. USD was a semi-final team the previous year. Every team's situation is unique.

This is going so much worse than I thought. Unfortunately, at a tipping point here. Being practical. You can only have so much turnover with impact players and expect to take a step forward. Too early in this process to be losing this much.

Always happens. Those aren’t the guys who have entered so far. I will put an * on Bluiett since he walked on Senior day.

@forksandspoons nice post! I thought Antonio walked. Went through the picture, the only non-Senior / GR / 5th in the picture was Antonio Bluiett. This picture is missing Bennett Walker, John Butsch, Xavier Leigh.

Curious what others think. What's the magic # of impact players you can lose to the portal before it becomes detrimental to the following year? I always thought four. Not trending in the right direction.

Next 48hrs are crucial. Definitely too early, I would still argue it hasn't been that great of a start, but that can change if things remain quiet. We are getting to the point though where some thought is being put into the decision. Key guy(s) could (most likely will) still leave, but it'll feel more manageable. Not like they'll be an avalanche of guys. IMO. Week 1: Impact players / or those that will be going down a level (strictly wanting to play) Week 2: "Mutual"- More depth guys, more program driven Week 3: Very light (Christmas) Week 4: Uptick. Impact players that were influenced by outside parties

Both lost the same day

I’m only focusing on impact players.

Bringing my list over. Retention is the 1a priority of a coaching staff entering the offseason. Here’s my “must keeps”. 1. Rucker 2. Seidl (Portal) 3. Fleming 4. Vig 5. Eckheart 6. Deng 7. Becher 8. Olagbaju (Portal) 9. Thaden 10. Noland 11. Henry 12. Buxa 13. Devereaux Any obvious ones I'm missing? Was Bluiett part of the Senior recognition?

I know I'm not breaking any news here, but although you can't officially enter until January 2nd, the portal is unofficially open. What I mean is I don't think you'll see a key player announce on January 2nd. Everyone will know who is / isn't before the window opens. Tough to see two key players who seemingly were gone regardless. Always my least favorite week of the year. Just hope for no news.

@Siouxperman8 certain players, no doubt. It's why NDSU with 2 million + to play with won't be able to keep everyone. Hypothetically, losing high-end / key contributors over 50/60k is tough. I would think the two guys that have entered so far, won't be getting 6 figures. Hoping for the best. Not a great start so far. Few quiet days and things will look better.

I'll never fault the players. Continuously frustrated with the effort to fundraise for the collectives (both 701 & 1883). A few years ago when NDSU started their collective they called an emergency meeting with donors, coaches, players. This year, they raised over $600K in a day during their very public day of giving / collective push. Currently have over $2 million. UND is not even close. Two different leagues. So little effort put in from UND side. Will NDSU lose guys? Yes. Let's count impact players that portal out between the Dakota schools and see where UND finishes. Retention (IMO) is the most important step. Currently: UND - 2 SDSU - 1 NDSU - 0