AJS

Of course. ABC > ESPN > ESPN2 > ESPNU Any team for example the #’s will be twice as much on 2 > U. The feeling I get and others clearly is that the Fargo media pushes a narrative that when NDSU gets a big #, it’s because they are a national brand that people care about (false). But when they get 80K for a prime time game against SDSU, they sweep those under the rug.

Some other news per 360 pod. There are guys every year that don’t return, but won’t enter the portal. Call it retire from football. Here are some notes. • Young (ASU transfer) - was done half way through last year • Gorder (OL) - medical retire • Ryan / Gross (WR) - 360 doesn’t expect back

https://jackrabbitillustrated.com/potential-2026-opponents/ Can someone pass along to Chavez? List of schools who are open on 08/29.

Disagree. If he's a good teammate and as some have said, he got bad advice, then I'd hope the coaching staff would welcome him back.

During the early signing period, UND signed 26. There were only 18 that were a part of the Senior celebration against SDSU. There's a soft cap right now that I'm sure they are trying to hit. Three things I'm anxiously waiting for that hopefully we'll know sooner than later. Ruckers decision Can they flip Fleming back? @UNDDOM any update? He does still have everything up on his Twitter Extra Year. We've mentioned Walker previously. Are there any guys who will be granted an extra year?

This would be by my count the 4th separate entity under the NIL umbrella for UND Football. (1) 1883 Collective (2) 701 Award (In-House) (3) UND Football Alumni (4) NIL Club

Interesting. If we’re looking for signs on what Rucker will do, I would say this is a good sign.

Multiple posts on Twitter

I would still expect / wouldn't be surprised to see some portal entries from. O-Line: 1 Graduation 2 Currently in the Portal 5 FR in 2026 class LB Class of 2025: 5 listed on the roster (maybe 4 if Gabe Anderson moved to Edge). Still heavy (this was a large group that was recruited to a 3-4 defense) Someone who was brought in via the portal last year, that didn't play. Frankfather? These depth entries are actually healthy for the program.

There’s a simple math to some of these decisions with roster limits. Although not hard capped yet, UND is always around the soon to be limit. Ex: No Kickers graduating, they are bringing in a kicker in the 2026 class. One currently on the roster will have to leave.

10 total offers

“As of Friday night, 10 UND players from the 2025 roster have announced an intent to transfer: Seidl, Fleming, all-MVFC cornerback Antonio Bluiett, defensive tackle Emmanuel Olagbaju, cornerback Idrique Carmichael, offensive lineman Nick Darling, quarterback Etienne Higgins, running back Randle Parker, offensive lineman Kuba Tyszka and wide receiver/tight end Seth Staloch.” https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/college/unds-offensive-line-regulars-announce-return-for-2026

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?