I have been frustrated with this team's lack of success recently. The over-reliance on the transfer portal, the harping on "culture" while we keep losing games and leads, the recent dip in recruiting quality and other things. But there is a reasonable case to be made for optimism this year:
Last year's freshmen will be sophomores and should take another step forward.
This year's freshmen look very talented and will get better as the season goes on.
The portal additions look solid (not spectacular, but solid) and should help shore up the defense until the young guys figure it out.
Now that being said, these guys have to get on the same page quickly so the team doesn't get too far behind in the standings and PWR. If we have another season like last season, I will be concerned and frustrated because that means the coaching staff didn't really make the changes they needed to make. But I am willing to give the coaches and players the benefit of the doubt until I see reason not to.
I don't think things are as bleak as you believe they are. We'll know more by Christmas.