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Topic: 2026 Portal Tracker
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Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/31/2025 1:26 PM
Morris Mound wrote:expand_more
I swear I’m not anti-portal. I fully support the guys who are capable of chasing the bag doing so. It makes perfect sense for the Hendricks, Harrises, and Millers of the world to level up. But some of these decisions are just baffling. Crable? Brune? Did they not just see what Sieh’s transfer experience was like?
Re: Crable and Brune:

I'm not sure you're thinking that all the way through logically.
Jonesy1017
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Posted: 12/31/2025 2:12 PM
Updated list as of 12/31/25 at 2:12pm

QB - Matthew Papas
RB - Duncan Brune
WR - Chase Hendricks
WR - Rodney Harris
TE - Mason Williams
TE - Nick Segarra
OL - Aidan Johnson
OL - Ibrahim Kebe
OL - Jordon Jones
DL - Nehemiah Dukes
EDGE - Jay Crable
S - Taliq Black
K - Alex Kasee
K - Britton Watts
L.C.
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Posted: 12/31/2025 2:23 PM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
3700 portal dudes available.

That number alone stops me from jumping off the Richland Avenue bridge.

...

Just remember a few things. First, there is a lot of garbage in the portal. Probably 1/3 of the 3700 are players to whom it was suggested that they would get more playing time elsewhere, and who are looking to move down, or sideways, or to anywhere where they can continue to "pursue the dream". Thus, there might be 2500 decent players in there.

Then, remember that with double attrition this year, most teams will need perhaps 20-25 players from the portal. With 136 teams, that is ~2700 players needed. Thus, there aren't going to be enough decent players in the portal this year, so the quality of the available players this year will be significantly lower than in normal years.

Ohio is, so far, retaining a much higher portion of existing players than most teams. That is going to be a significant advantage this year.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus
WxM
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Posted: 12/31/2025 2:29 PM
STVCastle wrote:expand_more
RB Duncan Brune just hit the portal. Saw it on 24/7.

This one hurts me tbh.

This one seems incredibly stupid. Gave up as close to a guaranteed starting job as he can find. Had an example of a player right in front of him who did the same thing and had it not work out, came back, and dominated. And Brune couldn't beat him out. So what makes him think he can do better than Bangura? Just dumb.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 2:37 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
3700 portal dudes available.

That number alone stops me from jumping off the Richland Avenue bridge.

...

Just remember a few things. First, there is a lot of garbage in the portal. Probably 1/3 of the 3700 are players to whom it was suggested that they would get more playing time elsewhere, and who are looking to move down, or sideways, or to anywhere where they can continue to "pursue the dream". Thus, there might be 2500 decent players in there.

Then, remember that with double attrition this year, most teams will need perhaps 20-25 players from the portal. With 136 teams, that is ~2700 players needed. Thus, there aren't going to be enough decent players in the portal this year, so the quality of the available players this year will be significantly lower than in normal years.

Ohio is, so far, retaining a much higher portion of existing players than most teams. That is going to be a significant advantage this year.
Actually about 1/3 historically will never play again. But as always great analysis LC
Last Edited: 12/31/2025 2:42:08 PM by BillyTheCat
colobobcat66
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Posted: 12/31/2025 2:42 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
3700 portal dudes available.

That number alone stops me from jumping off the Richland Avenue bridge.

...

Just remember a few things. First, there is a lot of garbage in the portal. Probably 1/3 of the 3700 are players to whom it was suggested that they would get more playing time elsewhere, and who are looking to move down, or sideways, or to anywhere where they can continue to "pursue the dream". Thus, there might be 2500 decent players in there.

Then, remember that with double attrition this year, most teams will need perhaps 20-25 players from the portal. With 136 teams, that is ~2700 players needed. Thus, there aren't going to be enough decent players in the portal this year, so the quality of the available players this year will be significantly lower than in normal years.

Ohio is, so far, retaining a much higher portion of existing players than most teams. That is going to be a significant advantage this year.
Actually about 1/3 historically will never play again.
The final number is likely to be much more, but the 3700 includes FCS as well as FBS.
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 3:00 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
3700 portal dudes available.

That number alone stops me from jumping off the Richland Avenue bridge.

...

Just remember a few things. First, there is a lot of garbage in the portal. Probably 1/3 of the 3700 are players to whom it was suggested that they would get more playing time elsewhere, and who are looking to move down, or sideways, or to anywhere where they can continue to "pursue the dream". Thus, there might be 2500 decent players in there.

Then, remember that with double attrition this year, most teams will need perhaps 20-25 players from the portal. With 136 teams, that is ~2700 players needed. Thus, there aren't going to be enough decent players in the portal this year, so the quality of the available players this year will be significantly lower than in normal years.

Ohio is, so far, retaining a much higher portion of existing players than most teams. That is going to be a significant advantage this year.
Yeah stats can be deceptive and it’s easy to go the gloom and doom route.. but then there’s Coleman Owen and Anthony Tyus and Parker and Sieh.
L.C.
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Posted: 12/31/2025 3:10 PM
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 3:24 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
BryanHall
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Posted: 12/31/2025 3:40 PM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
I am not as optimistic. We are losing nearly every significant skill-position contributor on offense. We now have a first-year coach who is a defensive coordinator who has to rebuild the offensive unit. If I am a portal QB, do I come here with most of the receivers and backs gone? If I'm a receiver, do I come here not knowing what offense I will be playing in? We will find out soon what kind of recruiter Hauser is.

For now, I hope that 2026 all-MAC first teamer Dom Dorwart leads us to another bowl!
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 4:01 PM
BryanHall wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
I am not as optimistic. We are losing nearly every significant skill-position contributor on offense. We now have a first-year coach who is a defensive coordinator who has to rebuild the offensive unit. If I am a portal QB, do I come here with most of the receivers and backs gone? If I'm a receiver, do I come here not knowing what offense I will be playing in? We will find out soon what kind of recruiter Hauser is.

For now, I hope that 2026 all-MAC first teamer Dom Dorwart leads us to another bowl!
Dom is going to be a good one.

QB may be OUr strongest position.

Carpenter’s best of vids have that wow factor.

Apparently Izzy really likes Hype Grand….like OCF said just play him for the name.

Then you have Davis as a true Freshman who some on here think will start..leaning toward redshirt but who knows.
Last Edited: 12/31/2025 4:03:33 PM by Doc Bobcat
spongeBOB CATpants
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Posted: 12/31/2025 4:22 PM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
I am not as optimistic. We are losing nearly every significant skill-position contributor on offense. We now have a first-year coach who is a defensive coordinator who has to rebuild the offensive unit. If I am a portal QB, do I come here with most of the receivers and backs gone? If I'm a receiver, do I come here not knowing what offense I will be playing in? We will find out soon what kind of recruiter Hauser is.

For now, I hope that 2026 all-MAC first teamer Dom Dorwart leads us to another bowl!
Dom is going to be a good one.

QB may be OUr strongest position.

Carpenter’s best of vids have that wow factor.

Apparently Izzy really likes Hype Grand….like OCF said just play him for the name.

Then you have Davis as a true Freshman who some on here think will start..leaning toward redshirt but who knows.
My opinion on Davis is that if he’s close to the top, play him, what do we have to lose? If we don’t play him he could be gone and we’ll never know what he could’ve been. Maybe that’s naive but just my thoughts.
greencat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 4:33 PM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
I am not as optimistic. We are losing nearly every significant skill-position contributor on offense. We now have a first-year coach who is a defensive coordinator who has to rebuild the offensive unit. If I am a portal QB, do I come here with most of the receivers and backs gone? If I'm a receiver, do I come here not knowing what offense I will be playing in? We will find out soon what kind of recruiter Hauser is.

For now, I hope that 2026 all-MAC first teamer Dom Dorwart leads us to another bowl!
Dom is going to be a good one.

QB may be OUr strongest position.

Carpenter’s best of vids have that wow factor.

Apparently Izzy really likes Hype Grand….like OCF said just play him for the name.

Then you have Davis as a true Freshman who some on here think will start..leaning toward redshirt but who knows.
My opinion on Davis is that if he’s close to the top, play him, what do we have to lose? If we don’t play him he could be gone and we’ll never know what he could’ve been. Maybe that’s naive but just my thoughts.
If Davis shows he can run this offense in spring ball, then yes.

If Brune is gone, shouldn't that RB from Olentangy Orange get a schollie instead of being a walk-on? Over 2,000 Yards Rushing & 33 TDs is not chopped liver.
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 4:51 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
Yes, and that works best when you need 2-3 good players. When you need 30, you will find some good ones, but probably not 30 good ones. That's why Ohio is in a lot better situation than many teams this year.
Well said as always L.C.

Get that bottle ready cause we might catch some lightning.
I am not as optimistic. We are losing nearly every significant skill-position contributor on offense. We now have a first-year coach who is a defensive coordinator who has to rebuild the offensive unit. If I am a portal QB, do I come here with most of the receivers and backs gone? If I'm a receiver, do I come here not knowing what offense I will be playing in? We will find out soon what kind of recruiter Hauser is.

For now, I hope that 2026 all-MAC first teamer Dom Dorwart leads us to another bowl!
Dom is going to be a good one.

QB may be OUr strongest position.

Carpenter’s best of vids have that wow factor.

Apparently Izzy really likes Hype Grand….like OCF said just play him for the name.

Then you have Davis as a true Freshman who some on here think will start..leaning toward redshirt but who knows.
My opinion on Davis is that if he’s close to the top, play him, what do we have to lose? If we don’t play him he could be gone and we’ll never know what he could’ve been. Maybe that’s naive but just my thoughts.
If Davis shows he can run this offense in spring ball, then yes.

If Brune is gone, shouldn't that RB from Olentangy Orange get a schollie instead of being a walk-on? Over 2,000 Yards Rushing & 33 TDs is not chopped liver.
For sure..sign him up.
cc-cat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 5:37 PM
Brune surprises me - he appeared to be the clear horse to get carries next year
colobobcat66
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Posted: 12/31/2025 6:15 PM
Luqman gone. No way to sugar coat this. We’re losing a lot.
Last Edited: 12/31/2025 6:15:49 PM by colobobcat66
Jonesy1017
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Posted: 12/31/2025 6:29 PM
Updated list as of 12/31/25 at 6:28pm

QB - Matthew Papas
RB - Duncan Brune
WR - Chase Hendricks
WR - Rodney Harris
TE - Mason Williams
TE - Nick Segarra
OL - Aidan Johnson
OL - Ibrahim Kebe
OL - Jordon Jones
DL - Nehemiah Dukes
EDGE - Jay Crable
EDGE - Anas Luqman
S - Taliq Black
K - Alex Kasee
K - Britton Watts
Bobcat1996
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Posted: 12/31/2025 6:35 PM
Jonesy1017 wrote:expand_more
Updated list as of 12/31/25 at 6:28pm

QB - Matthew Papas
RB - Duncan Brune
WR - Chase Hendricks
WR - Rodney Harris
TE - Mason Williams
TE - Nick Segarra
OL - Aidan Johnson
OL - Ibrahim Kebe
OL - Jordon Jones
DL - Nehemiah Dukes
EDGE - Jay Crable
EDGE - Anas Luqman
S - Taliq Black
K - Alex Kasee
K - Britton Watts
Some of the mentioned above players are walk ons. We wish them well.
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 12/31/2025 6:36 PM
Can't tell you how thrilled I am so many of OUr players were behind Tom Hauser getting the head coaching position just a little over a week ago.
greencat
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Posted: 12/31/2025 7:13 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
Luqman gone. No way to sugar coat this. We’re losing a lot.
Some of these guys who have visions of playing in Ann Arbor or Tuscaloosa will end up playing in Monroe Louisiana...if that. Can they not see the number of names in the portal this time? Unlike NCAA D-1 hoops with 360+ schools, football only has 129.
StevenTimothyVitte
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Posted: 12/31/2025 7:21 PM
Jonesy1017 wrote:expand_more
Updated list as of 12/31/25 at 6:28pm

QB - Matthew Papas
RB - Duncan Brune
WR - Chase Hendricks
WR - Rodney Harris
TE - Mason Williams
TE - Nick Segarra
OL - Aidan Johnson
OL - Ibrahim Kebe
OL - Jordon Jones
DL - Nehemiah Dukes
EDGE - Jay Crable
EDGE - Anas Luqman
S - Taliq Black
K - Alex Kasee
K - Britton Watts
My thoughts:

Losing the 2 Kickers is a nothing burger.

Taliq Black? Didn't even know he was on the roster.

Papas was never going to play QB for us. Not a loss.

We expected to lose Hendricks. Harris and Williams leaving sucks, but they can be replaced.

Dukes, Crable, and Luqman. It is what it is. We need a larger D-Line anyway. Some of our D-Lineman in 2025 lacked size.

O-Line can be filled.

The one that bothers me is Brune. Why? He had the inside track to be RB1 with us. He goes to a Power Conference school, and he'll probably be a Special Teams guy and nothing more.
Last Edited: 12/31/2025 7:28:34 PM by StevenTimothyVitte
RufusCat09
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Posted: 12/31/2025 7:59 PM
STVCastle wrote:expand_more
Updated list as of 12/31/25 at 6:28pm

QB - Matthew Papas
RB - Duncan Brune
WR - Chase Hendricks
WR - Rodney Harris
TE - Mason Williams
TE - Nick Segarra
OL - Aidan Johnson
OL - Ibrahim Kebe
OL - Jordon Jones
DL - Nehemiah Dukes
EDGE - Jay Crable
EDGE - Anas Luqman
S - Taliq Black
K - Alex Kasee
K - Britton Watts
My thoughts:

Losing the 2 Kickers is a nothing burger.

Taliq Black? Didn't even know he was on the roster.

Papas was never going to play QB for us. Not a loss.

We expected to lose Hendricks. Harris and Williams leaving sucks, but they can be replaced.

Dukes, Crable, and Luqman. It is what it is. We need a larger D-Line anyway. Some of our D-Lineman in 2025 lacked size.

O-Line can be filled.

The one that bothers me is Brune. Why? He had the inside track to be RB1 with us. He goes to a Power Conference school, and he'll probably be a Special Teams guy and nothing more.

100% agree with your comments.

I wasn't expecting Harris or Williams to come back any way.

Crable, Dukes and Luqman will prob be backups or maybe start at another G5 school. Crable & Luqman are certainly no Bradley Weaver. Curious to see where they end up.

I think Ike Ackerman will be a stud (assuming he stays). He looked good in the bowl game and was highly touted out of HS.
LuckySparrow
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Posted: 1/1/2026 7:18 AM
Hurts seeing the DL guys in the portal. Had a real chance to build something there.

I expected some losses at WR and TE, namely Hendricks and Mason Williams. Brune and Harris are unpleasant surprises. That's life with the portal.

Certainly there will be more losses. I look forward to see who we can bring in. The portal always feels bad around this time because we lose defined contributors and add unknowns. Quite often the unknowns turn out to be very good.
What a day at the Convo.....Wow!
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Posted: 1/1/2026 11:29 AM
I'll be surprised if everyone from the group of Dukes, Luqman, Crable, Harris, Brune, and Williams are not on the roster next year. I have no insider information, just a hunch that some of them are testing the waters. Hendricks I figured and Harris graduated so I have no hard feelings there. I think Williams can get on with a decent P4 and contribute or even start. The rest.... I don't know if any of them have done anything to prove they aren't in the right spot playing at Ohio.
Diamond Cat
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Posted: 1/1/2026 12:05 PM
shabamon wrote:expand_more
I'll be surprised if everyone from the group of Dukes, Luqman, Crable, Harris, Brune, and Williams are not on the roster next year. I have no insider information, just a hunch that some of them are testing the waters. Hendricks I figured and Harris graduated so I have no hard feelings there. I think Williams can get on with a decent P4 and contribute or even start. The rest.... I don't know if any of them have done anything to prove they aren't in the right spot playing at Ohio.
Pretty much where I am. For the record, I literally handed Williams his first NIL dollar the MACC game in 2022. Evidently not enough.

If the money is that good, not much we can do if these young men (or their parents) are content putting in all the work and, in many incidents, not seeing the field and/or playing special teams.

As many of you said, the Bangura story should be a guide for these young men. I am just not sure that story matters to these kids. Follow the money.
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