2025 Two-Deep

[VimSince03]

Transfer recruiting in order of need/priority:

1 - QB (need more competition for Wilson and crew)
2 - LB (Taylor, Krahe, and Bowles could make this less of a need)
3 - CB (I like our youth but could use another Jon Johnson type)
4 - S (Caden is coming off back to back ACLs)
5 - WR (Go find another Ty...but I like the room overall)
6 - IOL (We are set at tackle even with Moore departing)

QB and LB are the only two must-haves in my book.

[4KornerKat]

This is my way of grieving...projecting forward. This is likely subject to change as NIL will likely take 2-3 of our guys but here is how it stands in my view. 1st string listed first.

QB: Wilson or (insert transfer)/Reed or River Warren
RB: Humphrey/Jones
FB: Jones/Murphy
WR: Lonyatta/King
WR: Taco/Trimble or Steel
WR: King/Garrigan
TE: Provience or Schlepp/Lencioni
LT: Moore/Jefferson
LG: Mastel/Carr
C: Kaplan or Nyland
RG: Rollins/Nilson
RT: Fleischmann/Ezekial

DE: Eiden/Parsons
DT: Eckart/Black or Marsh
DT: Brott/Sharbono
DE: Crews/Frederickson or Vigen or Brock
LB: Grebe/Taylor or Bowles
LB: Daily/Krahe or Bowles
NB: Gray/Dolan or Petre
CB: Powdrell/Carr or Johnson
CB: Johnson/McMillan or Williams
FS: Polidore/Uluilakepa
SS: Dowler/Pottenger or Steel

A lot up in the air at QB and kind of the OL (but not really). Hearing Moore is headed to a Big Ten school on a sizeable NIL deal. WR should be fine and RB is loaded again even if Scottre leaves. TE we only lose Lonergan. It obviously all hinges on QB but we will have a base run game that still will produce at a high level.

I think defensively we are bringing a good core back on the DL and two now-battle tested LBs but we need our other backers to take the next step. They are very high on Bowles but Krahe and Taylor took steps this year in practice. In the secondary, Dowler replaces Ortt but strength of the group hinges on Jon Johnson maybe getting another year because of the new JUCO rule not counting towards eligibility. Same goes for Cole Sain but I think he's done. Really like our interior DL coming back and the trio of Eiden, Crews, and Parsons is wonderful. Taki playing well this year helps our depth. Corner will be that trio of talented freshman pushing for starter reps (McMillan, Johnson, and Williams). I also have a feeling Brendan Ross is going to push for a spot next year somewhere in the secondary.

Overall, everything comes down to Chance Wilson taking the next step or bringing in a transfer that we can install into what fits us. Walker is gone as OC so Vigen will get the chance to show his QB development chops once again. Here's to counting down the days to spring ball!

I love the core we have coming back. Chance is going to get his opportunity, I think, even if we bring in a portal guy to compete he's going to get his shot. Been assuming all along Moore will leave. Wonder about sain and/or jt Reed. My instinct on Cole, given his path to this point, would be that he's done, same as you. We will be younger but likely more athletic in the secondary. A great, great base to start from.

Sain and Reed are both out of eligibility, aren’t they?

I think they were 2 of the 3, along with jon Johnson, impacted by the Juco ruling. Sain and Johnson for sure. Whether any of them plays another year, i don't know.

I thought I read that it had to still be within the 5 year window, so johnson yes, sain no.

[aucat]

We start out with Oregon and South Dakota State. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that we don't go 15-0 next year.

[Bocephus]

After spending 24 hrs being miserable, I’m ready to move on. Just booked our hotel rooms for Gold Rush! So thankful for the awesome 2024 team and season, can’t wait for next season! Let’s go!

[coloradocat]

We start out with Oregon and South Dakota State. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that we don't go 15-0 next year.

SDSU would be a very winnable game if it wasn't the week after Oregon. That game gives us no chance to get the new starting QB, or other new starters, into a rhythm. At least not until the second half after getting beat up for at least two quarters. SDSU on the other hand gets to warm up at home against the FBS dreamers from Sacramento. We'll still probably be favored but may have a little bruised going into it.

[Monymony]

@VimSince03 what young guys do you see playing next year? I remember us signing a kid from Washington on the DL who was built already. Also a TE from Washington had some buzz around him. Seth Brock? Any WR?

[Catsrgrood]

I did not list Davis. Not intentional...he may come back. Regardless, RB is one or our deepest groups.

I wonder if Scottre affects Davis decision one way or another?

Scottre isn’t a surprise, but sure would be nice to have Davis back with how similar their styles are. I’d love to have both, but that’s not happening, just hoping to have one of the two.

[VimSince03]

@VimSince03 what young guys do you see playing next year? I remember us signing a kid from Washington on the DL who was built already. Also a TE from Washington had some buzz around him. Seth Brock? Any WR?

We already got to see a chunk of true and redshirt freshman splash with some receiving starter reps in 2024. Colson Coon, Unterrio Latin-Henley, Taki Uluilakepa, Cedric Jefferson, Hunter Provience, Chance Wilson, Jhase McMillan, Tayden Gray, Dominic Solano, Cole Taylor, Dane Steel, Hunter Sharbono, JJ Dolan, and Talon Marsh all contributed to our title run. However, here are some freshman names to watch heading into spring ball.
These guys all redshirted:

Jabez Woods - WR
Kory Boyd - CB
Ryan Bowles - LB
Brendon Ross - S/NB
Carson Williams - CB
Aiden Kaplan - IOL
Dylan Rollins - OL
Zac Nyland - IOL
Luvens Valcin - HBack
Rocky Lencioni - TE
Seth Brock - DE
Hudson Weins - DT

If I had to pick five I heard the most buzz about, it was Woods, Bowles, Valcin, Lencioni, and Brock.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Cedric Jefferson is going to be a very good LT. He would have been starting for most FCS teams, he was just stuck behind Moore for us.

[VimSince03]

Cedric Jefferson is going to be a very good LT. He would have been starting for most FCS teams, he was just stuck behind Moore for us.

New Mexico had some good athletes at DE and Cedric (in his first game starting) went toe to toe with them. That's when I knew we'd be fine if Moore left.

Speaking of Moore, a lot of teams will like him at guard because of the two-three games he showcased there at the beginning of the season.

[VimSince03]

@VimSince03 what young guys do you see playing next year? I remember us signing a kid from Washington on the DL who was built already. Also a TE from Washington had some buzz around him. Seth Brock? Any WR?

We already got to see a chunk of true and redshirt freshman splash with some receiving starter reps in 2024. Colson Coon, Unterrio Latin-Henley, Taki Uluilakepa, Cedric Jefferson, Hunter Provience, Chance Wilson, Jhase McMillan, Tayden Gray, Dominic Solano, Cole Taylor, Dane Steel, Hunter Sharbono, JJ Dolan, and Talon Marsh all contributed to our title run. However, here are some freshman names to watch heading into spring ball.
These guys all redshirted:

Jabez Woods - WR
Kory Boyd - CB
Ryan Bowles - LB
Brendon Ross - S/NB
Carson Williams - CB
Aiden Kaplan - IOL
Dylan Rollins - OL
Zac Nyland - IOL
Luvens Valcin - HBack
Rocky Lencioni - TE
Seth Brock - DE
Hudson Weins - DT

If I had to pick five I heard the most buzz about, it was Woods, Bowles, Valcin, Lencioni, and Brock.

I would also like to add that our incoming OL class is insane.

[nanacat]

@VimSince03 what young guys do you see playing next year? I remember us signing a kid from Washington on the DL who was built already. Also a TE from Washington had some buzz around him. Seth Brock? Any WR?

We already got to see a chunk of true and redshirt freshman splash with some receiving starter reps in 2024. Colson Coon, Unterrio Latin-Henley, Taki Uluilakepa, Cedric Jefferson, Hunter Provience, Chance Wilson, Jhase McMillan, Tayden Gray, Dominic Solano, Cole Taylor, Dane Steel, Hunter Sharbono, JJ Dolan, and Talon Marsh all contributed to our title run. However, here are some freshman names to watch heading into spring ball.
These guys all redshirted:

Jabez Woods - WR
Kory Boyd - CB
Ryan Bowles - LB
Brendon Ross - S/NB
Carson Williams - CB
Aiden Kaplan - IOL
Dylan Rollins - OL
Zac Nyland - IOL
Luvens Valcin - HBack
Rocky Lencioni - TE
Seth Brock - DE
Hudson Weins - DT

If I had to pick five I heard the most buzz about, it was Woods, Bowles, Valcin, Lencioni, and Brock.

I would also like to add that our incoming OL class is insane.

Some good news! Yay!

[BelligerentBobcat]

Cedric Jefferson is going to be a very good LT. He would have been starting for most FCS teams, he was just stuck behind Moore for us.

New Mexico had some good athletes at DE and Cedric (in his first game starting) went toe to toe with them. That's when I knew we'd be fine if Moore left.

Speaking of Moore, a lot of teams will like him at guard because of the two-three games he showcased there at the beginning of the season.

I think he’s a better guard than tackle at the P4 level. He’s obviously a good player, but he struggles with speed rushers.

[BelligerentBobcat]

If Wilson or whoever is an above average QB, this is a top 3 team. If they aren’t, it’s a top 10 team.

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference. Just remember, MSU doesn’t rebuild, we reload. There is still a ton of talent here, and a ton of talent coming in. And that isn’t going to stop.

[VimSince03]

If Wilson or whoever is an above average QB, this is a top 3 team. If they aren’t, it’s a top 10 team.

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference. Just remember, MSU doesn’t rebuild, we reload. There is still a ton of talent here, and a ton of talent coming in. And that isn’t going to stop.

Had to walk a few "concerned" alumni through this in the airport yesterday...

When you pay attention to recruitment since 2014 and then you start to consistently see those recruits develop (especially under Choate/Vigen), you get pretty excited about a fresh season every year. I also trust the head guy to find his next QB which he's done consistently since his days at NDSU.

[TomCat88]

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference.

Very true. As good as he got, Mellott would still miss open receivers or throw to the wrong guy even though that guy gained 15-20 yards. MSU also molded its passing game so he could dump high percentage passes into the flat or other short routes. MSU succeeded at widening the field but didn’t improve its ability to stretch the field.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference.

Very true. As good as he got, Mellott would still miss open receivers or throw to the wrong guy even though that guy gained 15-20 yards. MSU also molded its passing game so he could dump high percentage passes into the flat or other short routes. MSU succeeded at widening the field but didn’t improve its ability to stretch the field.

“Like”

[VimSince03]

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference.

Very true. As good as he got, Mellott would still miss open receivers or throw to the wrong guy even though that guy gained 15-20 yards. MSU also molded its passing game so he could dump high percentage passes into the flat or other short routes. MSU succeeded at widening the field but didn’t improve its ability to stretch the field.

Then why the hell didn't we do just that on the second to last possession when we went three-and-out down 28-25?!?!?!

[TomCat88]

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference.

Very true. As good as he got, Mellott would still miss open receivers or throw to the wrong guy even though that guy gained 15-20 yards. MSU also molded its passing game so he could dump high percentage passes into the flat or other short routes. MSU succeeded at widening the field but didn’t improve its ability to stretch the field.

Then why the hell didn't we do just that on the second to last possession when we went three-and-out down 28-25?!?!?!

MSU also never put in a tushpush play despite having Sain, Wehr, the QB with the strongest legs in college football and players like Lonergan and Jones to provide the push.

On third and 3s msu probably could’ve either got the yards or got 2 and then just run it again. That was very frustrating to watch as they put Mellott in the shotgun and had him hand off. That failed vs ndsu last year, unm, psu this year and Idaho too.

[The Butcher]

I’ll also say this. This team with a more consistent passing game can win championships. Even with Tommy’s improved ability, teams were daring us to pass. Challenging us to prove they could pass. A better passing game will make a huge, huge, difference.

Very true. As good as he got, Mellott would still miss open receivers or throw to the wrong guy even though that guy gained 15-20 yards. MSU also molded its passing game so he could dump high percentage passes into the flat or other short routes. MSU succeeded at widening the field but didn’t improve its ability to stretch the field.

Then why the hell didn't we do just that on the second to last possession when we went three-and-out down 28-25?!?!?!

MSU also never put in a tushpush play despite having Sain, Wehr, the QB with the strongest legs in college football and players like Lonergan and Jones to provide the push.

On third and 3s msu probably could’ve either got the yards or got 2 and then just run it again. That was very frustrating to watch as they put Mellott in the shotgun and had him hand off. That failed vs ndsu last year, unm, psu this year and Idaho too.

This! The tush-push with this year's Oline should have been used on every 3rd and short!!!