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[nanacat]

Didn't see this one coming

I don’t feel like this is a huge surprise. Never seemed to quite live up to the hype of what he could have been at this level.

He wasn’t a big part of the offense this year and now with Tommy leaving, I’m sure there is more unknown than before as to how good the passing game will be going forward.

I don’t love it, but I’m not super surprised and I don’t think it’s a massive blow to the team, based on this years results.

This feels like a guy that just wants to see the field more and catch more balls. Definitely not moving back up to the FBS. It's too bad we're losing him though because he should have been a primary target next year. I'm worried about King being WR2.

I don’t know… he wasn’t a primary target this year. On paper, he was WR #1. But Ty and Taco were clearly the top 2 options in the pass game and it wasn’t close. I don’t know if it was him just not being open, or him just not getting the ball thrown his way enough when he was open, or a combination of the two. But he just never broke out here or was a big threat at any point during the season that I can recall.

He wasn’t the top passing option on paper or field. 4th option, at best.

Ryan King was the #3 option behind Taco and Ty by the end of the year in terms of WR options. Hey by the way I really hope Ryan King doesn't leave! Alexander leaving is too bad because we really stuck our neck out for him to get him eligible. Also, by transferring he's likely going to get G5 and FCS offers but who knows. He's throwing away an opportunity to be a captain and vocal leader of an offense that needs new leadership. If he thinks he's going to go to the league transferring to a heavy passing offense, good luck.

Agree, Alexander obviously thinks he’s doing what’s best for his future, however, just seems like a cheesy move. Lots of talk surrounding him, lots of support from the admin and coaching staff to get him eligible and then leaves. Who knows, maybe he has a great season elsewhere, but lots of red flags with these individuals that love team hoping, would consider them players, not teammates, and you need a team to win a championship.

I agree with this. When a program invests in you I still feel like some loyalty to that is necessary. Especially when you have the chance to take a leadership role.

BBT compared college football to a job. I kind of agree, but also kind of don't too. But, let's take that job analogy for a minute and apply it here. One of my daughters job hopped a lot, couldn't really find what fit her best. After going through 3-4 jobs in a year my husband told her that she needed to find a job and stick with it at least a year, if not longer, as her resume was looking like she could not be depended on and employers will see her resume and not hire her over someone who had stuck with a job, developed skill, etc. I think that is an element that needs to be considered with those players that hop teams too often. First, it's really not good for the player, they are learning nothing about commitment and eventually that can affect future employment, relationships, etc. And second, it's hard on teams to have to rebuild every year and fill spots because players are looking for greener grass elsewhere. Just my "parent" take.

[technoCat]

Alexander doesn't surprise me. He always seemed to be trying hard on the field but you could tell he was bothered by the lack of targets. Seemed like we would always hit him early in games for a couple first downs and then just completely go away from him. We tried like 1 or 2 deep 50/50 balls to him early in the year and then just completely went away from it. I get that we didn't want to be so dependent on the 50/50 balls like we were in Tommy's first two years but to pretty much remove them completely when Tommy was so good at them seemed like an odd move to me this year. Especially when teams started stacking the box against the run like they did late in the year.

[Monymony]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

[ND0479]

Didn't see this one coming

I don’t feel like this is a huge surprise. Never seemed to quite live up to the hype of what he could have been at this level.

He wasn’t a big part of the offense this year and now with Tommy leaving, I’m sure there is more unknown than before as to how good the passing game will be going forward.

I don’t love it, but I’m not super surprised and I don’t think it’s a massive blow to the team, based on this years results.

This feels like a guy that just wants to see the field more and catch more balls. Definitely not moving back up to the FBS. It's too bad we're losing him though because he should have been a primary target next year. I'm worried about King being WR2.

I don’t know… he wasn’t a primary target this year. On paper, he was WR #1. But Ty and Taco were clearly the top 2 options in the pass game and it wasn’t close. I don’t know if it was him just not being open, or him just not getting the ball thrown his way enough when he was open, or a combination of the two. But he just never broke out here or was a big threat at any point during the season that I can recall.

He wasn’t the top passing option on paper or field. 4th option, at best.

Ryan King was the #3 option behind Taco and Ty by the end of the year in terms of WR options. Hey by the way I really hope Ryan King doesn't leave! Alexander leaving is too bad because we really stuck our neck out for him to get him eligible. Also, by transferring he's likely going to get G5 and FCS offers but who knows. He's throwing away an opportunity to be a captain and vocal leader of an offense that needs new leadership. If he thinks he's going to go to the league transferring to a heavy passing offense, good luck.

If he fell to 4th option, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided against renewing his scholarship and cut their losses.

[VimSince03]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Told y'all he had some really good ones coming his way.

[VimSince03]

Didn't see this one coming

I don’t feel like this is a huge surprise. Never seemed to quite live up to the hype of what he could have been at this level.

He wasn’t a big part of the offense this year and now with Tommy leaving, I’m sure there is more unknown than before as to how good the passing game will be going forward.

I don’t love it, but I’m not super surprised and I don’t think it’s a massive blow to the team, based on this years results.

This feels like a guy that just wants to see the field more and catch more balls. Definitely not moving back up to the FBS. It's too bad we're losing him though because he should have been a primary target next year. I'm worried about King being WR2.

I don’t know… he wasn’t a primary target this year. On paper, he was WR #1. But Ty and Taco were clearly the top 2 options in the pass game and it wasn’t close. I don’t know if it was him just not being open, or him just not getting the ball thrown his way enough when he was open, or a combination of the two. But he just never broke out here or was a big threat at any point during the season that I can recall.

He wasn’t the top passing option on paper or field. 4th option, at best.

Ryan King was the #3 option behind Taco and Ty by the end of the year in terms of WR options. Hey by the way I really hope Ryan King doesn't leave! Alexander leaving is too bad because we really stuck our neck out for him to get him eligible. Also, by transferring he's likely going to get G5 and FCS offers but who knows. He's throwing away an opportunity to be a captain and vocal leader of an offense that needs new leadership. If he thinks he's going to go to the league transferring to a heavy passing offense, good luck.

If he fell to 4th option, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided against renewing his scholarship and cut their losses.

Done venting. I'll give kudos to Lonyatta for his blocking in 2024. He was far and away our best blocking WR this past season. Had several pancakes in the title game.

[Monymony]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Told y'all he had some really good ones coming his way.

Add UCLA to that list

[TomCat88]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Told y'all he had some really good ones coming his way.

Add UCLA to that list

When someone transfers and then proceeds to kick ass it’s a good thing. Guarantees nothing, however.

[2-B-Champ]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Was told at half time that Rohan was offered $300,000 to come to Arkansas. And Scottre 500,000 from Nebraska. With that I really cannot blame these kids for going somewhere else. Hopefully we will can keep the in state kids.

[coochorama42]

Hope everyone increases their monthly donation to the collective.

Why can't keep the top ones anyways.

The collective isn't about keeping players. It's about rewarding the ones that are here and brining in great players. Some will leave, some will stay that is a fact. Kids at p4 schools that have made millions leave and go to other places, so there really isn't any amount of money that we can say will keep a player. Again it is about supporting the current players and that are playing and representing the montana st community with pride.....I was put on to this by one of the posters here and I really liked their take on the collective.

Your point about the p4 players already getti.g paid and still transferring is the problem with NIL and transfer rules.. people who support it said they should go get theirs. They already have and it isn't enough. Why are those players moving in.

Various reason....it isn't all about money...I keep saying that. As fans it is the easiest thing for us to go to because we don't understand the whole dynamics of playing at a school. When you are recruited you see the best of everyone and everything....you get there and sometimes that stuff changes, BIG TIME. Now am I saying that is what happens at MSU? no, I am not. I can say that the few kids that I have talked to that are at MSU are happy there and it is as it was advertised to them. Other schools not so much. Quinn Ewers graduated early(a farce at best) to get a 1mil pay dat at osu, he was behind stroud and wasn't going to play, so he left to UT. Got another pay day and the word is being floated that he is either going pro or he is transferring because it was made very clear to him that manning is the guy next year. I'm just telling you that it isn't about chasing money for every kid. Is money involved and does that factor in? yes it does but it isn't the root of it all. It's about opportunity to showcase your talent in the best situation possible so you view the landscape find what you think is best then you factor in who wants you most based off what they will give you...you know kinda of like a job...because you know playing college football is JUST like a job.

It is not just like a job, at all. It's a sport, a game. If it were these guys playing on TV helping their institutions make millions, and the NCAA billions, they'd be signing NDAs and non competes. Wouldn't be able to jump ship to the next job (team) without being in breach of contract and liable for lots of monies. There's a reason contracts exist in proefessional sports. DI is now professional sports.

did you play college ball? I did....it is just like a job....get up at 5am for work outs...go to class till lunch time...get to facility around 2pm because if you want to be great you have to get extra film in...get taped...meetings...practice until 7pm....study hall until 9pm...go to your dorm room do homework, get up do it all over again...off season you have a little more time but now days you don't even have that because you have skills sessions daily on top of lifting in the morning and running in the evening...film session to prepare for spring ball/next year...and yes these guys are making millions for their institution....you think all these upgrades are being done for free? who do you think spearheads those donations? the players playing well and having a great team. They most definitely are brining in money through merchandise sells as well, are you buying MSU you gear because of their research or because they went the natty? Whether you realize it or not they also generate donations for academic reasons as well. so yes they are making millions for their schools and the ncaa is making billions as well....you know the tv deals through espn brings money to the schools right? you know that when they play in the playoffs and it's televised the ncaa gets money from that right? and people leave jobs all the time without it being a breach of contract...i don't know of any job EVER that once you get it you can never leave...like what is wrong with you? why do you feel the school OWNS these kids just because they are playing football and going to school there. The school pays for their tuition, books, room and board.....in turn the kids plays football that brings pride and notoriety to the university. the scholarship is year to year it isn't a five year deal, you have to sign every year and at any time a school can pull that scholarship or reduce it if they so choose. now does it happen very often? no, but i have seen kids told you will never play it's best that you leave. or a kid looks at the landscape and sees that they won't play so they go else where. they are humans not livestock that are to be owned and never released until the institution sees fit...like seriously????

Holy crap, you put a lot of words in my mouth. Yes, I played college athletics, though that's not relevant. But dont worry, we know you did!

When did I say a school should own the players, or should keep them for as long as they want? I didn't. You compared it to a job, I told you why it's not, which is a fact. My entire point is that in a professional sport where players are paid (doesn't matter if the school is paying or the collective, NIL fund, whatever is paying) there needs to be rules and regulations. If a school wants to extend a 1 year offer, then fine, that's the offer and the length of the contract if the player accepts. Players can re-sign, or not once the contract us up. If they want it to be 2, 3, 4, 5 then the player can negotiate or decline. The free for all with no oversight is a problem.

Also, people calling them kids is getting old. They're young adults, let's not act like they don't have brains and can't make their own decisions, especially with their support system's help.

The contract idea is a really, really good one. Add a buyout cost on a transfer into the program (not HS students) - from NIL to NIL - to that contract and I think we have a winning idea.

I imagine that - for most of us - the most frustrating transfers are the players like Rohan Jones who made Bozeman in pit stop on his journey compared to a player like Scottre or Moore who started in Bozeman. Had Rohan signed a two year contract with a 50k buyout, the loss hurts a lot less.

[Prodigal Cat]

This one is a bad move. JR Alexander won’t move to a better spot. Didn’t put a ton of stats or film. If he stayed he has the tools to develop into a Lance McCutcheon type WR and would be a stretch the field athlete. He will be lost in the plethora of portal WRs.

[mslacatfan]

This one is a bad move. JR Alexander won’t move to a better spot. Didn’t put a ton of stats or film. If he stayed he has the tools to develop into a Lance McCutcheon type WR and would be a stretch the field athlete. He will be lost in the plethora of portal WRs.

Yup….. I don’t see this one ending well for him. But who knows, maybe he will get a shot with a solid program based on his potential (which is very high).

[KIX]

This one is a bad move. JR Alexander won’t move to a better spot. Didn’t put a ton of stats or film. If he stayed he has the tools to develop into a Lance McCutcheon type WR and would be a stretch the field athlete. He will be lost in the plethora of portal WRs.

Not a huge loss here. Probably couldn't handle the cold.

[CelticCat]

I guess I don't understand why a guy like Rohan is sticking in the craw more than a guy like Scottre. Simply by being here in the first place he's already shown he is a mercenary (not using that term negatively).

Both guys used MSU to leverage an offer somewhere else, I really don't see the difference.

[Travelingcat]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Was told at half time that Rohan was offered $300,000 to come to Arkansas. And Scottre 500,000 from Nebraska. With that I really cannot blame these kids for going somewhere else. Hopefully we will can keep the in state kids.

I'm sure these $ numbers are inflated, but enjoy these players while we can. It is a good sign for the program that we are developing talent that top FBS schools and the NFL are calling.

[coloradocat]

Wow Rohan’s offers already- Arkansas, Wake Forrest, Houston, Louisville

Was told at half time that Rohan was offered $300,000 to come to Arkansas. And Scottre 500,000 from Nebraska. With that I really cannot blame these kids for going somewhere else. Hopefully we will can keep the in state kids.

We still have never lost an in-state player to an FCS/FBS team and I don't see that changing any time soon. You're right that it's had to blame these other guys for going after the $$$. Imagine how many years it would take them to make that much after college. This sets them up really well.

[coloradocat]

Has a Bobcat player that transferred out ever made it to the NFL? The closest I can think of is Prukop to the CFL but I don't keep track of these guys after they leave town.

[MSU01]

We still have never lost an in-state player to an FCS/FBS team and I don't see that changing any time soon. You're right that it's had to blame these other guys for going after the $$$. Imagine how many years it would take them to make that much after college. This sets them up really well.

This is not quite true, Kade Cutler transferred from MSU to UM last year and around a decade ago there was a CB out of Billings (Strong?) who transferred to Utah. It's certainly true that the retention rate for in-state players appears to be significantly higher than for out-of-state players.

[Travelingcat]

Has a Bobcat player that transferred out ever made it to the NFL? The closest I can think of is Prukop to the CFL but I don't keep track of these guys after they leave town.

I think that calculus will change with the increasing prominence of the program (meaning we are bringing in better players) and the new realities of the transfer portal.

Personally, I expect Sebastian Valdez (honorable mention all conference at UW this year) and Omar Aigbedion (ditto at Baylor) will eventually grace an NFL roster at least for a cup of coffee. T.J. Session who transferred after his Freshman year and has started the last three years at Cal, is another one who will have a chance-- and that's just the most recent crop of transfers.

Given the quality of offers they are receiving, I wouldn't bet against Humphrey and Jones either (though their trajectory is far less clear)

[coloradocat]

We still have never lost an in-state player to an FCS/FBS team and I don't see that changing any time soon. You're right that it's had to blame these other guys for going after the $$$. Imagine how many years it would take them to make that much after college. This sets them up really well.

This is not quite true, Kade Cutler transferred from MSU to UM last year and around a decade ago there was a CB out of Billings (Strong?) who transferred to Utah. It's certainly true that the retention rate for in-state players appears to be significantly higher than for out-of-state players.

Although Cutler transferred to the griz and played in 11 games, he finished the season with just 1 Robby Hauck so while we can technically count him as an FCS transfer he's a guy that wasn't playing for us and doesn't really play for the griz (besides in blowouts).

Tre Strong transferred to Utah as a walk on, redshirted his first year and played special teams the next year finishing with 2 tackles. He transferred to SIU of the MVFC for his final year and was a starter for 7 of 8 games before a season ending injury. Seemed to do well there.

Strong was a loss but Cutler is the equivalent of guys that drop down to the Frontier (which is probably what should have happened). So essentially one guy. I'd be interested if there were any others but I think we can safely say that MT players are committed to the Cats.