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When judging these recruiting classes I personally look at a few things: 1) Who's making style/philosophy changes. Last season it was obvious Kent made changes to more mirror Akron and Miami. Didn't get better than those two, but was clearly ahead of the rest of the MAC. 2) Toledo did not seem to change style/philosophy, but did seem to bring in more physical/athletic players and by the end of the season were arguably playing better defense. This seems to be a trent they are continuing. 3) Ohio seems to be searching a bit. Boals is known for recruiting bigs, but hasn't really hit on any of note. Now going the international route. 4) BG, Ball State, EMU, UB all look to be searching for an identity, even as they improve their rosters, on paper. EMU, by keeping Habhab, should be pretty solid if the Eagles have a good PG.

I'm not sure that's fair to say EITHER WAY because you have teams trying to build out 15-man rosters with innumerable guys. What Ball State wants a guy to do might be more interesting to that guy, even if Akron is a "better" situation. Assuming Akron even talked to him, of course.

I feel it's a given several teams have stepped up spending, as have many other mid-majors in other conferences. We had been spending 2x-3x compared to most other MAC teams in prior years. That margin has probably narrowed. It's still challenging to project with any certainty which team is winning the portal war in the MAC. Pretty much every MAC team is relying on D2, international, or low minute P4 drop down players to fill major holes. Some will produce. Others will be hype, but flop during the regular season

For sure, it's all unknown but based on the credentials of players coming in, we're not far and away better than the rest of the conference. And there's an argument that other teams have brought in better players. Sure, we'll still win the MAC. That's a given. 😅

Yes, but isn't there a case to be made that a team that bad wouldn't have redshirted him if they thought he'd be a big contributer?

Players have 5 years to play 5 years of college ball from the time they graduate high school or the time they turn 19 - whichever comes first. No more redshirts (which is a good thing).

He redshirted, but I am also not saying Akron is recruiting over anyone else because we got him. We have no idea what players like Wilson or Henderson for Ball State will do in the MAC.

Because he redshirted.

Exavier Wilson played 0 MPG at a much worse Kansas State team last year.

OU essentially replaced Pavs but have not addressed their biggest flaw which was defense. They are really banking on these international players it seems.

So no more redshirting? The player is allowed to play 5 years?

5 to play 5

Because they got a kid that averaged 3 MPG at TTU last year?

Rich Brisco committed to Rider.

Can a player play 5 years? Or is it a 5 yr window to play 4?

It's not just Kent and Toledo recruiting over Akron.

I think OU has had a fairly good portal season. They added 2 perimeter players to go along with Simmons. I believe they also added 2 international players, which I have trouble projecting. If either of those international players are quality MAC starters OU can be a serious contender. If not, they will probably have a similar season to the one they just had.

No. Willis Jr. missed the entire season. Who knows if he's the same player as he was at WMU, and that was during a really bad year for the MAC (23rd or 25th ranked conference when he was averaging double digits). A 6'2" without a 3P shot is an interesting add as the MAC will seemingly be as tall as it has ever been next season. Not impressed with either of Kent's or Toledo's Portal classes so far. BG & Balls have had the best Portal classes along with Akron IMO. Simon thrives in the Portal but can rarely get the pieces to fit together on the court. Balls looks like they'll have a pulse for the first time in years. I can't tell what Toledo, Kent, Miami OH, and Ohio are doing with their classes. Akron is getting bigger and more physical while maintaining athleticism. This final piece Akron adds will complete the roster and I'm curious to see who that is. If they can add another 6'7"-6'9" Forward or a sniper from 3 (G or F), look out.

BG is legit!! (perpetually)

I would say no. Willis is an upgrade over Medley, but still lacks a perimeter game. Angel Montas is a nice addition for Toledo, but what else have they added? BG IMO has signed better classes than both.

At this point, yes. New era. I'd throw in Buffalo as well.

Fellas, are we getting out-transferred by Toledo and Kent State?