Absolutely, but Izzo is one of the few figureheads in the sport that could affect change should he wish to play his cards in such a way. Until he does, they're just empty words.
Michigan State is little brother to Michigan in their own state. They obviously have lots more resources than us at Akron, but relative to their peers (OSU, Michigan, etc.) they have to make their money stretch.
I think your scenario is accurate. And if it is, Zips simply cannot afford competing at the elite level. Not at the moment anyway.
28 scholarships versus 9.5 scholarships is not fair competition.
How many scholarships on Zips’ MSOC 2025, I wonder.
Any school not maximizing their number of scholarships is not seriously competing.