Transfer Portal 2026

[kreed5120]

9 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

 

Players like TJ and Amani who stayed at one school their entire careers - in the MAC at least - are likely a thing of the past. If Enrique was a junior now, he'd probably be going elelsewhere. We are likely going to have brand new teams basically every year. At least under the current system. 

 

I think TJ I agree with, but Amani was a bit of a late bloomer. He wasn't sniffing All-MAC and wouldn't have commanded big money until after this season, which is when his eligibility ended anyway. 

 

The players that stick around the full 4-5 years will be those who like being here and don't become too good that Akron can no longer afford them. Like next season will be MMK 4th season here and it's conceivable he stays all 5.

[Let'sGoZips94]

41 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

A good chunk of our best players still are high school recruits. I kind of feel you can't ignore HS players because you need them to help supplement the cost of transfer players. Like we would have never been able to afford a TJ, Amani, Eric, etc. if we tried to pay for that production by adding a proven player in the portal. 

 

HS kids aren't free nowadays. Who knows how much cheaper the worthwhile players actually are, if at all. Until there is framework for a multi year commitment in this era, I'd be targeting strictly Portal guys. If cost becomes an issue, don't carry 15 guys. 

[kreed5120]

38 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

HS kids aren't free nowadays. Who knows how much cheaper the worthwhile players actually are, if at all. Until there is framework for a multi year commitment in this era, I'd be targeting strictly Portal guys. If cost becomes an issue, don't carry 15 guys. 

 

I feel that's a more workable strategy for the P4, who have big money to buy ~12 players every year.

 

The high school level guys we're recruiting we're paying very minimal for. Probably just a small stipend. The freshman signing for good money are the ones going to and starting at high majors. I imagine most mid-major teams are spending ~70% of their budget on their top 2-3 players and then pinching dollars to fill out spots 4-10. Getting production out of HS players is a bonus because they come very cheap compared to portal players. 

 

Edit: IMO both avenues should be used, which we have been doing with great success.

Edited 2 hours ago by kreed5120