USC QB Malachi Nelson in the portal
December 17th, 2023 at 9:22 PM ^
We don't appear close to any but Moore. Guys are moving and shaking. The uncertainty about JJ staying probably influencing heavily
December 17th, 2023 at 9:47 PM ^
We don't appear close to any but Moore.
Not anymore (at least from what I’ve read).
December 17th, 2023 at 10:08 PM ^
Don't you mean "not anymoore"?
December 17th, 2023 at 10:57 PM ^
I feel like there has to be open communication within the program about the QB situation. I find it hard to believe that JJ would leave the program hanging in a bad spot
December 17th, 2023 at 11:03 PM ^
I’m sure there’s open communication, but that very well may be JJ telling the coaches he’s undecided. Which obviously doesn’t help us when it comes to recruiting the portal
December 18th, 2023 at 9:26 AM ^
JJ shouldn't tell them anything, because he shouldn't be thinking about it AT ALL. and I highly doubt he is...
December 18th, 2023 at 10:37 AM ^
Agree - JJ is very much of a “THE TEAM” player. All he’s thinking about is Bama
December 18th, 2023 at 7:02 AM ^
We have options for next year even without JJ. I think we will be fine. No we will prolly not have an undefeated year, but can afford a couple losses with the playoffs, and a seasoned Orjii or Davis could let us make a run
December 18th, 2023 at 8:14 AM ^
If either Orji or Davis are the starting QB I would be concerned. One loss you can make it, but there's no way you can afford a couple losses. It's 12 teams not 64.
The schedule does not line up well either. If JJ leaves and we can't find a former starter in the portal we ain't making the playoffs.
December 18th, 2023 at 9:23 AM ^
Yes way
December 18th, 2023 at 9:57 AM ^
Five teams in the CFP top 12 have 2 losses.
December 18th, 2023 at 3:46 PM ^
But it’s not just the top 12. 5 highest ranked conference champs get an autobid. Here’s the problem: Only 1 of those top 12 teams aren’t in the Big Ten or SEC starting next season.
Meaning 2 of those top 12 teams are already getting pushed out for a conference champ. Now there are only 3 possible CFP teams with 2 losses.
December 18th, 2023 at 8:20 AM ^
My money is on Jayden Denegal. Orji hasn't been allowed to throw the ball in 2 years, so I really don't know why everyone is so high on him. Yeah, he can run - and every time he comes onto the field the world knows a QB keep is coming. It's worked, but don't think that Alabama will be fooled for one freakin' second about that.
December 18th, 2023 at 8:43 AM ^
Fine in the sense that all QBs previous to JJ were fine.
Fine isn't winning championships. Ask Ohio State. Or Penn State. Or us.
December 18th, 2023 at 9:27 AM ^
Overlooking Denegal, just like people like Magnus, overlooked McNamara.
December 18th, 2023 at 9:31 AM ^
I'm sorry and I'll probably get negged for this, but we really don't. I appreciate people have optimism about Orji, but the staff clearly has no faith in him throwing the ball. And bringing out Davis next year against that schedule will be a disaster. We need to bring in a proven commodity
December 18th, 2023 at 12:28 PM ^
The only option I see us having if JJ goes pro is Denegal. Davis looked shaky this year in the time he did get, and Orji has even thrown a pass in a game. Neither one of those seems like a starting option. Denegal has looked decent, but in very low-pressure situations.
That being said, look at our schedule. We need to bring in a proven transfer if JJ goes into the draft. It's a must.
December 18th, 2023 at 3:03 PM ^
Is it 100 percent that Tuttle can't have another year?
December 18th, 2023 at 3:49 PM ^
Idk if he’d be interested, but it appears he’d have a case for a medical waiver.
December 18th, 2023 at 5:40 PM ^
Good info -- I didn't know one way or the other....
December 18th, 2023 at 7:06 PM ^
Redshirted in 2018 ( true freshman)
played 5 games in 2019 (redshirt freshman)
2020 doesn’t count against eligibility (redshirt sophomore)
2021 played in 6 games (redshirt sophomore
2022 played in 1 game before season ending injury (redshirt junior)
2023 was our backup (redshirt senior)
So it would seem he’d have a strong case for a medical waiver for that 2022 season ending injury.
December 19th, 2023 at 7:57 AM ^
Seasoned Orji? We dont even know what he can do other than run.
If JJ leaves theres going to be a damn 3-4 QB battle for starter.
December 18th, 2023 at 8:41 AM ^
Maybe JJ's waiting for Jim to make a decision.
December 18th, 2023 at 9:28 AM ^
JJ isn't thinking about it at all, not he should. First things first. When season over he can. Anything otherwise is a distraction, isn't it.
December 18th, 2023 at 10:40 AM ^
I'm confident they've at least had a conversation about it. It's not some taboo topic that'll throw the whole team into chaos of someone asks "what are your plans".
December 18th, 2023 at 3:52 PM ^
It’s extremely naive to think he hasn’t thought about it.
Maybe he hasn’t decided and I’ll give you that it’s not his main focus. But it’s silly to think he hasn’t thought about it at all.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:30 PM ^
So who is the leader to be USC's QB next year?
December 17th, 2023 at 9:35 PM ^
Will Howard, grad transfer from Kansas State
December 17th, 2023 at 10:47 PM ^
I dunno, will he transfer? Why are you always asking questions like these? Will Howard transfer? I don’t even know who Howard is!
December 17th, 2023 at 11:30 PM ^
Just as with other famous football families (such as the Mannings, the Watts, the Kelse brothers, and the Matthews), Howard is from a family known for their football excellence.
December 18th, 2023 at 12:49 AM ^
This post is the highlight of the Mgoblog Christmas season. Deserves many many up votes.
December 18th, 2023 at 2:57 AM ^
I loved that half back.
December 17th, 2023 at 10:58 PM ^
If Howard transfers to USC and JJ leaves, I would love to see us go after Miller Moss if he enters the portal. Was a heavy Michigan lean before we took JJ and he’s played pretty well when in relief for Caleb Williams.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:31 PM ^
I've just been waiting for an unexpected QB to enter the portal that OSU "definitely didn't" tamper with but ends up there. Maybe this is the guy
December 17th, 2023 at 9:40 PM ^
Any USC fans or followers on the board? Why is this guy jumping ship after only one year?
December 17th, 2023 at 9:47 PM ^
This is one of the hardest parts of the transfer portal. We have no way of knowing whether the kid has already flamed out, or if Riley really sees potential in the kid but wasn't willing to put all his eggs in one basket and now the kid is upset he will have to compete for next year's job. I am guessing he isn't homesick (he is from very close to USC), but hell, maybe he just wants to be closer to his girlfriend going to school somewhere else.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:49 PM ^
Coaches didn’t like what they saw in practice and on field. Saw him play in high school and he was great.
December 18th, 2023 at 9:34 AM ^
Will Howard isn't coming to not start
December 17th, 2023 at 9:42 PM ^
Anyone else feel like cfb is a bit of a joke currently?
December 17th, 2023 at 9:45 PM ^
It feels like a mess. In so many ways. With 12 teams making the playoffs going forward, I think players are going to be jumping more and more just to get a shot at the big time. You have a much greater shot now if you pick the right team eventually
December 17th, 2023 at 9:52 PM ^
So hypothetically could a player on a team in the playoffs jump to another team also in the playoffs. Are they only eligible to play the next season or can they switch teams for the playoffs.
December 17th, 2023 at 10:45 PM ^
Can’t change teams mid-season and play immediately. Have to wait to the following season…for now
December 18th, 2023 at 9:31 AM ^
Need to go back to putting a sit out year, and things go back to normal somewhat.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:57 PM ^
Winning seems to be the very last box checked nowadays other wise Michigan would a few 5 stars. (Those almost feel like a pipe dream with Michigan's approach to NIL).
NIL & playing time without competing seem to be top priority when it comes to where the elite prospects are going.
December 18th, 2023 at 4:57 AM ^
Unfortunately I believe it’s much more about the money than trying to help a team any more. A lot of these kids will never make the NFL so they are trying to strike it rich in college. All in all though it is a mess and getting worse by the day.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:46 PM ^
Players constantly jumping ship will be bad for the sport. There needs to be a player's union so that these things can be negotiated.
December 18th, 2023 at 8:07 AM ^
Teams need to be able to legally negotiate contracts with players. Right now there is no way to ensure players stay because they can't be paid to play only for their name.
December 17th, 2023 at 10:00 PM ^
I don't know how anyone possibly can keep track of all of this.
Let's say you're a Head coach right now. You're coach of a good team, not a CFB team, but in a good Bowl. You have ALL of this going on to keep track of:
- Early signing day
- Managing any coaching staff departures (there are inevitably a few) --- staying active in recruiting new coaches.
- Managing players who are considering the portal/transferring out of the program
- Contacting and scouting all kinds of potential players who are considering transferring IN to the program
- Bidding good-bye to players opting-out for the NFL draft
- Prepping for that Bowl game
- Making sure, I suppose, all your players are still going to Finals and keeping up academically (they're still student-athletes!!!)
- Season-ending banquet/party for the football team.
- There's probably a bunch of other Christmas parties that boosters and family and friends would like you to attend.
- Buying Christmas presents for your wife, family, etc.
This is all during, what up until a couple years ago, was a relatively slow couple week period!
December 17th, 2023 at 10:14 PM ^
Still not gonna feel bad for the coaches. Nope. They're well compensated.
December 17th, 2023 at 10:24 PM ^
I don't feel sorry for them --- no --- but that's a side effect of the December portal: players are transferring while the season is still on-going (for both teams)!
Oh, I get the rationale --- they have to open the portal in December so players can get academically registered at their new school before the January semester begins.
(of course, academics aren't really the rationale. They have to get academically registered at their new school so they can participate in spring practices.)
I don't really have a solution - it sort of has to be December. But, man, it's crazy.