The Odyssey gets more upset with each passing day at how the portal disadvantages the “have nots.” Not to mention that it is a touch disloyal for an emerging star to bail on a team that had faith in him even when others did not offer.
Some examples: Braden Fiske has been a stalwart defensive lineman for Western Michigan. The Michigan City (Indiana) prep is paying a visit to nearby Notre Dame though many other Power 5’s have offered.
Ball State’s Carson Steele rushed for 1,376 yards this year as a Sophomore. Bye, bye, Ball. Maybe we should just say, bye, bye, MAC.
Vanderbilt’s 5-win renaissance did not resonate with their starting QB, Mike Wright, and their leading rusher. Bye, bye Nashville.
Spencer Sanders and Sam Hartman were both quality starters for what seemed like a zillion years at Oklahoma State and Wake Forest, respectively. Neither will be staying put in 2023.
The Odyssey was excited about Arizona’s prospects in 2023 thanks, in no small measure, to a sizzling passing attack. Passing whiz, Jayden de Laura, and stellar receiver, Dorian Singer, had words on the sideline during a late-season game. Au revoir, Dorian!
Indiana’s 2020 renaissance was surprising and very temporary in the brutal Big 10 East. Dasan McCollough took note and became the Hoosiers’ highest ranked recruit – EVER. The linebacker had a standout Freshman year but will not be in Bloomington in 2023. McCullough’s exit follows two other entrances into the portal by potential 2023 Hoosier starters. That McCullough was a hometown prep makes the wound even deeper A sobering time to be Tom Allen.
There needs to be balance between individual liberty and mass exodus from programs who offered an initial opportunity. The Odyssey hopes that the powers-that-be can find such balance.