A fan definitely needs a scorecard to discover the name associated with the number. The transfer portal era has generated roster turnover unimaginable in past generations.
Consider these Power 4 schools:
Purdue has 83 new scholarship players. Some of the best Boilermakers from 2024’s train wreck of a season have bailed. Hello to Ohio State’s new tight end, Max Klare.
North Carolina’s Bill Belichick greeted 40+ from the transfer portal. So, it makes sense that the Tar Heels had 40+ exit via the portal.
West Virginia retread, Rich Rodriguez, has 70 new Mountaineers.
OK, those programs all have new coaches, However, massive turnover also exists in Stillwater, where Mike Gundy is in his 21st season of being the head man. 60+ new Cowboys.
When one looks at the returning starters for Group of 5 teams, such numbers are paltry relative to historical norms. The Group of 5 has become a de facto farm club system for the Power 4.
What does the Odyssey think of this unprecedented movement? Overall, a slight minus. Most of the portal guys are not going to be NFL stalwarts. We wonder if the lack of identification with one school and the difficulties with transferring credits are often worth the transfer(s). For every Jalen Hurts who finds a second life at Oklahoma, others find the grass to not be greener. Also, we resent the fact that a player can develop at a lesser school only to be scooped up by a traditional power.
However, even with the bad taste in our mouth due to the transfer portal, the Odyssey is excited about the upcoming season. The habits of a lifetime of addiction endure!