2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[StarkVegasSteve]

UAB center Brady Wilson also visiting this weekend. Number 6 IOL in the portal.

[KB21]

UAB center Brady Wilson also visiting this weekend. Number 6 IOL in the portal.

PFF's #3 overall center from this year based on their grading system.

[Cowbell]

Thing is, Kromenhoek is actually rated higher than Arnold in the portal. Think Zach Arnett would have gotten QBs like this interested in Mississippi State with Barbay Bombs?

Not with Will rogers as the established incumbent

[Todd4State]

Per Hadad, people in the building think Shapen is the starter even if we get Arnold. Take that fwiw

Sounds like he is getting trolled as payback for leaks.

[Todd4State]

PFF's #3 overall center from this year based on their grading system.

I would really like to get him.

[Brobi-wan]

Per Hadad, people in the building think Shapen is the starter even if we get Arnold. Take that fwiw

Then Hadad must be a window licker.

[Coursesuper]

Per Hadad, people in the building think Shapen is the starter even if we get Arnold. Take that fwiw

That tracks, normal wrong coming from that bunch.

[Brobi-wan]

Sounds like he is getting trolled as payback for leaks.

I watched a couple of their podcasts and couldn’t believe how boring they were. You guys were right about that.

[ZedFedder]

When did Hadad say that? I have listened to their shows and have not heard that.

[Coursesuper]

Sounds like he is getting trolled as payback for leaks.

This is the "Fan Media" at it's finest. You reap what you sow.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I watched a couple of their podcasts and couldn’t believe how boring they were. You guys were right about that.

I actually do not mind Brian. He is a nice guy. Faulk has gotten drunk on his fractional amount of fame and thinks he is a lot cooler and a lot more important than he is. I think Brian is thankful that he gets to do this for a living and is not slinging pizzas at Papa John’s anymore. Faulk has just never been humbled. Lemonis kind of humbled him a couple years ago and that is the reason for his vendetta against Chris.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This is the "Fan Media" at it's finest. You reap what you sow.

It is just another reason MSU is looked down upon. Our “media” is a guy who does not look like he regularly bathes(and I like Steve btw), a former pizza boy, and a high school sports reporter who was making 25K a year before Hadad gave him a break.

On the other hand you have Ole Miss with McCready(and think what you want about Neal he is an actual journalist), A&M has Liucci who is very well respected, Kentucky has Matt Jones, LSU has Moscona and T-Bob, Bama has Ryan Fowler, and so on down the line we could go.

[Coursesuper]

It is just another reason MSU is looked down upon. Our “media” is a guy who does not look like he regularly bathes(and I like Steve btw), a former pizza boy, and a high school sports reporter who was making 25K a year before Hadad gave him a break.

On the other hand you have Ole Miss with McCready(and think what you want about Neal he is an actual journalist), A&M has Liucci who is very well respected, Kentucky has Matt Jones, LSU has Moscona and T-Bob, Bama has Ryan Fowler, and so on down the line we could go.

Exactly.

[DEDawg]

So how we feeling today outside of Arnold? The guys we expected to get are we still feeling good? Any surprises good or bad so far?

[Matt3467]

So once he gets injured in Spring or Fall camp it will be Arnold. The dude just cannot stay healthy. Also, people in the building I have spoken to say Lebby has more faith in Arnold than any QB he has ever had. Again, like you said, take that fwiw

Taking the injury concerns out of the equation do people really think MVB is better than Shapen? I thought Shapen played really well considering.

[DEDawg]

Taking the injury concerns out of the equation do people really think MVB is better than Shapen? I thought Shapen played really well considering.

There's no doubt Shapen is/was better if you throw out injuries. MVB ceiling seems much higher, but last year there was no competition imo

[Homedawg]

I actually do not mind Brian. He is a nice guy. Faulk has gotten drunk on his fractional amount of fame and thinks he is a lot cooler and a lot more important than he is. I think Brian is thankful that he gets to do this for a living and is not slinging pizzas at Papa John’s anymore. Faulk has just never been humbled. Lemonis kind of humbled him a couple years ago and that is the reason for his vendetta against Chris.

Faulk is a moron w a pen and a computer ......

[Homedawg]

It is just another reason MSU is looked down upon. Our “media” is a guy who does not look like he regularly bathes(and I like Steve btw), a former pizza boy, and a high school sports reporter who was making 25K a year before Hadad gave him a break.

On the other hand you have Ole Miss with McCready(and think what you want about Neal he is an actual journalist), A&M has Liucci who is very well respected, Kentucky has Matt Jones, LSU has Moscona and T-Bob, Bama has Ryan Fowler, and so on down the line we could go.

THIS all day

[StarkVegasSteve]

So how we feeling today outside of Arnold? The guys we expected to get are we still feeling good? Any surprises good or bad so far?

Coleman was the one bad one that we thought we were good on. And I will say this, I would not COMPLETELY close the door on that one. It would take some mending of fences on our side but if he came back to us we obviously would not turn him down. Again, not a great shot. But not completely off the table.

[Pancho]

What fences need mending? i thought he was all sealed up monetarily and verbally until he simply changed his mind.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Issac Smith confirms he is locked in. A pretty big hold for Lebby, Hutzler, Votteller, and Charlie. Every SEC program inquired whether he would be interested in transferring but we locked him down. Had to renegotiate things a couple of times, but he is locked in

[StarkVegasSteve]

What fences need mending? i thought he was all sealed up monetarily and verbally until he simply changed his mind.

He had agreed to an offer and then decided 5 days later to hop in the portal.

[KB21]

Looks like Nevah Sanders may commit soon. Pass rush specialist from Northern Illinois. 67 pass rush snaps produced 12 pressures, 4 sacks, 3 hits, and 5 hurries on the year.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Looks like Nevah Sanders may commit soon. Pass rush specialist from Northern Illinois. 67 pass rush snaps produced 12 pressures, 4 sacks, 3 hits, and 5 hurries on the year.

Would expect him to pretty soon. Also hearing good things about Trevion Barnes and Jalen Smith.

[HancockCountyDog]

He had agreed to an offer and then decided 5 days later to hop in the portal.

Sadly this is standard operating procedure now a days.

[HancockCountyDog]

Would expect him to pretty soon. Also hearing good things about Trevion Barnes and Jalen Smith.

Would be a really nice defensive haul.

[KB21]

Would expect him to pretty soon. Also hearing good things about Trevion Barnes and Jalen Smith.

Hmm. This must by why Kobe Jones tweeted a bit ago that Mississippi State was crushing the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Also guys just a word to the wise on this one, I would be cautious to believe anything Rosebowl says in regards to Arnold and Auburn. His best sources are at Auburn so they are obviously going to feed him complementary stuff about Auburn. Just food for thought on that one.

There is also the small fact that our staff does not really like our media. They think they are too fancy boy. Which is correct.

[Op4isabitch]

Also guys just a word to the wise on this one, I would be cautious to believe anything Rosebowl says in regards to Arnold and Auburn. His best sources are at Auburn so they are obviously going to feed him complementary stuff about Auburn. Just food for thought on that one.

There is also the small fact that our staff does not really like our media. They think they are too fancy boy. Which is correct.


Maybe Yancy will hit the portal.

[bigbub50]

What does fancy boy mean?

[Coursesuper]

Also guys just a word to the wise on this one, I would be cautious to believe anything Rosebowl says in regards to Arnold and Auburn. His best sources are at Auburn so they are obviously going to feed him complementary stuff about Auburn. Just food for thought on that one.

There is also the small fact that our staff does not really like our media. They think they are too fancy boy. Which is correct.

Good move on the staffs part close them out.

[StarkVegasSteve]

What does fancy boy mean?

My bad. Trying to type on my phone and meant fan boy.

[Todd4State]

My bad. Trying to type on my phone and meant fan boy.

I thought you meant Nancy Boy LOL. Which would also be true.

[MrCoachKlein]

It is just another reason MSU is looked down upon. Our ?media? is a guy who does not look like he regularly bathes(and I like Steve btw), a former pizza boy, and a high school sports reporter who was making 25K a year before Hadad gave him a break.

On the other hand you have Ole Miss with McCready(and think what you want about Neal he is an actual journalist), A&M has Liucci who is very well respected, Kentucky has Matt Jones, LSU has Moscona and T-Bob, Bama has Ryan Fowler, and so on down the line we could go.

On a pure entertainment level, Hadad is one of the best IMO. Sidekick is sidekick whether Joel T or Robby. Robertson is so high on himself he's unbearable. In my worthless opinion , I'm really glad we have Hadad. Gives me a couple hour break from reality a week and makes it entertaining. Reporters are almost always joke anyway at least entertain.

[BigDawg81]

On a pure entertainment level, Hadad is one of the best IMO. Sidekick is sidekick whether Joel T or Robby. Robertson is so high on himself he's unbearable. In my worthless opinion , I'm really glad we have Hadad. Gives me a couple hour break from reality a week and makes it entertaining. Reporters are almost always joke anyway at least entertain.
Hadad faking an injury while on air was great. 😂

[Chuck3124]

Question. So did Arnold make it to Auburn or not? Some are saying he did and some are saying he didn?t.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Question. So did Arnold make it to Auburn or not? Some are saying he did and some are saying he didn?t.

I will check with some people who would know. There was some back-and-forth throughout the day on it. Auburn was trying to get him to wait until possibly Friday due to Maalik Murphy.

[BeardoMSU]

My bad. Trying to type on my phone and meant fan boy.

Fancy boy still applies, lol

[BeardoMSU]

I thought you meant Nancy Boy LOL. Which would also be true.

And this, lol

[Chuck3124]

I will check with some people who would know. There was some back-and-forth throughout the day on it. Auburn was trying to get him to wait until possibly Friday due to Maalik Murphy.

Interesting. Someone told they think he visited on Tuesday and he could be here now due to his visit being here tomorrow. Was just curious

[StarkVegasSteve]

Interesting. Someone told they think he visited on Tuesday and he could be here now due to his visit being here tomorrow. Was just curious

Yea I saw that. Do not know that I believe that, Rosebowl has too many Auburn connections and would have let it slip. Also I know these next few days we are bringing in a ton of portal targets over the weekend and we really want him to be here around everyone. Also a few secret visitors.

[Todd4State]

Yea I saw that. Do not know that I believe that, Rosebowl has too many Auburn connections and would have let it slip. Also I know these next few days we are bringing in a ton of portal targets over the weekend and we really want him to be here around everyone. Also a few secret visitors.

This weekend is going to get wild. Hopefully our fans don't melt.

[TrapGame]

Secret Visitors?!!!

NIIIIICE.

I love portal season.

[Coursesuper]

This weekend is going to get wild. Hopefully our fans don't melt.

Ohh, now you know that is absolutely going to happen.

[Todd4State]

Ohh, now you know that is absolutely going to happen.

I will admit that I don't know names. But I can tell already we are going to have a lot of visitors and that this is going to be our big portal weekend.

And I may be wrong but I do believe that Arnold will visit this weekend. It just makes a lot of sense reading the info from this board and info I see on other boards and Twitter.

[Brobi-wan]

They?ve already melted. Portal season is more fun than people give it credit for.

[DEDawg]

Could Phil Picciotti follow JA if he comes here?

[Coursesuper]

I will admit that I don't know names. But I can tell already we are going to have a lot of visitors and that this is going to be our big portal weekend.

And I may be wrong but I do believe that Arnold will visit this weekend. It just makes a lot of sense reading the info from this board and info I see on other boards and Twitter.

This is a pivotal period for this staff and the program. Add that to a fan and alumni base that has been kicked in the teeth for a couple of years it equals unparalleled melt due to lack of information and unrealistic expectations for the situation at hand.

[confucius say]

When did Hadad say that? I have listened to their shows and have not heard that.

Wednesday night. He has a show from 6-7 on super talk every Wednesday night. It's in the T&L podcast feed too if you want to listen.

[confucius say]

It is just another reason MSU is looked down upon. Our “media” is a guy who does not look like he regularly bathes(and I like Steve btw), a former pizza boy, and a high school sports reporter who was making 25K a year before Hadad gave him a break.

On the other hand you have Ole Miss with McCready(and think what you want about Neal he is an actual journalist), A&M has Liucci who is very well respected, Kentucky has Matt Jones, LSU has Moscona and T-Bob, Bama has Ryan Fowler, and so on down the line we could go.

We have Bo bounds!

[ZedFedder]

Wednesday night. He had a show from 6-7 on super talk every Wednesday night.

I forgot about that one. That is the one I do not usually listen to. I apologize. Thanks!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Rosebowl now is saying Arnold is out. Let us see who is right. I think he is way too close to Auburn and the folks over there to be believable.

[chef dixon]

So are we tampering with William Echoles? Hell yea if so

[confucius say]

Rosebowl now is saying Arnold is out. Let us see who is right. I think he is way too close to Auburn and the folks over there to be believable.

Where'd he post that? On his board?

[Coursesuper]

Rosebowl now is saying Arnold is out. Let us see who is right. I think he is way too close to Auburn and the folks over there to be believable.
That?s what that lead 247 dude has been saying.

[confucius say]

Can the 5 star FSU qb move? More or less mobile than Shapen?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Where'd he post that? On his board?

Yea. He was right that Charlie is calling people trying to raise more money. It will not come at a discount anymore.

[confucius say]

Yea. He was right that Charlie is calling people trying to raise more money. It will not come at a discount anymore.

Are we better off with the FSU five star? His portal rating is higher fwiw

[msstate7]

Losing Arnold after losing craver and Coleman would be pretty devastating.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I will say this, if this thing turns and I am wrong, Lebby will probably have lost the fan base for his tenure. I mean you lose Coleman, Craver, and Van Buren but that was fine because you were getting Arnold and he was bringing WRs. The FSU guy will not be bringing WRs with him. So if you lose Arnold, which I have said I will go down with the ship that we ultimately end up with him, no one will have any faith Lebby can bring talent here

[MetEdDawg]

Yea. He was right that Charlie is calling people trying to raise more money. It will not come at a discount anymore.

Same song different verse.

I guess I don't believe anything anymore regarding us getting players. There is literally nothing positive for us in this regard.

I'm done falling for this stuff anymore. We've always got it set up perfect for someone to come in then all of a sudden we don't.

Hard to believe much positive anymore. Him taking a visit to Auburn was never good for us in any capacity.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Are we better off with the FSU five star? His portal rating is higher fwiw

We are not better off.

[msstate7]

Same song different verse.

I guess I don't believe anything anymore regarding us getting players. There is literally nothing positive for us in this regard.

I'm done falling for this stuff anymore. We've always got it set up perfect for someone to come in then all of a sudden we don't.

Hard to believe much positive anymore. Him taking a visit to Auburn was never good for us in any capacity.

Basically if a kid isn't from Mississippi and has sec options, move on to someone else. We just aren't an attractive option anymore

[confucius say]

So was there an agreed upon number and now that number has changed?

[chef dixon]

Arnold will suck at Auburn if he goes there. He needs Lebby. But money talks

[BigDawg81]

Yea. He was right that Charlie is calling people trying to raise more money. It will not come at a discount anymore. How more money does fans need to give? Jesus Christ and without much in return.

[StarkVegasSteve]

So was there an agreed upon number and now that number has changed?

Tentative number. Auburn has raised it significantly. I got faith in Lebby though to figure it out.

[paverdog]

Well is Arnold still visiting tomorrow? If so, we are not out yet.

[BigDawg81]

Tentative number. Auburn has raised it significantly. I got faith in Lebby though to figure it out. 2 mil?

[Brobi-wan]

Without Arnold, Lebby gets my vote of no confidence.

[msstate7]

Without Arnold, Lebby gets my vote of no confidence.

I'd go back to MVB. Hell, I wanted him more than Arnold anyway

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well is Arnold still visiting tomorrow? If so, we are not out yet.

It is still planned as of 7:30

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'd go back to MVB. Hell, I wanted him more than Arnold anyway

That ship was sailing with or without Arnold.

[msstate7]

It is still planned as of 7:30

If they've offered a significantly more, i doubt that visit happens without a raise in the offer

[StarkVegasSteve]

If they've offered a significantly more, i doubt that visit happens without a raise in the offer

It has already been raised and Charlie is on the phone raising more.

[confucius say]

I doubt Auburn will pay 2 million for him.

[Brobi-wan]

I'd go back to MVB. Hell, I wanted him more than Arnold anyway

I wouldn’t, but I don’t think it matters regardless. I like Lebby and have laid of the criticism. But if you can’t land the big fish every now and then…not much matters. Maybe Arnold’s parents pull through and tell them Hugh is a 17er and not to go there but damn.

[StarkVegasSteve]

2 mil?

They have offered pretty close to that. We are over 7 figures now with ours.

[StateDawg44]

It has already been raised and Charlie is on the phone raising more.

What happened to us being stacked?

[msstate7]

It has already been raised and Charlie is on the phone raising more.

So let's say we come up with matching funds, we have less for other guys. This just seems like a losing proposition either way

[Brobi-wan]

So let's say we come up with matching funds, we have less for other guys. This just seems like a losing proposition either way

Not wrong there.

[StarkVegasSteve]

So let's say we come up with matching funds, we have less for other guys. This just seems like a losing proposition either way

No this is additional funds to what we had allocated for Jackson.

[confucius say]

If I were lebby making 4.5 million, my second cousins from Plano, Texas would be donating 500k tonight to seal the deal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

If I were lebby making 4.5 million, my second cousins from Plano, Texas would be donating 500k tonight to seal the deal.

I can neither confirm nor deny that Art Briles may be donating for this cause.

[confucius say]

I can neither confirm nor deny that Art Briles may be donating for this cause.

Now you're catching my drift.

[chef dixon]

Hell give me Kromenhoek

[msstate7]

Tenn
At aTm
At Florida
Texas
At ark
Georgia
At Missouri
OM

Next season is brutal...

Unpopular opinion - I would let Arnold walk if the price has went up considerably. I would use our money to upgrade the LOS (both sides) with guys that have 2 years of eligibility. Hope we can keep shapen upright and hope KT is ready in 2026.

[Coursesuper]

I doubt Auburn will pay 2 million for him.

Auburn is just 17ing things up by raising the price because they can. Forcing us to pay up more for one spot and being less able to pay more at other positions. 17ing Freezus what a shitty excuse for a human being.

[Todd4State]

They have offered pretty close to that. We are over 7 figures now with ours.

We need to match and exceed what they offer. **** it. I don't think they will counter. Certainly willing to call their bluff and at least run up the tab on their end.

[Brobi-wan]

God I love this drama! Makes me feel alive.

[Todd4State]

Tenn
At aTm
At Florida
Texas
At ark
Georgia
At Missouri
OM

Next season is brutal...

Unpopular opinion - I would let Arnold walk if the price has went up considerably. I would use our money to upgrade the LOS (both sides) with guys that have 2 years of eligibility. Hope we can keep shapen upright and hope KT is ready in 2026.

You have to think beyond 2025 though. If we have Arnold for his senior year when our schedule flips it could be a really good season for us in 2026.

[Brobi-wan]

Tenn
At aTm
At Florida
Texas
At ark
Georgia
At Missouri
OM

Next season is brutal...

Unpopular opinion - I would let Arnold walk if the price has went up considerably. I would use our money to upgrade the LOS (both sides) with guys that have 2 years of eligibility. Hope we can keep shapen upright and hope KT is ready in 2026.

We need a perception win. This is as much about that as actually wanting him.

[msstate7]

We need to match and exceed what they offer. **** it. I don't think they will counter. Certainly willing to call their bluff and at least run up the tab on their end.

How do we know what the current offer is besides just hearing it from Arnold? Seems like it would be easy to get a team to bid against themselves in this new environment when you know a program is desperate

[StarkVegasSteve]

We need to match and exceed what they offer. **** it. I don't think they will counter. Certainly willing to call their bluff and at least run up the tab on their end.

Yep. It is time for Lebby to lay his nuts on the table and get it done. If you have to overpay then by god do it.

[msstate7]

We need a perception win. This is as much about that as actually wanting him.

Probably so, but I think a big upgrade on the LOs probably makes us a better team anyway

[BigDawg81]

I am going to be honest and I have been thinking about this since the transfer portal became a thing, the tranfer portal is fun and it?s better than the season itself. It?s nerve wrecking but fun.

[Coursesuper]

Yep. It is time for Lebby to lay his nuts on the table and get it done. If you have to overpay then by god do it.
Amen, gotta get a win somehow someway.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I am going to be honest and I have been thinking about this since the transfer portal became a thing, the tranfer portal is fun and it?s better than the season itself. It?s nerve wrecking but fun.

Oh it’s incredibly exciting but we need a damn big win. I like Jahron Manning and Red Hibbler and they will help us next year, but we need a perception win.

[confucius say]

Hell give me Kromenhoek

If you can get him for 750 instead of 2 million for Arnold, frees up 1.25 million for lineman.

Honestly, to 7's point, roll with Shapen and save 1.5 million to spend on other spots or bankroll for 2026

[msstate7]

I am going to be honest and I have been thinking about this since the transfer portal became a thing, the tranfer portal is fun and it?s better than the season itself. It?s nerve wrecking but fun.

It's only fun when you win some. mBK portal season was fun bc we got some guys. If we don't land any good players, it'll be about as fun as our football season

[TrapGame]

Why are we in a bidding war for a guy that's was supposedly wrapped up and just taking a visit for the 25k?

This stinks.

[confucius say]

I am going to be honest and I have been thinking about this since the transfer portal became a thing, the tranfer portal is fun and it?s better than the season itself. It?s nerve wrecking but fun.

Somebody do a Twitter space

[StarkVegasSteve]

Steve Robertson has staked his reputation on Jackson Arnold not being here. But do not worry, if/when we get him he will come out with some story about how he was told to keep it under wraps.

[Biguglyjoe]

Why are we in a bidding war for a guy that's was supposedly wrapped up and just taking a visit for the 25k?

This stinks.
It sounds like ?just going for the $25K? was BS all along.

[chef dixon]

I am going to be honest and I have been thinking about this since the transfer portal became a thing, the tranfer portal is fun and it?s better than the season itself. It?s nerve wrecking but fun.

It's the new NSD, which is now a complete waste of time because very few of them are ready to play and won't be with their school in 1-2 years.

The Lockhart situation was cool, but do you really want to be the first team to have prospects that aren't day 1 starters anymore?

[StateDawg44]

Why are we in a bidding war for a guy that's was supposedly wrapped up and just taking a visit for the 25k?

This stinks.

Why is anyone surprised by this?

[Todd4State]

How do we know what the current offer is besides just hearing it from Arnold? Seems like it would be easy to get a team to bid against themselves in this new environment when you know a program is desperate

I trust StarkVegasSteve on this

[confucius say]

I wouldn't overpay for Arnold personally.
Save that money and spend it on lineman and a wr. Arnold ain't that much better than Shapen.

[DLGDawg]

Probably so, but I think a big upgrade on the LOs probably makes us a better team anyway

My heart says the opportunity costs will far outweigh the cost of overpaying. Yes, we've lost some extra money for other desperate positions. But if we lose JA we've lost everything(feels that way anyway)

[Todd4State]

Yep. It is time for Lebby to lay his nuts on the table and get it done. If you have to overpay then by god do it.

Time for Mississippi State football to lay their nuts on the table.

[Todd4State]

I wouldn't overpay for Arnold personally.
Save that money and spend it on lineman and a wr. Arnold ain't that much better than Shapen.

We need a QB. It's the most important position on the field. Get that and the o-linemen will follow.

[confucius say]

We need a QB. It's the most important position on the field. Get that and the o-linemen will follow.

We have one.
We could get a better one I know. But we have a serviceable one.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Guys Blake Shapen will be injured by Game 3. Not because of a bad line or anything like that. He is just injury prone. And it will happen again next year. So yes, we need to overpay Arnold or go get Preston Stone. We also need to get WRs since we currently have like 5 on the roster. Isaiah Sategna is visiting this weekend and he will be a good start. He can be your Craver replacement.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We have one.
We could get a better one I know. But we have a serviceable one.

Serviceable is the quickest way to 3-9 next year. You have to be elite at the QB position to succeed in this conference. Auburn was elite at 21 of 22 positions last year and went 5-7 because they were ass at the only one that mattered.

[BigDawg81]

We have been going the cheap route for decades and Auburn has been giving us the business for the past year and a half. I think it is time to return the favor and tell them to sit the F*** down.

[KB21]

Serviceable is the quickest way to 3-9 next year. You have to be elite at the QB position to succeed in this conference. Auburn was elite at 21 of 22 positions last year and went 5-7 because they were ass at the only one that mattered.

This. Football is a QB driven game. You have to have a great one at that position to have a chance. Mississippi State fans need to get rid of the mindset that we are OK if we go cheap at QB, build up around him, and just run the ball.

[confucius say]

Serviceable is the quickest way to 3-9 next year. You have to be elite at the QB position to succeed in this conference. Auburn was elite at 21 of 22 positions last year and went 5-7 because they were ass at the only one that mattered.

Auburn was elite at every position except for QB? Stop.

Our ceiling next year is 6 wins even with Arnold.
Arnold has done nothing to be considered an elite QB. He's not even a top 50 player in the portal right now.
Giving him 2 million is crazy.
I would be happy to have him, no doubt. But any hope of him being elite is just that, hope.

[KB21]

This is why you go ahead and set up a visit from Luke Kromenhoek as well. Both players are highly rated QB prospects, and both were recruited by Jeff Lebby at Oklahoma. Arnold has the advantage of being groomed in Jeff's offense.

If you go with Shapen and then are forced to play Kamario Taylor as a true freshman, you are toast. Taylor has the ability to be great down the road, but he's far from being ready now. He's got a lot of learning to do when it comes to the passing game.

[confucius say]

This. Football is a QB driven game. You have to have a great one at that position to have a chance. Mississippi State fans need to get rid of the mindset that we are OK if we go cheap at QB, build up around him, and just run the ball.

Don't conflate cheap/expensive with elite play.
We need elite qb play to be a 9 win team. No doubt.
But who are we looking at that is an elite qb worth 2 million?

[Young dawg]

If we don?t land Arnold we really need to go out and get Stone.

[KB21]

Auburn was elite at every position except for QB? Stop.

Our ceiling next year is 6 wins even with Arnold.
Arnold has done nothing to be considered an elite QB. He's not even a top 50 player in the portal right now.
Giving him 2 million is crazy.
I would be happy to have him, no doubt. But any hope of him being elite is just that, hope.

When evaluating QBs, you have to take into account the offensive system. Jackson Arnold is a great fit for the Jeff Lebby version of the Briles offense. Quin Ewers is a great fit for what Steve Sarkisian runs. If you traded places with those QBs, they wouldn't be as good of fits in the schemes.

[confucius say]

This is why you go ahead and set up a visit from Luke Kromenhoek as well. Both players are highly rated QB prospects, and both were recruited by Jeff Lebby at Oklahoma. Arnold has the advantage of being groomed in Jeff's offense.

If you go with Shapen and then are forced to play Kamario Taylor as a true freshman, you are toast. Taylor has the ability to be great down the road, but he's far from being ready now. He's got a lot of learning to do when it comes to the passing game.

I agree you being someone in to compete with Shapen. The 5 star FSU kid would be a good get. As would Arnold.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This is why you go ahead and set up a visit from Luke Kromenhoek as well. Both players are highly rated QB prospects, and both were recruited by Jeff Lebby at Oklahoma. Arnold has the advantage of being groomed in Jeff's offense.

If you go with Shapen and then are forced to play Kamario Taylor as a true freshman, you are toast. Taylor has the ability to be great down the road, but he's far from being ready now. He's got a lot of learning to do when it comes to the passing game.

Taylor is going to be special but you cannot put him out there before he is ready. It will be Van Buren 2.0. Paralysis by analysis.

[StarkVegasSteve]

When evaluating QBs, you have to take into account the offensive system. Jackson Arnold is a great fit for the Jeff Lebby version of the Briles offense. Quin Ewers is a great fit for what Steve Sarkisian runs. If you traded places with those QBs, they wouldn't be as good of fits in the schemes.

And Jackson Arnold would be god awful in Freeze’s scheme.

[confucius say]

When evaluating QBs, you have to take into account the offensive system. Jackson Arnold is a great fit for the Jeff Lebby version of the Briles offense. Quin Ewers is a great fit for what Steve Sarkisian runs. If you traded places with those QBs, they wouldn't be as good of fits in the schemes.

Fully agree scheme and fit matter.

[Chuck3124]

No way he canceled on us

[KB21]

And Jackson Arnold would be god awful in Freeze’s scheme.

Freeze has a scheme? The guy has never developed a QB in his life.

[KB21]

I trust that Jackson Arnold and his parents are smart enough to know that Jeff Lebby is his ticket to the NFL, and that Hugh Freeze is his ticket to being the next bust QB in the portal.

[msstate7]

Serviceable is the quickest way to 3-9 next year. You have to be elite at the QB position to succeed in this conference. Auburn was elite at 21 of 22 positions last year and went 5-7 because they were ass at the only one that mattered.

Auburn wasn't elite at 21/22 positions. Come on mane

[StarkVegasSteve]

Auburn wasn't elite at 21/22 positions. Come on mane

Maybe I overinflated that, but they were SEC caliber at 21 of 22 positions. They were FCS level at QB

[Turfdawg67]

Do these millionaire 19-20 year olds go to class? Or am I just being naive at this point.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I trust that Jackson Arnold and his parents are smart enough to know that Jeff Lebby is his ticket to the NFL, and that Hugh Freeze is his ticket to being the next bust QB in the portal.

There is also the fact that Freeze is bringing in multiple QBs.

[Bothrops]

Do these millionaire 19-20 year olds go to class? Or am I just being naive at this point.

No

[TrapGame]

I'm having Chris Jones flashbacks.

Shit, I hate Freeze.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Do these millionaire 19-20 year olds go to class? Or am I just being naive at this point.

Outside of freshman, I doubt any of our players actually have in person classes.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Now it seems that Robertson is backtracking a bit.

[TrapGame]

Now it seems that Robertson is backtracking a bit.

He always leaves wiggle room. Classic Rosebowl.

[StarkVegasSteve]

He always leaves wiggle room. Classic Rosebowl.

Well and I think he is also just throwing crap at a wall to see what sticks. Lebby is playing this recruitment close to the vest and has from the jump. That is why Nakos, Wiltfong, and Luginbill have as much or more info than Robertson. They are all just getting it from agents and Robertson is getting it from all the State folks over at Auburn.

[Homedawg]

Yea. He was right that Charlie is calling people trying to raise more money. It will not come at a discount anymore.

I tried telling people who would listen he was never ever coming at a discount. That was never ever happening I also said we weren t getting him...... but I do believe your I fo had some validity. Except the discount part. Unless you are talking to the most naive people in the world.... and I don't think it's over. But I never like us in this position. Ever. But the towel hasn't been thrown in.....

[Brobi-wan]

Do these millionaire 19-20 year olds go to class? Or am I just being naive at this point.

Not sure they did before.

[confucius say]

No way he canceled on us

??

[StarkVegasSteve]

I tried telling people who would listen he was never ever coming at a discount. That was never ever happening I also said we weren t getting him...... but I do believe your I fo had some validity. Except the discount part. Unless you are talking to the most naive people in the world.

Oh I always thought the discount part was BS. I always had it pegged between 750-1.1. I had hoped it would be on the lower end of that. I think it probably has exceeded the 1.1 number at this point. We are raising money at this hour to get that number closer to 1.5-1.6. It would be a two year deal.

[DawgFromOxford]

Oh I always thought the discount part was BS. I always had it pegged between 750-1.1. I had hoped it would be on the lower end of that. I think it probably has exceeded the 1.1 number at this point. We are raising money at this hour to get that number closer to 1.5-1.6. It would be a two year deal.

1.5 each year? Or 750k each year for 1.5mil in total?

[Cowbell]

I will say this, if this thing turns and I am wrong, Lebby will probably have lost the fan base for his tenure. I mean you lose Coleman, Craver, and Van Buren but that was fine because you were getting Arnold and he was bringing WRs. The FSU guy will not be bringing WRs with him. So if you lose Arnold, which I have said I will go down with the ship that we ultimately end up with him, no one will have any faith Lebby can bring talent here
Several of us on here have tried to make everyone well aware of this for the last few days, and some including you has made us out to be pessimists instead of realists.

[Cowbell]

Tentative number. Auburn has raised it significantly. I got faith in Lebby though to figure it out.

What's crazy is I knew this was going to happen based on my sources, and our leadership is scrambling to react 24 hours after I knew

[StarkVegasSteve]

1.5 each year? Or 750k each year for 1.5mil in total?

750K.

[Cowbell]

We have one.
We could get a better one I know. But we have a serviceable one.

No we don't. We don't have a 3 game season.

[confucius say]

750K.

That's lower than I would have guessed. We are willing to allocate 500k each for four DL but are only willing to pay a qb 750k?

[Homedawg]

1.5 each year? Or 750k each year for 1.5mil in total?
1.5 per will get him maybe.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's lower than I would have guessed. We are willing to allocate 500k each for four DL but are only willing to pay a qb 750k?

750K per year. Sorry. I was responding to the original one which was asking was it 1.5 a year or 750 a year for two years.

[Cowbell]

I tried telling people who would listen he was never ever coming at a discount. That was never ever happening I also said we weren t getting him...... but I do believe your I fo had some validity. Except the discount part. Unless you are talking to the most naive people in the world.... and I don't think it's over. But I never like us in this position. Ever. But the towel hasn't been thrown in.....
Same. And he was never going there for just the 25k

[HoopsDawg]

Why are we in a bidding war for a guy that's was supposedly wrapped up and just taking a visit for the 25k?

This stinks.

This reeks of Cohen just as much as Freeze

[Homedawg]

That's the same money we spent on shapen LASt year. So that's not right

[StarkVegasSteve]

1.5 per will get him maybe.

That is too much. If this was Dillon Gabriel last year then I would have no problem with that offer. But there is a line we cannot go past with Arnold. We are probably pretty close to it at 1.5 for two years. I would go 2 for 2 but no higher. And I am not comfortable going 2 for 2 but if that is what it takes I think we would swallow it and cut the check.

[Cowbell]

If I were Lebby, I would be on the phone with every qb that Hugh has invited in. I would make sure they know what auburn is offering JA and I would offer to up there offers. This raises the price of everyone of their guys while also pissing them off at Hugh. They know Hugh aint spending 2M on a guy to be their backup.

[Cowbell]

That is too much. If this was Dillon Gabriel last year then I would have no problem with that offer. But there is a line we cannot go past with Arnold. We are probably pretty close to it at 1.5 for two years. I would go 2 for 2 but no higher. And I am not comfortable going 2 for 2 but if that is what it takes I think we would swallow it and cut the check.

We need a couple of other guys that he will bring with him though

[Homedawg]

That is too much. If this was Dillon Gabriel last year then I would have no problem with that offer. But there is a line we cannot go past with Arnold. We are probably pretty close to it at 1.5 for two years. I would go 2 for 2 but no higher. And I am not comfortable going 2 for 2 but if that is what it takes I think we would swallow it and cut the check.

Maybe so, but we aren't getting him then. And we have shapen on the cheap. Again we paid b shapen that LAST year.... and tbh, he's not worth it. Go back I've said I'd keep mvb over him and shapen so ..... but this is a bad perception loss.

[HoopsDawg]

That is too much. If this was Dillon Gabriel last year then I would have no problem with that offer. But there is a line we cannot go past with Arnold. We are probably pretty close to it at 1.5 for two years. I would go 2 for 2 but no higher. And I am not comfortable going 2 for 2 but if that is what it takes I think we would swallow it and cut the check.

This is not the time to be discount shopping. We need a QB. And Arnold knows Lebby, the system, and the SEC. Plus he may help us land Oklahoma's Center and talented WR. We were 2-10 and trust me apathy is setting in. We have to show commitment here.

[Homedawg]

We need a couple of other guys that he will bring with him though

He's not bring inf anyone w him. Today is to each his own. People get too caught up w that.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well I will tell you this: Lebby has cut everyone else out. There will be no more leaks in the Jackson Arnold recruitment.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The two things helping our case tonight….the Auburn fan base and Jake Crain. In agreement that they do not want Arnold. And if I know one thing, Jeff Lebby has sent every one of those tweets to Jackson and to Todd

[SPMT]

Someone said Charlie is on the phone right now raising money?..?!

I thought we had well over $10mill?.or was that just ?commitments??

[Cowbell]

He's not bring inf anyone w him. Today is to each his own. People get too caught up w that.

You usually know your stuff but there are a couple of kids that will absolutely want to come here if Arnold comes if we pay market value. At position of need (every position on our roster currently)

[Cowbell]

The two things helping our case tonight….the Auburn fan base and Jake Crain. In agreement that they do not want Arnold. And if I know one thing, Jeff Lebby has sent every one of those tweets to Jackson and to Todd

Lebby screwed this up already by not being ready for the bidding war. I don't understand why he didn't see this coming.,

[DEDawg]

The two things helping our case tonight….the Auburn fan base and Jake Crain. In agreement that they do not want Arnold. And if I know one thing, Jeff Lebby has sent every one of those tweets to Jackson and to Todd

You were at 99% earlier. What are you feeling now? 50/50?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Someone said Charlie is on the phone right now raising money?..?!

I thought we had well over $10mill?.or was that just ?commitments??

Arnold is going much higher so we need more money. We also are raising money for the people Arnold wants to bring with him. Remember, a lot of the money we raised was to revamp the LOS on both sides and the defensive side of the ball.

[DEDawg]

Lebby screwed this up already by not being ready for the bidding war. I don't understand why he didn't see this coming.,

Yeah the second I heard he was going to auburn I could have told you this was happening. Idk how we have had this happen 15 years now and haven?t been ready for it.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You were at 99% earlier. What are you feeling now? 50/50?

I am still really high 85-90. Like I said earlier though, I will go down with the ship on this one. Freeze has done what Freeze does and muddied the water really good. I will own it if I am wrong. No problem doing it. I have been wrong a lot more than I have been right in my life.

[TNDawg35]

I am still really high 85-90. Like I said earlier though, I will go down with the ship on this one. Freeze has done what Freeze does and muddied the water really good. I will own it if I am wrong. No problem doing it. I have been wrong a lot more than I have been right in my life.

At what point do you just call and say, look, how much will it take to end it and Arnold sign now. Then just write the check. I firmly believe that if we get him to commit, a lot more will follow...

[confucius say]

Arnold is going much higher so we need more money. We also are raising money for the people Arnold wants to bring with him. Remember, a lot of the money we raised was to revamp the LOS on both sides and the defensive side of the ball.

Much higher? There is no way we thought we were getting Arnold for 750k. That is wild. We have 12-13 million for the 2025 roster. I would hope we'd plan on at least 1 million going to Arnold if lebby really believes he is the guy over Shapen

[Bdawg]

If I were Lebby, I would be on the phone with every qb that Hugh has invited in. I would make sure they know what auburn is offering JA and I would offer to up there offers. This raises the price of everyone of their guys while also pissing them off at Hugh. They know Hugh aint spending 2M on a guy to be their backup.

Absolutely!!!

[CarolinaDawgs]

Passing along info

Jackson has a photoshoot and meeting with more behind the scenes staff on the plains tomorrow. Not sure what it means but my source is rock solid on this.

[CarolinaDawgs]

Also referred to Murphy as a solid backup plan for Freeze.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Passing along info

Jackson has a photoshoot and meeting with more behind the scenes staff on the plains tomorrow. Not sure what it means but my source is rock solid on this.

Yea he got there later than expected tonight so everything was pushed. We are hoping to get him tomorrow night but may be pushed to Saturday.

And this is not my info, this is from a poster on another board who is usually rock solid on these things.

[StarkVegasSteve]

At what point do you just call and say, look, how much will it take to end it and Arnold sign now. Then just write the check. I firmly believe that if we get him to commit, a lot more will follow...

We are at that point. Hence Charlie making the calls this evening.

[confucius say]

Then let's see if they really want to pay him 2 million.
If you really believe he is your elite guy (and I'm not sold lebby believes that), tell him it's 1.75 million but he has to be here by noon Friday. Let's see if he wants to walk away from that

[Cowbell]

The worst part about all this... is that national media set this up to make freeze have to pay top dollar and this will end up making us look like the joke we are nationally for "losing" a guy that media claimed was coming here.

[Cowbell]

Then let's see if they really want to pay him 2 million.
If you really believe he is your elite guy (and I'm not sold lebby believes that), tell him it's 1.75 million but he has to be here by noon Friday. Let's see if he wants to walk away from that

It doesn't work like that. You don't tell these kids anymore when you aren't the top dawg. Auburn will absolutely top anything we offer him. Our connection was Lebby and it should be clear to everyone that wasn't enough.

[confucius say]

The worst part about all this... is that national media set this up to make freeze have to pay top dollar and this will end up making us look like the joke we are nationally for "losing" a guy that media claimed was coming here.

That's not the worst part.

[Bdawg]

At what point do you just call and say, look, how much will it take to end it and Arnold sign now. Then just write the check. I firmly believe that if we get him to commit, a lot more will follow...

Showing a commitment to try to win and get some players in here should help more people to donate, along with putting a better season together. Better players= better season= more money. Pay the man! It?s the most important position on the field.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Showing a commitment to try to win and get some players in here should help more people to donate, along with putting a better season together. Better players= better season= more money. Pay the man! It?s the most important position on the field.

This I agree with. Pay the money now. Raise the money to replace it after you have him. Perception will matter and if perception is that you beat the dirtiest recruiter in the game for a QB, donations will flood in.

[Cowbell]

Showing a commitment to try to win and get some players in here should help more people to donate, along with putting a better season together. Better players= better season= more money. Pay the man! It?s the most important position on the field.

Charlie is taking donations to do just that. Would you like his number?

[CarolinaDawgs]

I have no source on our side but my Auburn guy is hook line and sinker on them. Hope it works out for us cause my smart ass will feed him the whole plate of crow.

[Bdawg]

Charlie is taking donations to do just that. Would you like his number?

Wish I was in position to do so. Not gunna lie, I have enough trouble putting my own kids through school, much less pay people to play football. I truly hate this pay for play stuff, but it’s the nature of the business. And if we supposedly raised all this money this year, it’s time to spend it. That’s why people donated!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Charlie is taking donations to do just that. Would you like his number?

If what I have heard in the last hour is true, which who the hell knows anymore, Charlie and not Lebby will be the reason we get Arnold. A hell of a turn of events there.

[Bdawg]

This I agree with. Pay the money now. Raise the money to replace it after you have him. Perception will matter and if perception is that you beat the dirtiest recruiter in the game for a QB, donations will flood in.

So what happened with his parents wanting him to be coached by Lebby? Now they want a sleeze ball who puts no one in the league?

[StarkVegasSteve]

So what happened with his parents wanting him to be coached by Lebby? Now they want a sleeve ball who put no one in the league?

Agents man. Agents. Also, it’s Freeze. He is the dirtiest player in the game for a reason. That guy could sell margaritas to Southern Baptists.

Also it is time to end the silliness. Show him the commitment we have in him. Just lay your nuts on the table and pay top dollar. Do you want to do it? No. Should you have to do it? Also no. But when Freeze gets involved you have to end the deception that he brings to the table.

[Bdawg]

If what I have heard in the last hour is true, which who the hell knows anymore, Charlie and not Lebby will be the reason we get Arnold. A hell of a turn of events there.

Money is a hell of a thing. This game has no meaning anymore. Totally ruined. We will probably get him, at the expense of other players we need, and he will come to MSU and be a total flop. Most MSU thing ever.

[CarolinaDawgs]

Sounds like Freeze is good at his job.

[Bdawg]

Sounds like Freeze is good at his job.

Deeper pockets make it it easier too

[Cowbell]

If what I have heard in the last hour is true, which who the hell knows anymore, Charlie and not Lebby will be the reason we get Arnold. A hell of a turn of events there.
This was always what was gonna happen though. My sources kept telling me things contrary to what was on this board, and you had me hoping Lebby had it sealed. He has been in this league and worked under Kiffin. I'm really dumbfounded that he, along with the rest of our staff, didn't prepare for this. Regardless of what happens here, we have an entire staff that needs to learn how to play big boy ball. If Lebby truely had it sealed, JA never visits Auburn. He commits on Monday and starts helping us put some pieces around him.,


For what it's worth, some of my Denton(TX) people think JA loves him some JA and does what's best for him and thinks he was a locker room problem at OU. These aren't OU homers. And the way this Auburn deal has played out, it seems they might be right. So if we lose him, it ain't the end of the world.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I will also say this, people in the scouting world and recruiting world are higher on Luke Kromenhoek than they are Arnold. I think Kromenhoek is ranked higher on both 247 and On3.

Not saying that as some kind of concede. Just thought it was very interesting. I am not nearly as high on the kid. Am I missing something?

[Cowbell]

Sounds like Freeze is good at his job.

He is. Love him or hate him, he's a problem for us.

[StarkVegasSteve]

He is. Love him or hate him, he's a problem for us.

And man does he HATE us. He hated us before but definitely does thanks to Rosebowl.

[CarolinaDawgs]

We are fricked.

[CarolinaDawgs]

My guy basically said I hate it for you man but there?s different levels in this conference. Touche

[Cowbell]

My guy basically said I hate it for you man but there?s different levels in this conference. Touche

Remind him they are paying for 6-8 wins just like we are.

[CarolinaDawgs]

Remind him they are paying for 6-8 wins just like we are.

I reminded him all the big accomplishments of his boy.. none. But he is right that they can just keep pushing something they want to a level where nothing we do matters.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Remind him they are paying for 6-8 wins just like we are.

Except their coach will get fired if he wins 6-8 next year. Ours would win coach of the year. Also, the first sign of trouble, they would bench Arnold. None of their fans want him. Hell he is not in the Top 3 of the guys I want, but I know he is a hell of a lot better than Shapen, or at least he will not be on the injury report by week 3.

[Dawgology]

So let me get this straight. Auburn takes MVB and JA? Sounds like the same boosters are the same problem. Smh

[StarkVegasSteve]

So let me get this straight. Auburn takes MVB and JA? Sounds like the same boosters are the same problem. Smh

Auburn is not getting MVB, or I guess not taking him is the right word. He wants to go there, but he does not have an offer. He is WAY down their list.

[preachermatt83]

He always leaves wiggle room. Classic Rosebowl.

I?ll never understand why anyone listens to him.

[Bdawg]

So who is our back up plan/plans at qb?

[RezDog7]

Auburn is not getting MVB, or I guess not taking him is the right word. He wants to go there, but he does not have an offer. He is WAY down their list.

Tell me more about this MVB. Is he a player?

[preachermatt83]

lol. Didn’t a guy recently say on this thread that No one who regularly posts on this board knows anything? I think that guy is gonna get a lot of rep

[Cooterpoot]

LOL@ this damn thread! Soooo much crawfishing and BS....hate to see it

[bulldawg28]

Players never visit a school unless they're interested. And JA is running from competition. I don't think Arnold is great. Even if he decides to come here he needs to improve drastically or we're no better. The fact that he couldn't win at OU is a HUGE red flag.

On another note this job appears to be over Lebby's head. I'm looking forward to going all in on a Mullen reunion next year.

[bulldawg28]

.

[msugolf]

Players never visit a school unless they're interested. And JA is running from competition. I don't think Arnold is great. Even if he decides to come here he needs to improve drastically or we're no better. The fact that he couldn't win at OU is a HUGE red flag.

On another note this job is appears to be over Lebby's head. I'm looking forward to go all in on a Mullen reunion next year.

Likewise. As much as Mullen frustrated me sometimes I would take him back in a millisecond. Our fans hate him for shopping around but what these transfer players are demanding now are a million times worse than anything he ever did.

Im just going to sit back and not care for a year knowing that we will hopefully reach out to him when the time comes next year. And it will be a total rebuild again because we have a lot of inmates running the asylum

[Bothrops]

Why do people think Mullen would be successful here again? I doubt he thinks he could win here again. Sure he might try it, but he's not going to be able to keep a roster together any better than Lebby. It's not an indictment on them, it's just that we find ourselves in a new norm where money has gotten so big that it overwhelms good judgement every time. All of this is the way to thin the herd if you ask me.

[Cowbell]

Players never visit a school unless they're interested. And JA is running from competition. I don't think Arnold is great. Even if he decides to come here he needs to improve drastically or we're no better. The fact that he couldn't win at OU is a HUGE red flag.

On another note this job appears to be over Lebby's head. I'm looking forward to going all in on a Mullen reunion next year.

Dillon Gabriel couldn't win at OU either


But I'm with you on the Mullen reunion. It's going to happen because this staff ain't gonna get it done. That fate was sealed when we kept the DC unless a miracle occurs. They get two more years though unfortunately.

[Cowbell]

Why do people think Mullen would be successful here again? I doubt he thinks he could win here again. Sure he might try it, but he's not going to be able to keep a roster together any better than Lebby. It's not an indictment on them, it's just that we find ourselves in a new norm where money has gotten so big that it overwhelms good judgement every time. All of this is the way to thin the herd if you ask me.

If you think Dan doesn't think he can win anywhere, you don't know Dan....

[KB21]

I?m seeing a lot of piling into Jeff Lebby over this, and I totally disagree. He knows what needs to be done. He knows that football is a game that is QB driven. He?s got the #2 QB lined up to visit on the 15th and 16th, so if Jackson Arnold buys what Freeze is selling him, he?s got a higher rated option lined up. Kromenhoek is the #2 QB in the portal according to On3. He?s bigger than Arnold, just as mobile, and has a better arm.

Obviously, Arnold?s familiarity with the system is the biggest attraction with him, but Jeff offered Kromenhoek when at Oklahoma as well. He sees the traits he?s looking for in a QB with him.

He inherited a mess. He went 2-10 largely because of how bad his immediate predecessor was. He?s got Mississippi State in the mix for two QBs who were 5 star rated out of high school and signed the highest rated QB we have ever signed who will likely get a bump to 5-stars when they adjust their ratings again. He?s got talented WRs coming in. We have pass rushers lined up to come in and give the defense a much needed boost in talent.

[KB21]

Travion Barnes is close to pulling the trigger. Big time linebacker addition if he does commit.

[Cowbell]

I?m seeing a lot of piling into Jeff Lebby over this, and I totally disagree. He knows what needs to be done. He knows that football is a game that is QB driven. He?s got the #2 QB lined up to visit on the 15th and 16th, so if Jackson Arnold buys what Freeze is selling him, he?s got a higher rated option lined up. Kromenhoek is the #2 QB in the portal according to On3. He?s bigger than Arnold, just as mobile, and has a better arm.

Obviously, Arnold?s familiarity with the system is the biggest attraction with him, but Jeff offered Kromenhoek when at Oklahoma as well. He sees the traits he?s looking for in a QB with him.

He inherited a mess. He went 2-10 largely because of how bad his immediate predecessor was. He?s got Mississippi State in the mix for two QBs who were 5 star rated out of high school and signed the highest rated QB we have ever signed who will likely get a bump to 5-stars when they adjust their ratings again. He?s got talented WRs coming in. We have pass rushers lined up to come in and give the defense a much needed boost in talent.

Nobody is piling onto Lebby more than he deserves. When you go 2-10 and are given 20 mil to work with, we expect improvements. So far, he and staff are getting an education. There's time to turn it around but this handling of the JA negotiations shows they are overselling things to boosters and they really aren't prepared to compete in this league.

[Pancho]

so you rather have the FSU transfer QB ? I don't understand how one oversells a 5* player

[Todd4State]

Why do people think Mullen would be successful here again? I doubt he thinks he could win here again. Sure he might try it, but he's not going to be able to keep a roster together any better than Lebby. It's not an indictment on them, it's just that we find ourselves in a new norm where money has gotten so big that it overwhelms good judgement every time. All of this is the way to thin the herd if you ask me.

I doubt he wants to come back to MSU. He spent the entire time he was here trying to leave.

[Coursesuper]

I doubt he wants to come back to MSU. He spent the entire time he was here trying to leave.
She is not coming back here.

[confucius say]

Nobody is piling onto Lebby more than he deserves. When you go 2-10 and are given 20 mil to work with, we expect improvements. So far, he and staff are getting an education. There's time to turn it around but this handling of the JA negotiations shows they are overselling things to boosters and they really aren't prepared to compete in this league.

We have 12-13 million allocated for the 2025 roster. Not 20.

[confucius say]

She is not coming back here.
That could be a selling point for him

[Chuck3124]

Steve I need some good news this morning!! lol I still have hope Lebby?s relationship wins out in this thing.

[Bdawg]

Nobody is piling onto Lebby more than he deserves. When you go 2-10 and are given 20 mil to work with, we expect improvements. So far, he and staff are getting an education. There's time to turn it around but this handling of the JA negotiations shows they are overselling things to boosters and they really aren't prepared to compete in this league.

Is Lebby in total control of how the money is spent? If not, I can?t put all the blame on him. We all knew pay for play was going to screw us in the long run. I?m going to hold judgement till we get everyone signed. But, if we don?t make a decent haul with the money we raised, then Jeff may not be the answer. Or if they don?t spend/overspend like they said we have to, then who ever is in control of the money is to blame also. Also, if we are the highest bidder and they still don?t come, what the hell are you supposed to do? We may be in football purgatory. I guess overspend like we said we knew we would have to do. It was raised to be spent! Maybe we get a few less quality players, but we need to put some difference makers on the field that can make plays somehow. A few difference makers should take more pressure off the mediocre players(like a couple good DL would take pressure off the backend etc.)

Edit: Do we really know what?s AU offer? And if we match it will JA come?

[ZedFedder]

I don?t believe we will know anything on Arnold until an announcement has been made one way or the other.

[confucius say]

Dillon Gabriel couldn't win at OU either


But I'm with you on the Mullen reunion. It's going to happen because this staff ain't gonna get it done. That fate was sealed when we kept the DC unless a miracle occurs. They get two more years though unfortunately.

I think DG went 10-2 there in 2023.

But I don't think it's all on Arnold that 2024 OU went 6-6. They were down 5 WR and some OL and Littrell is meh.

[confucius say]

Is Lebby in total control of how the money is spent? If not, I can’t put all the blame on him. We all knew pay for play was going to screw us in the long run. I’m going to hold judgement till we get everyone signed. But, if we don’t make a decent haul with the money we raised, then Jeff may not be the answer. Or if they don’t spend/overspend like they said we have to, then who ever is in control of the money is to blame also. Also, if we are the highest bidder and they still don’t come, what the hell are you supposed to do? We may be in football purgatory. I guess overspend like we said we knew we would have to do. It was raised to be spent! Maybe we get a few less quality players, but we need to put some difference makers on the field that can make plays somehow. A few difference makers should take more pressure off the mediocre players(like a couple good DL would take pressure off the backend etc.)

Not many elite players want to come play for a 2-10 team.

You need to go 5-7 next year. Then 7-5 in 2026. At that point you are more attractive.

[Bdawg]

I think DG went 10-2 there in 2023.

But I don't think it's all on Arnold that 2024 OU went 6-6. They were down 5 WR and some OL and Littrell is meh.

Yeah there is some context to that 6-6 record.

[confucius say]

I?m seeing a lot of piling into Jeff Lebby over this, and I totally disagree. He knows what needs to be done. He knows that football is a game that is QB driven. He?s got the #2 QB lined up to visit on the 15th and 16th, so if Jackson Arnold buys what Freeze is selling him, he?s got a higher rated option lined up. Kromenhoek is the #2 QB in the portal according to On3. He?s bigger than Arnold, just as mobile, and has a better arm.

Obviously, Arnold?s familiarity with the system is the biggest attraction with him, but Jeff offered Kromenhoek when at Oklahoma as well. He sees the traits he?s looking for in a QB with him.

He inherited a mess. He went 2-10 largely because of how bad his immediate predecessor was. He?s got Mississippi State in the mix for two QBs who were 5 star rated out of high school and signed the highest rated QB we have ever signed who will likely get a bump to 5-stars when they adjust their ratings again. He?s got talented WRs coming in. We have pass rushers lined up to come in and give the defense a much needed boost in talent.

I'm with you. The FSU guy is rated much higher than JA. Either is a win. And I'm not convinced either beats out Shapen.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Steve I need some good news this morning!! lol I still have hope Lebby?s relationship wins out in this thing.

We just cannot do anything but wait until the Auburn visit is complete. The money was raised and is there to go to 2/year.

[Chuck3124]

We just cannot do anything but wait until the Auburn visit is complete. The money was raised and is there to go to 2/year.

10-4. I took a look over at their 247 page this morning, and there are no signs to make me go into panic mode that we lost him fwiw.

[Bdawg]

Not many elite players want to come play for a 2-10 team.

You need to go 5-7 next year. Then 7-5 in 2026. At that point you are more attractive.

I agree, but we got to pick up a few guys to go 5-7!! I’m not calling JA elite yet either. But I’m afraid we are going to have to overspend and get a few less quality players like we really want. But we got to do something in order to improve and progress like you say.

[DownwardDawg]

If you think Dan doesn't think he can win anywhere, you don't know Dan....

Or every other coach in college football today. They all think they are the best, or you would never hire them.

[StarkVegasSteve]

10-4. I took a look over at their 247 page this morning, and there are no signs to make me go into panic mode that we lost him fwiw.

They do not want him. They want Murphy or Mendoza. Well and some of them want to wait and see what Ewers does.

[Bdawg]

Anyone know the interest level of the FSU QB? Time to show JA that we have options too if the FSU QB is willing to play ball.

[Bdawg]

They do not want him. They want Murphy or Mendoza. Well and some of them want to wait and see what Ewers does.

If we match AU, think he will come here? Do we know their offer? Or are we stuck overpaying?

[paverdog]

Can I ask a crazy question? Who is Charlie that is on phones calling for money? I should know but I don't, sorry.

[bulldawg28]

Move on from JA if he's hesitant.

[HancockCountyDog]

We just cannot do anything but wait until the Auburn visit is complete. The money was raised and is there to go to 2/year.

Wait Arnold’s price tag is now 2 million for next year?

I guess those people saying Arnold would be a lot cheaper than MVB were slightly off.

[confucius say]

Move on from JA if he's hesitant.

Agree.
We are all in on Shapen anyway per hadad and Faulk this morning.

[Chuck3124]

So sounds like Freeze doing what he does best. Gonna end up making us overpay for who we want just so he can get who he really wants

[StarkVegasSteve]

Can I ask a crazy question? Who is Charlie that is on phones calling for money? I should know but I don't, sorry.

Charlie Winfield. Head of the Bulldog Initiative.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Agree.
We are all in on Shapen anyway per hadad and Faulk this morning.

They do not know anything. They have no source anymore outside of the tidbits Rod Gibson will feed them.

[Brobi-wan]

Agree.
We are all in on Shapen anyway per hadad and Faulk this morning.

Shapen is a good QB. He’s going to be a great coach. Also, he’s essentially a cripple

[Dawgface]

Wait Arnold’s price tag is now 2 million for next year?

I guess those people saying Arnold would be a lot cheaper than MVB were slightly off.

If that’s the price tag you can forget him. I wasn’t sure what he meant with the 2/year. I thought he meant a two year deal. But you’re probably right.

[Brobi-wan]

Move on from JA if he's hesitant.

I agree to a certain extent. Kromenhoek will be next in line for us to go after. Thing is, how much does he want? Money talks, BS walks, and it seems like Arnold is using his relationship with Lebby to hold us over the barrel. We got manipulated on this one.

[Brobi-wan]

If that’s the price tag you can forget him. I wasn’t sure what he meant with the 2/year. I thought he meant a two year deal. But you’re probably right.

Believe he means 1 mil a year for two years.

[paverdog]

Charlie Winfield. Head of the Bulldog Initiative.

Thank you, my friend. Is Arnold's family with him on these visits? I heard they really like Lebby. Hope it has something.

[StarkVegasSteve]

If that’s the price tag you can forget him. I wasn’t sure what he meant with the 2/year. I thought he meant a two year deal. But you’re probably right.

The price isn't 2.0/year. I don't know the price at this point, but if I had to peg it right now, it's 1.2/year. What I was saying was that we had raised the funds where we can 2.0/year. I feel like if we just say, "Ok enough with this BS here's 1.5-1.6/year" then that will get it done. You know this is going to be a valuable lesson to Jeff Lebby. DO NOT EVER LET HUGH FREEZE GET INVOLVED WITH A RECRUIT. He learned how to recruit from probably the best recruiter anyone has ever seen in Ed Orgeron. I mean Ed learned from Jimmy and Dennis how they did it at Miami and then he brought that with him to USC where he, Pete, and Lane molded it into the greatest recruiting strategy anyone has ever seen.

[Brobi-wan]

Wait Arnold’s price tag is now 2 million for next year?

I guess those people saying Arnold would be a lot cheaper than MVB were slightly off.

Craziest part is if it’s a 2 year deal he’s still cheaper per year. Arnold wouldn’t get 2mil at AU anyways. The reverend would just promise him that and screw him over the first chance he got so we couldn’t have him. Freeze is bluffing and it sounds like we played the game instead of calling it. Arnold is the back-up at best for Auburn.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Thank you, my friend. Is Arnold's family with him on these visits? I heard they really like Lebby. Hope it has something.

They love Jeff and Staley. And I don't know if his family is with him on the Auburn visit. I know they're supposed to be here for ours.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Craziest part is if it’s a 2 year deal he’s still cheaper per year. Arnold wouldn’t get 2mil at AU anyways. The reverend would just promise him that and screw him over the first chance he got so we couldn’t have him. Freeze is bluffing and it sounds like we played the game instead of calling it. Arnold is the back-up at best for Auburn.

That's exactly what Freeze is trying to do. He is trying to get him and then he'll make him compete with 2 other transfers for the starting job, along with Deuce Knight who is going to be their guy in 26 anyways.