Chat Transcript: On the future of bowl games, Notre Dame's portal patterns
Eric Hansen: Welcome to the relaxed-rules version of Notre Dame Football Live Chat brought to you by J&R Solutions.
More on the relaxed rules in a minute.
Some quick programming notes:
► We will be chatting next week but on Thursday at noon ET rather than Wednesday. National Signing Day for recruiting is Wednesday, so I’ll be tied up with that during your normal chat time.
► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation, which is Monday nights at 7 ET. And we’re rolling into bowl season and beyond on a weekly basis. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. Tyler James and I are also doing a live postgame show of our takeaways after every game. We’re also partnering with WSBT-TV this season, including collaborating on highlights and analysis. We’ll have some collaborative content with them on Game Day before the Dec. 29 Sun Bowl.
► This week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Thursday instead of its normal Tuesday release. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► And, finally, thanks to all who have been listening to WSBT radio this season, as I have rejoined Darin Pritchett as a co-host on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com) on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the 2023 Notre Dame Football season and bowl run-up. I'm also co-hosting the pregame shows with Darin and Tyler Horka (which is not a clever stage name for Tyler James). The pregame show on Saturday this week runs from noon-2:30 p.m. ET. The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. The pregame show on Dec. 29 starts at 11 a.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As far as this week's chat …
Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Now, as far as the rules go ... Spit, gamble, drink and kick off your shoes this week ... but no fighting.
I made these concessions because I had a brain cramp and didn't properly post the question portal link in a story that I should have, leaving you all to be creative in finding ways to get to the chat. So, thank you for putting up with me.
OK, enough of that ... still no manifestos or 17-part questions. I'm not that much of a pushover ... off we go ...
Jay from Granger, Ind.: With bowl games turning into scrimmages with everyone opting out, can you foresee a scenario next year with the expanded playoffs a 12 seed has players opt out when they are matched up against a one seed and overwhelming odds?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jay. There are several questions today (so far) that touch different aspects of the bowl opt-outs. ...Unless there's a player who has been battling injuries all season and is just coming back and is a high-round draft pick, I don't think that's on the horizon. And the 12 seed doesn't play in the 1 in the first round. They'd play the 5. And then the 4. Wouldn't play the 1 until the semis. ... And even then, if a player opted out because he team was an overwhelming underdog, I think NFL teams would question that ... opting out of a non-playoff bowl game is very different.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, Pat Coogan has always been listed on the scholarship chart as a Center. Do you anticipate him taking over the Center position long term which would then open up the guard position for someone like Schrauth?
Eric Hansen: Hi Doug. I actually have a 2024 scholarship chart ready to roll as soon as we hit National Signing Day next Wednesday. On that one, I've shifted Coogan to guard. HOWEVER, I do think he could be in play at center. Joe Rudolph professes to follow the same model of best five offensive linemen regardless of position. If that's the case, Ashton Craig, for instance, must not only be the best center candidate, he needs to be one of the best rive overall. So the center could be Craig or Coogan or someone who has never played center before ... as was the case when Jarrett Patterson and Nick Martin were moved there and ended up being two of the best centers in college football during their time.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Will Freeman have a press conference before the bowl game?
Eric Hansen: Several, with the next one being this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET. We'll have all the coverage from it and insideNDsports.com.
Tom from Golden Beach, Fla.: Our recruiting and portal additions at WR should significantly bolster that position group next year, but I'm still quite concerned about our depth at safety. Hopefully Xavier Watts returns, but even if he does it's still an area of great need. How hard has ND been pursuing portal candidates there?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. If Xavier Watts did not come back in 2024 — and I think there's better odds that he does — Notre Dame would have five scholarship safeties on the roster, all with freshman eligibility. That's incoming freshmen Kennedy Urlacher, Tabron Bennie-Powell and Brauntae Johnson as well as redshirt freshmen Ben Minich and Adon Shuler. Also walk-on Luke Talich, who will likely be on scholarship next year, will be a sophomore. So if Watts leaves, it's possible they'd need two transfer safeties. I anticipate they'll take one to add to Watts and the talented young ones they have.
Curt from Warsaw, Ind.: Eric, after listening to coach Freeman about the QB room. It almost sounds like he expects a QB transfer this spring. What are your thoughts? Thanks and merry xmas!
Eric Hansen: Curt … Merry Christmas. … As a college head coach, you have to plan for the best and the worst. I don't think a QB transferring out is a foregone conclusion, but Marcus didn't want to be in a position to have two coming out of spring and scrambling for a third and fourth. There might be a walk-on option, in Dartmouth's Nick Howard if the Irish need to add depth.
Don from Los Angeles: Thanks Eric for these weekly talks, so helpful. What's your prediction of ND's offensive line next year, the one that will best help Riley get the Heisman?
Eric Hansen: Don, way to sneak in the Heisman hype. If ND doesn't go to the portal for a center of a tackle, I think the front-runners from left to right tackle are Tosh Baker, Billy Schrauth, Pat Coogan/Ashton Craig, Rocco Spindler, Aamil Wagner. If Andrew Kristofic returns, he could challenge at several positions. Of the next wave of young linemen, I think Charles Jagusah had the best chance to surprise in spring.
Eric Hansen: Some breaking news, Notre Dame just received a commitment from Duke transfer defensive end R.J. Oben. Story here.
Manny in San Pedro: Love getting Leonard!!!!!!!! Is CJ the starter in 2025 or are we going to be transfer portaling the rest of my life!!! Also Happy Taylor Swift Birthday Eric!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Hansen: Manny!!!!!!!!!!! If everyone stays on board, and that's never to be assumed in today's college football, Notre Dame would have four very talented QBs in play to compete to be the starter in 2025 — CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey, Steve Angeli and incoming 2025 freshman Deuce Knight. The assumption is that Carr would rise from that group, but I wouldn't count out the others. Manny, I had no idea you were a Swiftie. You are truly a multi-dimensional man.
Chris in Albuquerque: Eric, hope all is well! Give me your best guess at the starting offense and defense for the Sun Bowl. Also, if I see you down there be prepared to have an adult beverage.
Eric Hansen: Hi Chris. Thanks for the invite. We are updating our depth chart every time there's been an opt-out. I would say, check back after Saturday again, once we've had a chance to Marcus Freeman and can get some questions answered about players possible moving around (like at WR). Here's the link.
Jonathan in Hideaway, Texas: Hi, Eric! Can you tell us your thoughts at the two DE spots now that RJ Oben has announced his intentions to join the Irish Fighters? What do you expect in the way of rotations there next season?
Eric Hansen: Hey Jonathan ... assuming everyone stays put and there are no more edge additions either from the portal ... I think R.J. Oben starts where Javontae Jean-Baptiste lined up last year, at the field end spot. Jordan Botelho would be the front-runner at the vyper spot, but Josh Burnham and Boubacar Traore are surging. So the rotations would look like at vyper Botelho, Tuihalamaka, Burnham and Traore with freshman Logan Thomas coming in. I'd put Cole Mullins there too. Behind Oben would be harder to project ... would one of the vypers move to that side? Aiden Gobaira will be coming off an ACL tear, but has upside. Tyson Ford and Brenan Vernon have auditioned at the field end but also inside. They'll sort that out in the spring. Freshman Bryce Young will try to get an early look. So lots of options, not a lot of certainty yet on who will rise to the occasion.
Brad Millspaugh from Muncie, Ind.: I have two questions. Do you think Blake Fisher should stay another year instead of entering the draft? Which QB will transfer in the spring since Riley Leonard will probably be the starter?
Eric Hansen: Hi Brad. Blake Fisher has already made up his mind to go pro. I think he could have benefitted by coming back and becoming a higher-round pick, but he believes he's ready. I never like to predict transfers by name. I can't imagine why Kenny Minchey or CJ Carr would want to bail. There wasn't the expectation they'd start in 2024. Steve Angeli could start somewhere else, so what he'd have to measure is whether he feels like he could be developed while backing up Leonard and if he feels he has a good shot to be the starter at ND in 2025? He did get better as a backup this year, and he loved having Sam Hartman on the team and the opportunity to learn from him. So he has options, and now he'll have a start under his belt.
Mike from Stillwater, Okla.: Will Notre Dame even be able to field a competitive team in the Sun Bowl? This is crazy, as a fan this just isn’t worth it. The cost of airfare, hotel, gas ,food and souvenirs is ridiculous , and I don’t get to see the team that played during the year. Go Irish ☘️
Eric Hansen: Mike, bowl games outside the New Year's Six will never be the same again, and they may be even more unrecognizable next year when the playoff expands to 12 teams. I understand your frustration. I will still enjoy it, but I look at it through a different lens as more of a preview of what's to come in 2024 rather than a punctuation to the 2023 season. But in terms of what a fan has to invest in beyond emotion, I think it's tough to justify unless it's in a location you'd want to visit for reasons other than the bowl itself.
Dennis from Indianapolis: So how much did academics play in all the transfers from the football team?
Eric Hansen: Dennis, you mean were they not in good standing? If they were not, they wouldn't be in good standing at their new school. So the answer would be none, if I understand you correctly.
Rui from Ossining, NY: Happy Holidays Eric…are we seeing the admissions office taking a different approach with accepting undergrad transfers? When will the entire 2024 schedule be released?
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays Rui. It's funny that your first question is easier to answer than the second. To question 1, it does appear that way, and maybe it's a small sample size as a litmus test, but both Riley Leonard and Beaux Collins being admitted as true juniors is clearly significant. When I asked Marcus Freeman a couple of weeks ago about progress with admissions/administration about finding middle ground on transfers, he was effusive about the progress he perceived as happening. This would offer some tangible proof beyond his optimism. ... As to the 2024 schedule, geez hopefully by 2024. There's only one game that hasn't been placed ... the Shamrock Series game vs. Army at Yankee Stadium, presumably on Nov. 23.
Bobby from The Chi: Hey Eric, from “The Chi” big picture: Do you think that FSU to B1G rumors might impact ND? Do you think the way the ACC has seemed to deal with ND might hasten their exit? In your opinion, has the ACC been fair to ND? What went down on bowl selection Sunday, seemed shady. (Sorry if you got this twice, not tech savvy, but love your coverage). PS does ND bring in a new OC/play caller? Play caller seems like “headline writer” either you can do it or you can’t, and both cases are obvious to everyone.
Eric Hansen: Hey Bobby. I don't think any rumor will ever impact ND, Now if it became reality and Florida State left the ACC for the Big Ten or someplace else, that's not what would trigger Notre Dame wanting to willingly give up its independence. What it would do is that if ND had to or wanted to leave the ACC, it would show Notre Dame the legal cost of doing so. Other than that, and I've said this before, the pillars to maintaining independence are: 1. A pathway to the national championship. So if the playoff format changed to no at-large teams, that would be a problem. 2. A place to house Notre Dame's basketball teams and most of its Olympic sports teams. As long as the ACC exists, that's a checkmark too. 3. A media rights deal that keeps Notre Dame competitive from a financial standpoint. The reports on the NBC extension hint that Notre Dame will be competitive there, at least through 2029.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. Hartman being out of the bowl game obviously gives Angeli a great opportunity, however, do you think the staff will plan to give a certain percentage of plays to Minchey or do you think Minchey will only play if the game is a blowout? I know staff will see a lot of both of them in spring practice, but there is really no substitute for seeing how people perform under the pressure of an actual game. Obviously, there is going to be a lot of pressure on Parker next year, what can he do during the off-season to improve as an offensive coordinator? Do you think ND will take a safety from the portal and if so, is there any interest in Austin Ausberry or Andrew Mukuba? Thanks for hosting the chat, and for all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Great week here and thanks for your email. We'll have a chance to ask Marcus Freeman that very question on Saturday, but my sense is that Minchey would only play in the situations in which Steve Angeli played during the regular season when Sam Hartman was the starter. Marcus Freeman very much wants to get to 10 wins. There is no substitute for live game action, but I will say Minchey facing the starting Notre Dame defense (eighth nationally in total defense) during USC week imitating Caleb Williams in practice was extremely valuable and telling, maybe even more so than facing a diluted Oregon State defense. The Beavers' defense at full strength was formidable.
Gerad Parker will have his hands full reimagining the Notre Dame offense and tweaking it to play to Riley Leonard's skill set, which is markedly different from Sam Hartman's. Gino Guidulgi's job will be to get Leonard to be better at some of the things Hartman was good at and still be the elite runner that he is. Leonard's running ability helps solve some loaded-box scenarios, but Parker needs to work on being a fixer and one who can make those adjustments in game and not just in the week leading up to it.
I mentioned a little earlier that ND likely will take at least one safety, and then a second if Xavier Watts goes pro. As far as specific names, there's no one I know of from that position group who has lined up a visit yet, but that could change by the time I type this. Getting a third WR and lining up those visits is on the front burner. Austin Ausberry is intriguing, because he's Jaiden's brother and Notre Dame recruited him out of high school, but I'm not sure he brings the experience ND would want in a portal safety. Andrew Mukuba profiles more of what ND would want as far as experience. He also had an ND offer coming out of high school.
Aaron from Washington, D.C.: Hi Eric, a couple questions about the 2024 roster for you and your crystal ball today (or Christmas snow globe if we're being festive). On the offensive side, with both Joe Alt and Blake Fisher going pro and Carmody transferring, do you see Notre Dame going after an OT in the portal? For defense, do you expect Notre Dame to pursue portal additions at DT? That seems to be a definite need unless Rylie Mills returns. Does Notre Dame have the talent currently on the roster at LB that it needs to maintain this year's level of performance or do they need to go to the portal there also? I know that there are some good young players at LB but they may not be ready. Always appreciate your time and perspectives.
Eric Hansen: Since Joe Alt and Michael Carmody were pretty certain losses from the roster, the one that would trigger the portal discussion was Blake Fisher. Now while O-Line coach Joe Rudolph likes to put his best five out there, not everyone profiles to playing tackle, and suddenly Notre Dame is light on quality/ready depth. So without a transfer, you're looking at Tosh Baker and Aamil Wagner as starters, and Ty Chan and Charles Jagusah as backups, both talented prospects, but would they be ready to start in case of an injury? Behind them its Sullivan Absher and incoming freshmen Styles Prescod and prodigy Guerby Lambert. ... So yes, now and OT makes sense. ... In the interior D-line Cross' return changed the calculus there and Rylie Mills returning would erase a need completely there. You have Onye and Rubio in a rotation there with Donovan Hinish surging. Devan Houstan was impressive in his cameos. The big question there is: are you going to play Tyson Ford and Brenan Vernon inside or outside?
If Jack Kiser returns at linebacker, you wouldn't need an experienced addition. Even if he does not, there's so much talent there, I would not prioritize it. ... and thank you.
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric! Any more Chilean sea bass jokes? Ok…so…I see a possible interesting kerfuffle developing for the ND offense in the Sun Bowl. If ND goes with a conservative/ground-based plan to take the pressure off Angeli for his first start, it could look like a regression by Parker to mid-season tendencies of predictability. And, then we could be back to perceptions and criticism of Parker and Freeman for lack of creativity on offense. I know its 1 game, but what approach on offense do you expect from ND in the Sun Bowl?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. It's apparent from my Chilean sea bass jokes that one, I watch too much of the Food Network and two, Tyler James needs to develop a good fake laugh. ... Leaning on the run game might not be the security blanket that it might seem, with no Joe Alt, no Blake Fisher, likely no Audric Estimé. The best approach versus an Oregon State defense that was really good against the run, but is missing some key pieces, would be a balanced one. Try to keep them off guard, in pass/run dilemmas as much as you can. Statistically during the regular season, Oregon State was the best run defense of all 13 of ND's opponents (15th). So even with a partly new coaching staff, I see them leaning into that and challenging Notre Dame's offense to do what it struggled to do against Louisville and Clemson.
Ron from Dover, Del.: Eric happy hump day. Now that ND has added two experienced receivers, how do you see the freshman receivers’ opportunity to see playing time this year? I think in the past Cam Williams looked like he might get playing time. Part two do you see Marcus looking to bring in Auberry’s brother? Thanks as always for your thoughts.
Eric Hansen: Hi Ron, happy Wednesday to you too ... already touched on Austin Ausberry, so let's look at your WR question. Notre Dame would like to bring in a third transfer, preferably one with elite speed and they're in the mix for three such players ... no locks but trying to get traction. ... So assuming everyone else comes back, I think all three players — Cam Williams, Logan Saldate and Micah Gilbert — in the 2024 class have enough talent to make a bid for playing time. I would give Williams the nod first because of his size and speed combination and because of the two losses at the outside field receiver position. Saldate may have a quicker path to playing time if he lines up outside rather than the slot. Gilbert may be the closest to college-ready in some aspects, but he made be in a crowded boundary receiver competition.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: As another ND site said, this bowl game (and many others) has become a spring game, and that's okay because football is better than no football. I just want to say thank you to the team, the coaches, and all of the supporting staff. I have no ill will for Sam backing out -- without those two premier tackles, it isn't worth it -- rather I am thankful that he gave us a chance to be great and some fantastic memories. I'm glad that Howard Cross III is finally getting his due and am ecstatic that he's coming back. Thank you, Al Golden, and best of luck in your new job, whatever it may be (if he is still on our staff next fall, there are a lot of people out there who aren't watching). Thank you, Audric, Joe, J.D., Blake, Xavier, and the rest of the team for some great performances. The season was a bit of a letdown, but any year that you beat USC is a good year. Finally, thanks to you and YOUR team for the best ND football coverage around. Good luck in '24, CMF; year 3 is always key.
Eric Hansen: Easiest question of the day is no question.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Hi Eric, so if Steve Angeli were to “beat out” or emerge this spring as the starter, could Riley Leonard once again hit the portal? Not that I’m wishing or hoping that, but I’m just asking the guru if that is allowed.
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill. Sam Hartman could have. Riley Leonard could not without a waiver unless he got his degree.
Phil B from Litchfield, Conn.: Hi Eric, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family! What's your assessment of the total ND transfer portal situation in terms of talent gained/lost and the impact on the team for 2024? Also, how does ND's transfer portal activity compare with the rest of the Top-25? I see a lot of ND Fans complaining in general about the churn, but it appears to be the norm in college football today, like it or not.
Eric Hansen: Hi Phil, and Merry Christmas. It will be easier to do a balance sheet once this part of the transfer cycle ends. Of course, there will be another one in the spring, but I think it will be less eventful. For the 2024 season, I think ND's going to come out of this ahead. Now, keep in mind the math gets tricky with someone like Kris Mitchell, who serves an immediate need at wide receiver, and Braylon James, a high-ceiling, slower-developing prospect who has four years of eligibility left. ... As far as the rest of the top 25, I don't have time to give you the exact numbers, and obviously the playoff teams don't yet have much attrition, but among the other top 25, Notre Dame is the norm.
Eric Hansen: And right after I mention Jack Kiser, he just announced he'll return to Notre Dame in 2024. From a chemistry/leadership/experience/ability standpoint, this is a big win for Notre Dame.
Tom from Sister Lakes, Mich.: Hi Eric, Do you know if any ND players who opted in early for the draft later said they regretted not staying for another year? We can all probably think of past players who should have thought that, but I wonder if any had publicly (or privately) said so. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom, off the top of my head, I can remember only one. And that was Braxston Banks, who gave up a fifth year and then went undrafted. He started a class-action suit against the NCAA to be allowed to get that year back and lost the suit. Among true juniors, I've seen DeShone Kizer maybe hint at it, but not directly say so. I think, in talking to Troy Nilkas he may make a different decision knowing what he knows now, but he was still a second-rounder. His issue was staying healthy in the NFL, and he did come back and get his ND degree.
Eric Hansen: Back to Bill's question ... just this afternoon, per The Athletic, In Ohio vs NCAA, Judge John Preston Bailey issued a temporary restraining order (for the next 14 days) that grants immediate eligibility to any college athletes currently seeking it via a multi-transfer waiver. So that's for people wanting to make that second transfer now ... it would only apply in the spring if this becomes a permanent injunction and not a temporary one.
Bill from Glen Ellyn, Ill.: ND is being aggressive in the portal which is great to see, however, what is the status of pursuing/admitting undergrad student-athletes that want to transfer? Of course they need to "fit" ND but there are a lot of good players out there that ND could use (Purdue frosh safety, for instance)...are they off limits because they are undergrad?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill. Let me be clear. Up until this cycle Notre Dame could get grad transfers through admissions and most players who had completed their freshman seasons who were in good academic standing/fits. Anything else was threading a needle, if not impossible. That door appears to have now opened. We'll find out soon how wide.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Eric, thanks for hosting. In case there is no chat next week, a Merry Christmas to you and your family and everyone at InsideNDSports. Do you expect to see more non coaching staff to acquire and teach new players from the transfer portal along with the new high school recruits? Will that include an experienced OC to help Gerad Parker?
Eric Hansen: Thanks Len. There will be a chat next week — on Thursday instead of Wednesday, but I'll take the Merry Christmas wishes now and also send them to you. To your first question, I don't see Notre Dame adding staff for the first reason you cited. I'd been advocating for the second reason and am not yet sure whether Marcus Freeman will pursue that. That'll be a good question to ask him after the bowl game.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric! Thank you for these chats!!! It looks like the ND offense will be much different next year with a lot of new faces or returning players getting more playing time--QB, WR, OL, RB--and a new WR coach. I've definitely been on the bandwagon about Parker not being a good fit or, at least, needing more time at a different school to hone his craft (play-calling was clearly an issue.) However, is it possible that Parker's situation could be more similar to a 2022 Al Golden, who came in and tried to mesh his own system with Freeman's, with mixed results? And then Golden 2023 looks like a genius. Is it possible that Parker in year 2 with a new QB who can run, new WRs, and WR coach, and one year under his belt will be able to install his own system with players also benefiting from the second year of Rudolph, Parker, and company? And maybe behind the scenes Stuckey did not fit in well with what the other coaches were doing? Is this possible? Please?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. I want to be fair to Gerad Parker in my response. His evolution as an relatively inexperienced play-caller and coordinator — including the hiccups — isn't uncommon. What made it a risk was doing it on a stage like Notre Dame, with so much at stake and with no backstop (with Marcus Freeman being a defensive coach and no experienced sounding board like a former veteran OC). Tommy Rees had Brian Kelly, for instance. What becomes the risk at this point, especially if Marcus Freeman does not add supports, is how quickly Parker can evolve or WHETHER he can evolve. The Al Golden analogy you used or even the one Marcus Freeman related about his DC experiences at UC could play out ... but … Al Golden was a veteran defensive coach, with six years in the NFL and extensive college coordinating and head coaching experience.
He also had a defensive mind as a head coach. Marcus at UC had a great defensive mind in his head coach Lou Fickell as his backstop. So, yes it's possible, but there are not necessarily parallel situations. Marcus must see something beyond the second year thing to make him want to re-invest. And he needs to be right. And he could be.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: How much will Amiil Wagner weigh when we open at A&M?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob, he's listed at 288 now. Based on the progress he's made since he arrived on campus, I could see him get to 300 by next fall. Super athletic and smart. I'm high on him.
Gene in New York: Hi Eric, Thanks as always for the great coverage. I’m hoping you can convince me we’re not going to be back to musical QB chairs with Leonard coming in. I saw him play vs ND and some parts of other games, and it seems he’s a good runner. Not sure I’ve seen anything that would make me happy to have him if it means losing one of the other two on roster, unless, of course, the reports of them progressing well throughout the year was overstated. Do other top level schools find themselves repeating this scenario, or has ND coaching staff created a quagmire they can’t get out of? I can’t see how annually losing QBs you’ve trained and worked with can ever make you a better team.
Eric Hansen: Gene, in a lot of ways we're in uncharted territory, so predicting the trend line is a bit tricky. But look at the quarterback movement the past two transfer cycles. And all three Heisman finalists who played QB were playing somewhere else two years ago. Maybe that calms down a bit in the future. Maybe not. Some of it depends on whether the QBs in your system decide to stick around. Take Wake Forest. They played three different QBs as starters this season after Sam Hartman left, in part due to injuries, in part not. Two of them hit the portal the first week it was open after the season. And now Wake is bringing in former Boise State/La Tech QB Hank Bachmeier. I think Marcus would like to get out of the transfer-QB-every-year mode and he has the QB lineage/talent to do that ... now. But will they all wait around to see how things play out? If not, it makes it difficult not to go to the portal.
Myliah from El Cerrito, Calif.: Eric, thank you for this; I love it when your livechat slot corresponds to a slow work day (nothing crashing!) and I can jump on. With lots of NFL-hopeful players opting out of bowl games to protect themselves, why don't bowl organizers offer them insurance policies to stay? It would be a cost, but one that might pay off. Or insurance companies–seems like a great NIL opportunity, too, no? Imagine Jaylon Smith in a commercial, "When I got hurt, they had my back and I still went pro!" What can schools, bowls, companies, etc. do to convince players to play and reignite the excitement of bowl season? Or has that horse long since left? (At the very least, let's open the transfer window AFTER bowl season...)
Eric Hansen: Hi Myliah, congrats on the slow work day. You can come help us? ... The bowl opt-outs originally were for high-round draft picks only. A lot has changed quickly. You can incentivize it for lower-round or fringe picks like Marist Liufau, for instance, with insurance and NIL -- both good ideas and ideas the bowl system is at least dabbling in, or trying to. The bigger problem is the transfer portal window and the no-waiting rules. It now opens the day after bowl Selection Sunday. And if players want to be enrolled at their new school in time for spring semester or winter quarter, they need to go shopping and take visits in December ... January at the latest. So that group would be hard to convince to delay their portal departures for a non-playoff game. But I do love the idea you have. I hope someone with the bowl games is reading this.
Matt from Kansas City: Quickfire Five. Mr. Hansen, thanks for these chats, you always make Wed. more enjoyable. Let's do a fun five, no transfer, NIL, or NFL draft Qs, ha. How about this, what is the #1 item (being serious) on the Christmas list for each of the following: 1. ND's incoming AD? 2. Marcus Freeman? 3. Gerard Parker? 4. Al Golden? 5. Eric Hansen? Happy Holidays to everyone and Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: OK Mr. Matt, here you go: 1. A historic 2024 season from Marcus Freeman. 2. A quantum leap of growth from offensive coordinator Gerad Parker. 3. David Cutcliffe as an analyst. 4. A good realtor. 5. Already got mine. 2023 has been the best year of my life.
Patrick from Atlanta: Hi Eric! What is your view of the chances that we get another WR in the portal this year? Thanks as always for doing these chats (a highlight of the week for me!) and Merry Christmas!
Eric Hansen: Notre Dame is angling for that, so I would say more likely than not. Merry Christmas!
Tony from Rochester, N.Y.: Did we ask Nana Osafo-Mensah to move on? Seems like he would have been a contributor again and seemingly he was a team leader.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tony. Notre Dame would not make a public admission of that-- that would have to come from Nana, who's transferred to TCU, but I think that's a safe assumption.
Paul From Stuart, FL: Somewhat of a manifesto Eric, but Sam's excuse to go into training for the draft and skipping a Bowl is ludicrous. Three weeks of workouts with your buds should be much more valuable than three weeks with a so-called QB guru, and playing the game respectful of your teammates, coaches and fans. I can't ever recall a serious QB injury hurting draft results--can you?
Eric Hansen: Paul, what was acceptable and unacceptable a year ago, a month ago, a week ago, is constantly in a state of flux. College football is changing on so many fronts like we've never seen it before, and it can be unsettling for fans who love the game as it was. From a pure business standpoint, I'll put you in Sam's shoes. You are a late-round or non-draft free agent projection. You can guarantee you'll be 100 percent healthy for a college all-star game and/or the NFL Combine by not playing in the Sun Bowl. If you can only pick one or the other, which is likely going to impress scouts and boost your stock more -- the all-star setting/combine? Or the Sun Bowl vs. a watered-down Oregon State defense? Against OSU's top defense, maybe the math changes ... If that's you or your son, what do you advise?
Mike from New York: Eric, Grateful if you could revisit Bobby From the Chi's question. I had a similar one last week which didn't make the cut. Is the ND administration OK with having a Tier 1 bowl apparently taken away from them or are the upset about it? Could this cause a rift between the ACC and ND? Also curious to know if there were any financial implications to ND because of the switch.
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. You know I looked back over his question and I got so engrossed with the first part of it, I completely whiffed at answering the whole thing. So, I am glad you asked this follow-up. So, let me combine answers here ... I think overall the ACC/ND marriage has been good for ND. The bowl selection was just bizarre. And if there are any financial differences, they'd be pretty minimal. Actually, I think Notre Dame ended up in a good place, a good bowl, with a sold-out game that will be very pro-Notre Dame. But the ACC has some explaining to do.
Eric Hansen: OK, I am back on radio today (wsbtradio.com at 5 ET), so I need to run. Thanks for all the great questions. And thanks for behaving with so many of the rules rescinded today. Remember next week, we'll do this on Thursday at noon ET, not Wednesday. See you then.
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