In reply to: I believe two other options exist. posted by MrE
And he did not hire an elite staff.
I don’t know why you whistle Dixie.
The idea that if a coach were good enough, they could build a perfect roster with no transfers and only 85 scholarships is pure wishcasting.
The best living coach does not meet that standard.
Michigan put on the field in this year’s CFP?
And yes, I’m aware those schools are adding transfers at a higher clip this year.
Your own post acknowledges that the best teams in college football are all adding transfers, because that makes them better.
I am glad you raised Michigan. Without the transfer of offensive lineman (the same position discussed in the original post) Olusegun Oluwatimi, they likely neither win the Joe Moore Award, nor make the College Football Playoffs.
That university has had a LOT of players leave for various reasons under their current coach, a coach that has taken a lot of transfers. Most of his QBs have been transfers.
make room for him? I honestly don't know. They took 3 transfers last year, in fact. So same question - did they force out kids to create the space?
Edit add: And further, I'd rather ND fall a bit short and not do the above.
Notre Dame is at 83 scholarship. Those two scholarship are either going to a walk-on or somebody who can play for this team.
roster management at ND under Freeman.
I do like the walk-on idea, even though the path to get there is less than ideal.
and he is learning on the job, and will take some time to grow into being the elite HC we have always required.