Exactly. I think he’s played his way into possibly low tier big 10 or bottom ACC. Although I think there are some intriguing schools in this category (Northwestern, Stanford, UCLA, BC?). If he waits, I think he has a chance to go almost anywhere that isn’t a blue blood which would lead to a few more dollars in his pocket.

I've heard in a few instances this becomes the case. These guys tend to think everyone is getting $500k-$1mil to transfer. It doesn't sound like that's the market for FCS guys.

yeah, people really misunderstand the bag these kids are getting. those millions are for the spotlight household names. as much as FCS is appreciated and guys like Vargas will compete just as well as the big names, they're not going to get a massive bag for the move up from FCS.

If Vargas can return to form and go for 1,000 in 2026 along side Fisher, who knows what the market will be for him (and Fisher for his last year of eligibility). No brainer from my point of view to return to Davis, especially coming off a knee injury.

Getting way ahead here but......Fisher would be a grad transfer for the 2027 season, yes? (redshirted in '24?) That's the perfect model right there: kill it at Davis and earn your degree, then transfer for the gravy on top.

I am in 100% agreement with your opening paragraph. I am also highly impressed with your usage of the word "chicanery". Haven't heard/read that in a while, kudos to you!

It’s hard to know what motivates people. Probably fair that most people are convinced by money most of the time, but it isn’t always the case. One time I turned down a considerable promotion because I wasn’t feeling it with boss or the city I would have had to move to.

The money will not be crazy for any of our guys coming off of this season. I can come-up with reasons for that for each of them but will not go there. We love them because they're our guys; but very few are actual big-money, Power 4, plug-and-play starters today (you don't pay for back-ups). Two of them are close, but the rest are either a bit slight, a bit short, or damaged goods at this juncture. No knocks on any of them, because if we can bring all of them back, maybe lose 1-2, get the Connors boys back, we're staring a Top 5 pre-season FCS football team in the face. Also, a serious national title contender who plays their toughest Big Sky game at home next year! We're in a great spot for this season and next, I wouldn't worry too much about any exodus this off season primarily because I don't believe the market is what many people imagine it to be.

Fisher redshirted in 2023.
But you are correct that if he is on pace to graduate in four years he could graduate in spring 2027 with a year of eligibility in 2027.

Typo..meant '23!

You hit it on the nail. From a business perspective, Caden and Drew’s youth makes them attractive but nothing about their measurables pop out. Gbatu’s film pops a bit more but you’re getting him for a year.

I suspect Caden has a great 40 time, in addition to being extraordinarily nimble. I remember when he ran past Fisher to throw a block downfield. Caden, if we are to believe the stats is not undersized for the position in college football at 6’ 200lbs. I think he has at least elevated himself to where he would get what four star recruits are getting. In a revenue sharing conference that might be significant.

I'll be Caden's 10 yd and 20 yd time are what coaches really like.

players had to be in jerseys in order to be on the field per NCAA rules, but yeah you never know what these guys are going to be offered

Going rate in college hoops for young starters to develop is in the $300-400k range. Immediate impact starters from G5 schools to P4 schools is $1m. That comes from an agent acquaintance this afternoon. He doesn't do football but thought it might be similar. Said that BB has more money than FB except at the very top, especially in the mid-majors. Thought young football guys would be closer to $150-250k but that was a guess. Every case varies by school/need/perceived upside