MVFC Megathread: 2025 Edition

[RahRahRabbits]

The 2024 season is over, and the 2025 season has now begun.

2025 will be an interesting year in the Valley! For starters, there will be a new MVFC commissioner for the first time ever as Patty Viverito is retiring after a 40-year reign at the top. While she certainly did an admirable job, I think plenty of people would agree a more modern approach to leading the conference would be nice - from an in-person media day to actually having a social media presence to champion the teams and players. It's not like those things will cause us to lose any more transfers.... FBS scouts are going to find the stars by themselves anyways. Or - does this help trigger a bit of a FCS conference realignment, especially with several Big Sky teams trying to leave?

There are also a few coaching changes... UNI's Mark Farley retired after 24 seasons at the helm - Panthers tabbed Todd Stepsis, the Drake HC for the previous 6 seasons, to be their new leader. UND's Bubba Schweigert "retired"/resigned into a new role within the UND athletic department after 11 seasons, with the Fighting Hawks brining back Eric Schmidt to Grand Forks after several different coaching stops (Southern Illinois, Fresno State, Washington, San Diego State). And of course, everyone is aware of SDSU's turmoil the last couple weeks, as HC Jimmy Rogers took a job after only 2 years to depleted Washington State (you're welcome to Montana State... Jimmy was the budget pick after Vigen wanted too much money), taking nearly the entire staff and a still untold number of players/recruits (currently 8 players and 1 recruit have announced intentions to go to Pullman, and at least 6 have announced transfers elsewhere, while at least 15 are still in the portal either having not yet found a home, or not yet announced it). Jackrabbits tabbed former player and coach, Dan Jackson to return to lead the program after other stops at Northern Illinois, Vanderbilt, Idaho, and a brief commitment to New Mexico with Coach Eck.

Returning rosters for most should be mostly settled, minus spring ball/transfer activity.... but that's typically less turbulent. Bison players have 5 days now to enter the portal, while Jacks still have to weather the storm for a couple more weeks due to the late head coaching change.

Plenty to be determined in 2025. Can the Bison continue what they've done in the past, reloading after a big senior class to stay at the top? Can SDSU manage to completely rebuild/reload and manage to stay competitive for playoffs or maybe even a contender again for a NC? USD silenced naysayers by taking another step forward in 2024.... can they do it again by making it to the semifinals again, or beyond? Can Illinois State and Southern Illinois stay healthy in 2025 and realize their full expected potentials? UND, UNI, and Youngstown State are all yearning for change, wanting to be far more consistent and competitive again. Indiana State made some nice strides in 2024.... can they continue to build on that and make a run to the playoffs for the first time since 2014? They currently have the longest playoff drought in the Valley besides Murray State, whose last appearance was in 2002 while in the OVC. And Murray State, can you win a game or two, or at least be more competitive during conference play? Going to take some time to build success the way it sits now.

Oh yeah, and of course Missouri State has moved on to the 'greener pastures' of FBS G5/6/x... see ya! Bye. Good luck...

Bring on 2025! Only 233 more days until Valley football again!

[RahRahRabbits]

The Valley announced today that they will be selecting a 40th anniversary team (https://valley-football.org/news/2025/1/7/missouri-valley-football-to-select-40th-anniversary-team.aspx). They are accepting fan votes for the next 40 days.


All-time season stats links (https://valley-football.org/sports/2017/6/20/FB_0620172909.aspx)
All-time all-conference team links (https://valley-football.org/sports/2017/6/20/FB_0620173433.aspx) (including all-academic teams which don't get much press)

Each position has between 37-51 pre-selected candidates to choose from, and you can select up to 10 per position. Positions include QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB, P, and K. Long snappers and holders, sorry... you had to shine in your other positions to get any respect.

https://i.postimg.cc/4yMfFy8Z/Screenshot-2025-01-07-111701.png (https://postimg.cc/RJ7xWS5b)

[RahRahRabbits]

And here's a quick look at candidates per team for this 40th anniversary all-conference team voting -- no surprise that NDSU leads the way with 2.9 candidates/year of Valley membership, followed by SDSU at 1.9/year. Northern Iowa and Illinois State lead in raw numbers of candidates with 65 and 52, respectively, but have both been in the Valley all 40 years since its inception.
https://i.postimg.cc/N0nFyNcp/Screenshot-2025-01-07-122117.png (https://postimages.org/)

Outlying number of candidates per school for each position group - ISUr is historical LB-U with 11 total, the only school and position with double digit candidates. Of course, annualizing the numbers changes it a bit - NDSU leads the way with 0.47 OL/year, 0.35 DL and DB/year, and 0.29 QB, RB, and TE/year. SDSU also put up 0.29 RB, WR, and OL candidates/year. Illinois State's LB's come out to 0.28/year to round out the top-10 annualized positions (excludes a LB outlier value from WKU's 6-year conference stint).

[Redbird 4th & short]

And here's a quick look at candidates per team for this 40th anniversary all-conference team voting -- no surprise that NDSU leads the way with 2.9 candidates/year of Valley membership, followed by SDSU at 1.9/year. Northern Iowa and Illinois State lead in raw numbers of candidates with 65 and 52, respectively, but have both been in the Valley all 40 years since its inception.
https://i.postimg.cc/N0nFyNcp/Screenshot-2025-01-07-122117.png (https://postimages.org/)

Outlying number of candidates per school for each position group - ISUr is historical LB-U with 11 total, the only school and position with double digit candidates. Of course, annualizing the numbers changes it a bit - NDSU leads the way with 0.47 OL/year, 0.35 DL and DB/year, and 0.29 QB, RB, and TE/year. SDSU also put up 0.29 RB, WR, and OL candidates/year. Illinois State's LB's come out to 0.28/year to round out the top-10 annualized positions (excludes a LB outlier value from WKU's 6-year conference stint).

Good stuff ... so only ISUr, MoST, UNI, and SIU have been in Gateway/MVFC all 40 years .. never knew that. As for NDSU ranking 1st in nominees per year ... I mean, sure, anyone can be good for 17 years. Lets see how where they are ranked after 40 years.


:D xdrunkyx xbowx

[RahRahRabbits]

Good stuff ... so only ISUr, MoST, UNI, and SIU have been in Gateway/MVFC all 40 years .. never knew that. As for NDSU ranking 1st in nominees per year ... I mean, sure, anyone can be good for 17 years. Lets see how where they are ranked after 40 years.

:D xdrunkyx xbowx

Yep - Western Illinois was a founding member too, but left after 2023 of course. Missouri State's 40 year run ends this year now too (old timers will remember they were previously SMS - Southwest Missouri State, a little hint for perusing the old records). I'm not sure what Indiana State was doing in 1985, but they joined as a founding-adjacent member in 1986. Conference stats linked above from those years confirm the Sycamores weren't present the first year.

[Professor Chaos]

NDSU is going to have big questions marks on the O-line going into 2025. They lose 3 starters including 2 All-American OTs. As of now there may not be a senior starting on the o-line next year. Their o-line this year, at least in run blocking, was a bit below their standard from previous years and it could drop off further with the inexperience they have coming back. They won't have ultra efficient Cam Miller and the passing game to cover up for that as much next year either (although I suspect they'll be fine at QB). It'll be interesting to see if NDSU dips into the portal for some veteran OL help.

[POD Knows]

NDSU is going to have big questions marks on the O-line going into 2025. They lose 3 starters including 2 All-American OTs. As of now there may not be a senior starting on the o-line next year. Their o-line this year, at least in run blocking, was a bit below their standard from previous years and it could drop off further with the inexperience they have coming back. They won't have ultra efficient Cam Miller and the passing game to cover up for that as much next year either (although I suspect they'll be fine at QB). It'll be interesting to see if NDSU dips into the portal for some veteran OL help.
They are gonna have to go into the portal. Super weak at the tackle position or should I say I experienced. These young guys could be great next year. Fargo is a destination for OL folks you wouldn’t think it would be that hard to snag a couple from the portal.

[RahRahRabbits]

Good stuff ... so only ISUr, MoST, UNI, and SIU have been in Gateway/MVFC all 40 years .. never knew that. As for NDSU ranking 1st in nominees per year ... I mean, sure, anyone can be good for 17 years. Lets see how where they are ranked after 40 years.

Not that past performance guarantees future results... but your statement here got me thinking about timeline of these 40-year all-conference players. A bit of Excel work later, here is a 2-year rolling average graphical representation of these selections by their final year on the roster. It's too bad Youngstown State's championship run from the mid-90s was winding down by the time they joined the conference, if they had joined earlier I'd expect we'd see a nice sharp incline to the start of their line as well. Dashed lines are teams no longer in the Valley - obviously some level off much earlier than others.
https://i.postimg.cc/Qdb4j6zz/Screenshot-2025-01-07-164520.png (https://postimages.org/)

I also find it interesting that USD's line, while trending just a tad bit slower, is a pretty darn similar shape to SDSU's, just offset by the 4 year difference to the Valley (dashed red 'USD-4 year' line).
https://i.postimg.cc/8k2n4fWZ/Screenshot-2025-01-07-164356.png (https://postimages.org/)

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Here’s a list of who has officially announced they are returning to SDSU so far. Very young group that will need to develop fast if they want to be competitive. Have already seen a few transfers with QB Tak Tateoka from St. Thomas, OL John Pica from Dakota Wesleyan and LB Graham Eben from Iowa. Expect quite a few more between now and the when the spring portal opens up, particularly at RB and in the secondary.

https://jackrabbitillustrated.com/whos-in-and-whos-out/

Here’s a list of what the coaching staff is going to be. Only HC, OC/QB, RB, TE, and assistant DL slots are known as of now with plenty more to go. Plenty of people will remember Eric Eidsness, who will be on his third stint as the Jacks OC having been here from 1999-2003 and 2011-2018. Defensive staff is unknown but supposedly Brian Bergstrom’s name is being floated (current Winona HC and former Jacks Co-DC from 2019-2021) as well as an unnamed Vandy assistant who I have seen could be Jimmy Thompson. Also seeing that they might get a coach or two on the defensive side from Iowa Western CC but don’t quote me on that.

https://jackrabbitillustrated.com/2025-coaching-staff/

Overall, I’m very excited for 2025. The Jacks will be young and will have some growing pains but I believe Coach Jackson will get them playing at a high level. Throw in a few more transfers and the Jacks should still be a playoff team. If Chase Mason can live up to the hype this could end up still being a very dangerous team. But the key is that these young players develop and show what they can do, and use that to build into the future.

[SUPharmacist]

Did that guy from Tulsa who had planned to transfer to SDSU announce plans post Jimmy leaving?

[RahRahRabbits]

Did that guy from Tulsa who had planned to transfer to SDSU announce plans post Jimmy leaving?

Yep, hopped right back into the portal (https://x.com/owenostroski_/status/1873730671262548190).

Sounds like he visited both NDSU and USD since, unsure of anywhere else, or what if any chance there is of recommitment.

[SUPharmacist]

Yep, hopped right back into the portal (https://x.com/owenostroski_/status/1873730671262548190).

Sounds like he visited both NDSU and USD since, unsure of anywhere else, or what if any chance there is of recommitment.

What a mess all of this is.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Watching this video brings sadness to me, not just because of Gronowski leaving but because it truly is the end of an era for SDSU. The 2020-2024 period was incredible and now most of that continuity has been ripped apart. Barely anyone left who received significant playing time on the 2024 team, let alone the 2023 team. Sucks to see but still excited for the Dan Jackson era.https://twitter.com/tanner_castora/status/1876979521879949393

[FUBeAR]

Watching this video brings sadness to me, not just because of Gronowski leaving but because it truly is the end of an era for SDSU. The 2020-2024 period was incredible and now most of that continuity has been ripped apart. Barely anyone left who received significant playing time on the 2024 team, let alone the 2023 team. Sucks to see but still excited for the Dan Jackson era.

https://x.com/tanner_castora/status/1876979521879949393?s=46&t=rwDaPAk8mwc6iD93PYxirQ
https://twitter.com/tanner_castora/status/1876979521879949393

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

https://twitter.com/tanner_castora/status/1876979521879949393
Thank you, I went and read the thread you had in the questions board and figured out how to do that.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Looks like Brian Bergstrom will be returning to SDSU as DC. Was HC at Winona State the past three years. Looking like the staff will be largely comprised of former Jackrabbit coaches and players.

https://winonaradio.com/2025/01/08/breaking-news-brian-bergstrom-resigning-as-head-coach-of-winona-state-football-will-take-job-at-sdsu/

After three seasons as head coach of Winona State Football, Brian Bergstrom is resigning, and taking a job at South Dakota State, sources confirm to the Winona Sports Network.

Bergstrom leaves his post as head coach after back-to-back 5-6 seasons, and a conference championship in his first year. He will become the Defensive Coordinator at South Dakota State University.

[RahRahRabbits]

Yep, hopped right back into the portal (https://x.com/owenostroski_/status/1873730671262548190).

Sounds like he visited both NDSU and USD since, unsure of anywhere else, or what if any chance there is of recommitment.

And just like that, an answer is had (https://x.com/owenostroski_). The Panthers of UNI pick up Ostroski, a pretty highly sought after DL recruit in the Valley out of Tulsa. Family on staff (Jax Ostroski) as assistant OL coach.

[ysubigred]

YSU is trying to upgrade coaches..

https://footballscoop.com/news/source-youngstown-state-set-to-add-veteran-big-ten-and-big-12-coordinator-and-a-former-michigan-assistant

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

[Professor Chaos]

Good article on the guys steadying the ship at SDSU amongst the turmoil of the last couple weeks: https://medium.com/@Tannercastora/south-dakota-states-quinten-christensen-and-chase-mason-rallying-program-during-uncertain-times-a8335d4936a8

They're going to be just fine and anyone expecting them to fade into mediocrity is going to be disappointed I think.

That article also makes Jimmy Rogers and his outgoing staff look like even bigger scumbags.

[POD Knows]

Good article on the guys steadying the ship at SDSU amongst the turmoil of the last couple weeks: https://medium.com/@Tannercastora/south-dakota-states-quinten-christensen-and-chase-mason-rallying-program-during-uncertain-times-a8335d4936a8

They're going to be just fine and anyone expecting them to fade into mediocrity is going to be disappointed I think.

That article also makes Jimmy Rogers and his outgoing staff look like even bigger scumbags.I don't think they are going away either but they had a huge senior class and somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 of the remaining team gone in the portal. Also, it seems like they have lost a bunch of 2025 commits but I have not seen a decent roll-up on that. They are gonna need to hit the portal hard and I am sure they will.

[SDFS]

I don't think they are going away either but they had a huge senior class and somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 of the remaining team gone in the portal. Also, it seems like they have lost a bunch of 2025 commits but I have not seen a decent roll-up on that. They are gonna need to hit the portal hard and I am sure they will.

I don't think they are going away and Chase Mason is going to be a handful. And if you are going to lose a large percentage of your roster this is year because of the roster limit on FBS. There is going to be some nice talent available in the portal. The Jacks will be OK.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Good article on the guys steadying the ship at SDSU amongst the turmoil of the last couple weeks: https://medium.com/@Tannercastora/south-dakota-states-quinten-christensen-and-chase-mason-rallying-program-during-uncertain-times-a8335d4936a8

They're going to be just fine and anyone expecting them to fade into mediocrity is going to be disappointed I think.

That article also makes Jimmy Rogers and his outgoing staff look like even bigger scumbags.
Saw that article as well. I’m still trying to figure out if Rogers is intentionally trying to destroy the SDSU program, or if he just has no idea how to recruit out there and is trying to bring as many of his guys as possible. Either way he should never be allowed to set foot in Brookings again, nor any of those coaches.

I know I’m biased but I don’t see Rogers working out in Pullman. It’s a very difficult place to recruit to and he has no idea how to recruit the PNW and California which is their main territory, nor do any of his assistants. He’s also trying to bring an FCS staff and an FCS roster to the FBS level.

[POD Knows]

I don't think they are going away and Chase Mason is going to be a handful. And if you are going to lose a large percentage of your roster this is year because of the roster limit on FBS. There is going to be some nice talent available in the portal. The Jacks will be OK.
Yea. And this is the year that you could bounce back quickly from losses from your own team. Thousands upon thousands in the portal.

[Professor Chaos]

Saw that article as well. I’m still trying to figure out if Rogers is intentionally trying to destroy the SDSU program, or if he just has no idea how to recruit out there and is trying to bring as many of his guys as possible. Either way he should never be allowed to set foot in Brookings again, nor any of those coaches.

I know I’m biased but I don’t see Rogers working out in Pullman. It’s a very difficult place to recruit to and he has no idea how to recruit the PNW and California which is their main territory, nor do any of his assistants. He’s also trying to bring an FCS staff and an FCS roster to the FBS level.
Yeah, the hire never made a whole lot of sense. He's only been a head coach for 2 year and he has no experience outside of SDSU. I can't imagine many of his staff have recruiting connections in that area since I don't believe SDSU recruiting anywhere near there in the past. If I was a Wazzu fan I'd be very skeptical right now - sure SDSU is a very good FCS team but, if you have aspirations of contending in what is supposed to be the best G6 league, can you count on a guy who looks like he's just trying to transplant SDSU into Wazzu?

The other side of the argument is that at this point almost all the high level HS recruits are signed elsewhere for but there's got to be a boatload of players in the portal they could go after.

[Professor Chaos]

A lot of chatter coming out of NDSU's collective right now about the massive amount of tampering currently happening with returning players on NDSU's roster (none of whom are in the portal as far as I know). Sure would be nice if the NCAA or someone could put some oversight in place here.... and punishment for the schools whose coaches/collectives/NIL agents are doing the tampering with players not in the portal.

Don't be surprised if some big names from NDSU hit the portal soon though (I think it's open for them until Saturday since their season ended after the portal closed).

[BisonFan02]

A lot of chatter coming out of NDSU's collective right now about the massive amount of tampering currently happening with returning players on NDSU's roster (none of whom are in the portal as far as I know). Sure would be nice if the NCAA or someone could put some oversight in place here.... and punishment for the schools whose coaches/collectives/NIL agents are doing the tampering with players not in the portal.

Don't be surprised if some big names from NDSU hit the portal soon though (I think it's open for them until Saturday since their season ended after the portal closed).

I would be shocked if Lance is a Bison next year amongst a few others.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Big news for the Bison, Bryce Lance is staying. Makes sense, Christian Watson proved a Bison receiver can be a high draft pick. Better to stay at the place where you’re the top guy versus going somewhere you might not be.

https://twitter.com/brycelance09/status/1877769255577334035

[Professor Chaos]

Big news for the Bison, Bryce Lance is staying. Makes sense, Christian Watson proved a Bison receiver can be a high draft pick. Better to stay at the place where you’re the top guy versus going somewhere you might not be.

https://twitter.com/brycelance09/status/1877769255577334035
Very pleasantly surprised... I'm sure he's not doing it for free but I'd guarantee he could get orders of magnitude more $$$ elsewhere and I heard he had some very big names tampering with... errrr I mean courting him. Good for him - hopefully more elite FCS players follow his lead.

[RahRahRabbits]

Pretty impressive really, and makes me respect him even more. Good for you him! Shows true character. And good for you guys too (insert envious eye roll).

Here's to hoping Cole Payton, Nathan Hayes, or whoever your QB is can't hit the broad side of a barn next year. Plus --- that would be good for Bryce Lance, brother of Trey Lance, too! Put some film together making absolute ludicrous catches. Just catching perfect dimes from 2024-version Cam Miller isn't that impressive, right?

[TheKingpin28]

Very pleasantly surprised... I'm sure he's not doing it for free but I'd guarantee he could get orders of magnitude more $$$ elsewhere and I heard he had some very big names tampering with... errrr I mean courting him. Good for him - hopefully more elite FCS players follow his lead.G&G hopefully is helping out with this endeavor and wonder if any local businesses are partnering with him?

Sent from my SM-A546U1 using Tapatalk

[Bisonoline]

G&G hopefully is helping out with this endeavor and wonder if any local businesses are partnering with him?

Sent from my SM-A546U1 using Tapatalk

There is a pay structure through the G&G based on reps. Its a spread sheet. Any extra $ I know nothing about and wouldnt comment on it.

[TheKingpin28]

There is a pay structure through the G&G based on reps. Its a spread sheet. Any extra $ I know nothing about and wouldnt comment on it.Ok. I'm only at a lower level monthly amount but I get the invites to the events they put on. Just glad players see value in staying and improving their potential than chasing the bag. Can't fault someone for doing what they believe is best, but after Eli Green, I think some players will think twice.

Sent from my SM-A546U1 using Tapatalk

[NY Crusader 2010]

https://twitter.com/tanner_castora/status/1876979521879949393

Good for him, hope he has a killer grad year at Iowa. Glad he's blazing his own trail rather than just following the pack to Washington State. Seems like forever ago, I was in the stands in spring 2021 watching Mark win his first of what would be many NCAA playoff games. Was a pleasure getting to learn so much about the Jackrabbit program given the connection with Holy Cross through the 2 playoff games in Brookings. I know you guys are going through a MAJOR regime change and wish you guys the best of luck.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Jacks landed two more transfers over night.

TE Jalyn Thompson from Iowa with three years eligibility remaining.
https://twitter.com/jalynthompson88/status/1878264877975765364

DB Koby Bretz from Nebraska with one year remaining.
https://twitter.com/bretzkoby/status/1878294869921124633

Sounds like Jackson will hit the spring portal hard when the FBS teams have to do their roster cuts, expect a few more Huskers to be moving to Brookings in the coming months. Could also see Jackson’s connections with Vandy, NIU, and UNM coming in handy as well. Pretty lucky timing that SDSU gets gutted right as the transfer portal will be plum full with FBS talent needing a new home.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Add in two more transfers already today.

DB Jackson Powers from Minnesota commits to SDSU, has three years remaining.
https://twitter.com/jacksonpowers20/status/1878492431806529759

DL Brody Targgart from Iowa Western, has two years plus a redshirt.
https://twitter.com/brody_targgart/status/1878496641692344749

Throw in another, RB Nate White from Wisconsin commits to SDSU with three years remaining. Was a 4 Star recruit and top ranked recruit in Wisconsin in 2023. Big one considering there was only two RBs heading into spring ball.
https://twitter.com/hollywoodn34/status/1878511182723555405

[BisonFan02]

It could just be me, but there's something obnoxious about about being "Committed" when you hit the transfer portal. xlolx

[SUPharmacist]

Looks like potentially some good gets for SDSU.

From a marketing standpoint I think that one for Powers is a little weird with the fake hybrid gophers/jacks jersey.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Jacks landed two more transfers yesterday.

DT Max Elrod from Sioux Falls, has three years eligibility.
https://twitter.com/elrod_max/status/1879278614405153054

WR Reese Osgood from Iowa, has two years eligibility.
https://twitter.com/reeseosgood/status/1879311013486686489

Pretty clear that SDSU is looking for guys who have multiple years of eligibility remaining as opposed to one year solutions. My expectation is that SDSU will still be good in 2025 but will have some major growing pains, but this’ll set them up to be very good in 2026 & 2027.

[SDFS]

Jacks landed two more transfers yesterday.

DT Max Elrod from Sioux Falls, has three years eligibility.
https://twitter.com/elrod_max/status/1879278614405153054

WR Reese Osgood from Iowa, has two years eligibility.
https://twitter.com/reeseosgood/status/1879311013486686489

Pretty clear that SDSU is looking for guys who have multiple years of eligibility remaining as opposed to one year solutions. My expectation is that SDSU will still be good in 2025 but will have some major growing pains, but this’ll set them up to be very good in 2026 & 2027.

I think the trenches and QB play will be the primary drivers for success. And I think you have got a great QB for the next two years. The Rabbits will be just fine.

[Chalupa Batman]

Jacks landed two more transfers yesterday.


Pretty clear that SDSU is looking for guys who have multiple years of eligibility remaining as opposed to one year solutions. My expectation is that SDSU will still be good in 2025 but will have some major growing pains, but this’ll set them up to be very good in 2026 & 2027.

I listened to an interview Dan Jackson did the other day where he said he was trying to match the eligibility remaining of incoming portal players to that of the outgoing portal players to avoid having a massive class within the next few years. Easier said than done I'm sure but the right strategy IMO. They did have quite a few high schoolers flip to Wazzu with a few still TBD, might be a little tougher to keep that class as balanced numbers wise while still bringing in as talented (or nearly as talented) recruits though.


I think the trenches and QB play will be the primary drivers for success. And I think you have got a great QB for the next two years. The Rabbits will be just fine.

From what I've seen they lost 1 OL that would've otherwise been expected back, and they've done a real good job of developing OL for the better part of a decade now. They'll be fine there for sure.

Defensively they lost a few more but also return about 3-4 guys I think, they'll need to find some portal guys there to help immediately which I think they've already started. Maybe not as dominant there as the last few years but they'll still be pretty solid I think.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

I think the trenches and QB play will be the primary drivers for success. And I think you have got a great QB for the next two years. The Rabbits will be just fine.
Trench play will be good still on both sides. O-Line brings back two starters and another who had ample playing time. I know that coaches were high on a few of the younger guys as well. The transfer from Dakota Wesleyan also has great size and athleticism, we’ll see if he can adjust to D1. DEs will be young but the interior should still be very good with two seniors returning. LBs and the secondary will be more worrisome with little returning experience.

If Chase Mason can live up to the hype at QB we will be very good next year. His health will be the big worry though.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

I listened to an interview Dan Jackson did the other day where he said he was trying to match the eligibility remaining of incoming portal players to that of the outgoing portal players to avoid having a massive class within the next few years. Easier said than done I'm sure but the right strategy IMO. They did have quite a few high schoolers flip to Wazzu with a few still TBD, might be a little tougher to keep that class as balanced numbers wise while still bringing in as talented (or nearly as talented) recruits though.



From what I've seen they lost 1 OL that would've otherwise been expected back, and they've done a real good job of developing OL for the better part of a decade now. They'll be fine there for sure.

Defensively they lost a few more but also return about 3-4 guys I think, they'll need to find some portal guys there to help immediately which I think they've already started. Maybe not as dominant there as the last few years but they'll still be pretty solid I think.
Losing some of those recruits really stings, was shaping up to be the best recruiting class SDSU has ever had. Also lost that DE transfer from Tulsa, who’s now going to UNI. I could see next year being similar to the 2016-2018 teams with an excellent offense but shaky defense.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Not completely FCS related but still interesting. Crazy how they’re willing to give this much to an injured FCS QB coming off his worst season, but maybe that injury was why he had a down year.

https://twitter.com/chadleistikow/status/1879205734296220019

Lotta money being thrown around at the P4 level. Can only imagine how much someone like Carson Beck will make at Miami.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Bob Nielson stepping down at USD and DC Travis Johansen taking over as HC.

https://twitter.com/sdcoyotesfb/status/1880013507397316789

[RahRahRabbits]

Bob Nielson stepping down at USD and DC Travis Johansen taking over as HC.


Goodness you're quick on the draw, SFR. Since DC Johansen is moving up to HC, I would expect overall coaching continuity and player commitment to be very steady for the Yotes still. Plus, classes already started on Jan 13... though technically final add/drop date without having to pay for classes is Jan 22. So, while this does open a 30-day transfer window, it shouldn't hit hard at all --- and that's a good thing. I truly don't wish a Jimmy-style exodus on anyone.

I wonder if Johansen/Davis knew this pending move last month... and if Davis saw the writing on the wall that he wouldn't be HC, it sure could have been a big reason to go to Fresno St with Entz. That is 100% speculation. Perhaps he didn't know, and it just paved the way for Johansen to get the job too.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

Goodness you're quick on the draw, SFR. Since DC Johansen is moving up to HC, I would expect overall coaching continuity and player commitment to be very steady for the Yotes still. Plus, classes already started on Jan 13... though technically final add/drop date without having to pay for classes is Jan 22. So, while this does open a 30-day transfer window, it shouldn't hit hard at all --- and that's a good thing. I truly don't wish a Jimmy-style exodus on anyone.

I wonder if Johansen/Davis knew this pending move last month... and if Davis saw the writing on the wall that he wouldn't be HC, it sure could have been a big reason to go to Fresno St with Entz. That is 100% speculation. Perhaps he didn't know, and it just paved the way for Johansen to get the job too.
I opened Twitter right as this happened, so guess I just have good timing xlolx

But to your point, I’d think that could be why Davis left. I also have heard some USD fans speculating that Johansen could’ve had some offers to move up and Nielson did this to keep him in Vermillion, like how rumors are that Stig retired so Jimmy wouldn’t leave to be DC at (coincidentally) Washington State when Dickert was their HC.

[Gil Dobie]

NDSU, SDSU and USD all had a higher Sagarin rating the the recent schools that moved to FBS. Montana St was also above those same schools in FBS.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

SDSU lands another Husker transfer, WR Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda. Has one year remaining.

https://twitter.com/jackillustrated/status/1886214233886765518

The new staff has made some great moves through the portal along with landing some new recruits for the ‘25 class.

[bonarae]

Mike Yurcich has been named the new OC at YSU.

[OSRacer]

Hopefully better days ahead...

Football National Signing Day Press Conference 2025 | Murray State Athletics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2_epGs_jy4)

[SUPharmacist]

NDSU, SDSU and USD all had a higher Sagarin rating the the recent schools that moved to FBS. Montana St was also above those same schools in FBS.

Always interesting to see. Not sure who all you classify as recent, but I always wonder if low end FBS gets undervalued. I would certainly think odds are good for those programs any given Saturday against low end FBS, but I always wonder about the depth of top programs to sustain success at the FBS level. Of course with my tinted glasses I think NDSU would be fine and believe those other programs would struggle 😁.

[Gil Dobie]

Always interesting to see. Not sure who all you classify as recent, but I always wonder if low end FBS gets undervalued. I would certainly think odds are good for those programs any given Saturday against low end FBS, but I always wonder about the depth of top programs to sustain success at the FBS level. Of course with my tinted glasses I think NDSU would be fine and believe those other programs would struggle 😁.

Any school after Marshall.

[bonarae]

Meanwhile... while NDSU has already said NO, how many more MVFC members are still undecided on joining the House settlement?

[Redbird 4th & short]

Hopefully better days ahead...

Football National Signing Day Press Conference 2025 | Murray State Athletics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2_epGs_jy4)

Want to know how bad our placekicking game has been ... we just took your #2 kicker who will replace our #1 kicker. We're hoping your #2 took a lot of notes from your #1 stud kicker. Hard to figure why he hasn't hit portal to go FBS .. that guy is very very good. So good, we'll gladly take your sloppy seconds !!!

[OSRacer]

Somehow, we ended up with a really good kicking core last year. A lone bright spot. Unfortunately, both kickers transferred out as one ended up with you guys and the starter transferred to Pitt.

[Redbird 4th & short]

Somehow, we ended up with a really good kicking core last year. A lone bright spot. Unfortunately, both kickers transferred out as one ended up with you guys and the starter transferred to Pitt.

oh damn ... too bad you lost him. For other who didn't follow him ... he was just 6 for 6 inside 40 yders. But was 8 for 13 outside of 40 yds, including 6 of 9 outside of 50 yards with a long of 55 yards. Against my ISUr, he hit a 51 yarder and missed a 61 yarder. Thing about the 61 yard miss ... he was wide left, not short. He's listed at 6'0" and just 170 lbs.

Tough break losing him .. I'm sure he will do well at Pitt.

[bonarae]

Not sure if it was covered on the Politics board.

Tressel is now the new LtG of Ohio.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43812636/ex-buckeyes-coach-tressel-confirmed-ohio-lieutenant-governor

[Paladin1aa]

Not sure if it was covered on the Politics board.

Tressel is now the new LtG of Ohio.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43812636/ex-buckeyes-coach-tressel-confirmed-ohio-lieutenant-governor


There is talk of Governor Tressel and Senator Tressel……

[bonarae]

All-40 Year Team has been announced.

https://valley-football.org/news/2025/2/18/missouri-valley-football-announces-40-year-team.aspx

[SDFS]

Meanwhile... while NDSU has already said NO, how many more MVFC members are still undecided on joining the House settlement?

UND has officially opted "OUT". But, I can see UND opting "IN" in the near future. Simply because too many hockey peers that are A4 (Wis, Min, ASU, Mich, Mich St., Pen St and more) schools and they have to opt "IN". And it appears that other G5 schools (W. Mich and Miami) in the NCHC are leading toward "IN". Plus, the NCAA has said single sports schools can opt "IN" for those sports only. So, it would be doable for any number of those schools (SCSU, UMD, Augie or Min St). So, UND will need to opt "IN" at some point.

In Hockey the change is from 18 to 26 scholarships. But, it is unclear how those schools are going to handle the option of having more scholarships. I believe that is why UND is waiting. Plus, it is going to have broader Title IX impacts in other sports for UND. The roster limits on womens sports would require UND to cut women's headcounts and it would throw UND out of Title IX compliance. So, UND would need to add a womans sport or cut a mens sports. UND can remove 1 mens sport. It would mostly be Golf or Tennis. I believe that it would be tennis.

Other MVFC Schools: North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen recently told The Forum that the Bison will opt out. Jay Elsen of Midco Sports reported that South Dakota is likely to opt out.

[nodak651]

UND has officially opted "OUT". But, I can see UND opting "IN" in the near future. Simply because too many hockey peers that are A4 (Wis, Min, ASU, Mich, Mich St., Pen St and more) schools and they have to opt "IN". And it appears that other G5 schools (W. Mich and Miami) in the NCHC are leading toward "IN". Plus, the NCAA has said single sports schools can opt "IN" for those sports only. So, it would be doable for any number of those schools (SCSU, UMD, Augie or Min St). So, UND will need to opt "IN" at some point.

In Hockey the change is from 18 to 26 scholarships. But, it is unclear how those schools are going to handle the option of having more scholarships. I believe that is why UND is waiting. Plus, it is going to have broader Title IX impacts in other sports for UND. The roster limits on womens sports would require UND to cut women's headcounts and it would throw UND out of Title IX compliance. So, UND would need to add a womans sport or cut a mens sports. UND can remove 1 mens sport. It would mostly be Golf or Tennis. I believe that it would be tennis.

Other MVFC Schools: North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen recently told The Forum that the Bison will opt out. Jay Elsen of Midco Sports reported that South Dakota is likely to opt out.








M Golf at UND should probably be cut regardless. The team was supposed to get cut if they didn't raise the required Money needed for an endowment. I don't think they ever actually did, but the controversy around trying to sell the Golf Course may have prevented UND from following through on that.

[SDFS]

M Golf at UND should probably be cut regardless. The team was supposed to get cut if they didn't raise the required Money needed for an endowment. I don't think they ever actually did, but the controversy around trying to sell the Golf Course may have prevented UND from following through on that.

I agree with your comments on M Golf. But, I believe that the Golf program has raised "some" money to be sufficient but not enough and as you noted the Ray Richards family stepped in on the land sale. Which, I believe has led to other options like building a Top Golf like facility on the grounds to help offset costs. Given all of those factors, I assumed tennis would be the easier path to dealing with Title IX for UND if they opted "In". I thought the article in the GFH was the start of a soft sales approach on the cutting of a sport in the near future. NOTE: I thought the article was very informative and well done. It showed what the reality of the change is going looked like. I expect more articles in the near future talking about football and basketball impacts. One other note, it looks like a chuck of the golf course could be taken away if the new underpass is approved by the City.

[nodak651]

I agree with your comments on M Golf. But, I believe that the Golf program has raised "some" money to be sufficient but not enough and as you noted the Ray Richards family stepped in on the land sale. Which, I believe has led to other options like building a Top Golf like facility on the grounds to help offset costs. Given all of those factors, I assumed tennis would be the easier path to dealing with Title IX for UND if they opted "In". I thought the article in the GFH was the start of a soft sales approach on the cutting of a sport in the near future. NOTE: I thought the article was very informative and well done. It showed what the reality of the changes is going looked like. I expect more articles in the near future talking about football and basketball impacts. One other note, it looks like a chuck of the golf course my be taken away if the new underpass is approved by the City.

Yeah, the Top Golf thing was a great solution. It doesn't appear like there will be anything stopping the underpass from moving foward as planned though, and the TopGolf-like project has been tabled as a result. If I recall correctly, 3 holes will be impacted by the underpass. Given the lack of space, it will be interesting to see if they actually try to renovate the course in order to keep it. Perhaps the changes due to the underpass will result in UND finally getting the approval needed to sell it, and the rev could go towards a golf/athletics endowment which would help with opt-in costs if needed (assuming that renovating the course to keep it at 9 holes would be cost prohibitive).

UND put out an RFQ for a P3 development of a big chunk of land to the west of the dorms (near Dunder) and I could see that being a plan B location for the Top Golf thing.

[SDFS]

Yeah, the Top Golf thing was a great solution. It doesn't appear like there will be anything stopping the underpass from moving foward as planned though, and the TopGolf-like project has been tabled as a result. If I recall correctly, 3 holes will be impacted by the underpass. Given the lack of space, it will be interesting to see if they actually try to renovate the course in order to keep it. Perhaps the changes due to the underpass will result in UND finally getting the approval to sell it, and the rev could go towards a golf/athletics endowment which would help with opt-in costs if needed.

UND put out an RFQ for a P3 development of a big chunk of land to the west of the dorms (near Dunder) and I could see that being a plan B location for the Top Golf thing.

The underpass thing kind of stinks of cross-govt coordination to get the land on the market. Not really execited about that "improvement" and the entire intersection/underpass looks questionable to me, the only thing missing is a 3-lane roundabout.

[nodak651]

The underpass thing kind of stinks of cross-govt coordination to get the land on the market. Not really execited about that "improvement" and the entire intersection/underpass looks questionable to me, the only thing missing is a 3-lane roundabout.

100% agree. Terrible design.

[SiouxFallsRabbits]

NDSU OC Jake Landry taking the RB coach job at Iowa State. Second straight Bison OC to take the same job at Iowa State, Tyler Roehl (now the Lions TE coach) being the first.