IT
I cannot say with 100% conviction Akina is out but I can say it with 99%.
A major consideration right now is offensive line coach Kyle Flood. IT has heard Flood’s name connected with a couple potential landing spots. Given these jobs wouldn’t be as good as his current job, we think he’s looking for a safe haven.
One position we’re watching is wide receivers. Chris Jackson’s contract is up. We’d put it at 50/50 whether he returns. We’re curious to see what happens. He’s very well liked in his room. If he leaves, I don’t believe it will be based on job performance.
He brought his WR coach from Ole Miss with him so I doubt Hankton is staying.
The fact they haven’t announced Wilson is staying along with the other holdovers raises an eyebrow.
Weren’t we a top 10-20 special teams units by most advanced metrics?
He provides quite a bit in recruiting behind the scenes it sounds like. Not someone I would be excited about losing.
Peoples followed Baker from Missouri to LSU so I think the thought is he would be going to Tulane with him too.
I think Williams was just a stopgap hire after Bo Davis left so late in hiring cycle. That seems to be who Elijah Robinson would be replacing.
LaAllan Clark is being mentioned on the LSU On3 board as an option at edge coach if Blake Baker goes to Tulane and takes LSU's current edge coach with him.
1,000 yards in a 16 game season is not as impressive as many make it out to be. A shade over 60 yards a game.
He averaged 4.7 yards per carry last year and 4.6 per carry this year. That is awful in the college game.
He has a place on this team but it isn’t as an everydown back carrying the ball 15-20 times a game.
Fong update on Lott
Lucas (Texas) Panther Creek Rivals five-star athlete Jalen Lott committed to Oregon in July. He doubled-down on his pledge to the Ducks after a return visit to Eugene in November.
However, Lott did not sign his letter-of-intent as planned on Wednesday.
A couple sources told Rivals on Thursday morning it was because of contract language. However since then a source said if Oregon was able to flip five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. from Ohio State, it could potentially alter things with Lott. Rivals insiders are predicting the Ducks to flip Henry.
If the latter is true, I’d keep an eye Texas and USC for the Longhorns legacy recruit as he was a top-of-the-board guy for both. I think more might be happening with Texas right now. Miami tried to push for Lott during the fall. LSU was a finalist too. Would expect them to circle back too if they aren’t already.
Rivals ranks Lott as the nation’s No. 2 athlete and No. 16 prospect overall.
Over the last two seasons Lott has 172 receptions for 2,391 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Any NFL future he has is probably as a 3rd down type back while being a special teams demon.
Probably comes down to what this RB class looks like compared to 2027 and if he could be a late Day 3 guy.
Cross posting from the 2026 roster thread. FCB put out some info about guys making decisions:
Wisner- Considering turning pro
Moore- Considering turning pro
Muhammad- Considering turning pro, likely to do so
Hill- Most likely of anyone to turn pro
Kanu- "I'm hearing Kanu wants to turn pro but might be willing to listen if Texas shows him how much he's appreciated."
McDonald- "sources indicate Texas is making an attractive offer to entice McDonald to return for his senior season in 2026, and from what I've heard, McDonald is seriously considering returning next season."
Endries- "Endries walked for Senior Night, raising questions about if Texas had low-balled Endries in terms of NIL money for 2026. We'll see."
Robertson- "Robertson walked for Senior Night, indicating the former Austin Westlake O-lineman might be ready to move on."
Brad Spence- Good chance to return
Goosby- Good chance to return
FCB put up some info on players who need to make decisions
Wisner- Considering turning pro
Moore- Considering turning pro
Muhamad- Considering turning pro, likely to do so
Hill- Most likely of anyone to turn pro
Kanu- "I'm hearing Kanu wants to turn pro but might be willing to listen if Texas shows him how much he's appreciated."
McDonald- "sources indicate Texas is making an attractive offer to entice McDonald to return for his senior season in 2026, and from what I've heard, McDonald is seriously considering returning next season."
Endries- "Endries walked for Senior Night, raising questions about if Texas had low-balled Endries in terms of NIL money for 2026. We'll see."
Robertson- "Robertson walked for Senior Night, indicating the former Austin Westlake O-lineman might be ready to move on."
Brad Spence- Good chance to return
Goosby- Good chance to return
Ohio State is getting punched in the balls today. Dixon-Wyatt flipped to USC, Legend Bey flipped back to Tennessee and now their best prospect in the class is flirting with Oregon and Texas.
Nahlin on Chris Henry
I just talked to @SteveWiltfong who is traveling but working the phones. He's hearing on his side that Texas' aggressive offer is resonating. He's not ready to put in an RPM but Texas is definitely in it. We both have concerns about the relationship angle but, again, Texas is being aggressive. Texas' effort level was the main reason I brought this to the board's attention.
From Wiltfong
Update 3:40 CT: On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed that Texas has made a big NIL offer to Chris Henry. The intel still favors the Ducks right now with the Buckeyes also still in the picture.