He was third or fourth. He was definitely not brought to be a "room guy", but he was never really healthy and struggled in the matches he did get in.
2021-2023 Transfer Portal news
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@js8793 @ss7 I am not denying Cael wants transfers, that would be very idiotic. I am saying I don't think Cael is big on paying or guaranteeing big NIL money to transfers upfront when he will always have 5-6 guys who likely have placed higher than the incoming transfer on his roster already.
I'm sure NIL will be part of the pitch, wouldn't be shocked if Pat Kraft helps Cael with visits going forward since he LOVES wrestling and the team can share NIL opportunities but I doubt they'll give a number figure and say this is what you will get.
I'm sure NIL will be part of the pitch, wouldn't be shocked if Pat Kraft helps Cael with visits going forward since he LOVES wrestling and the team can share NIL opportunities but I doubt they'll give a number figure and say this is what you will get.
100%. Declaring that the staff *isn't* doing something - something that is 100% legal btw - is a great way to have egg on your face later. Wouldn't be shocked at all to see Truax/Nagao/Cannon at PSU next year with a nice NIL deal in place.
I think a lot of fans are having a hard time adapting to the idea of "the bag" being legal now. It still has a dirty connotation. Seeing this on HR right now.
But what is this based on? Your feelings about NIL at large? None of us really knows what is going on behind the scenes.
I can't speak for McScorely, but I have similar thoughts about it. To me, it's a gut feeling that because our RTC model is firing on all cylinders, and compounding success at multiple levels, it would be premature to divert all resources to NIL. NIL can compliment that model, but it doesn't have to replace it, and so the gloves are staying on to a degree. Only a feeling, but it seems logical.
I don't think he was ever healthy enough at Boise to make the postseason.
I don't like to pretend to be some insider but I am pretty confident on my declaration there. There is a reason Suriano moved on last year and it wasn't because we didn't have the money for him. Maybe Cael will change his model one day but right now I am pretty confident it is what I said it is.
You said it yourself and you were right, Suriano was virtually at least 18-20 guaranteed points, Hildebrandt went 1-2. At the time Suriano was deciding, Iowa looked to be returning the entire 2021 lineup healthy so he was pretty essential. You'd think a guy like Cael would offer him the moon then no?
I don't think we can or necessarily have to out bid the other programs financially.
I think kids get pointed to the collective and they get what they get there in terms of NIL. I don't think Cael has any role or influence with NIL. Knowing that PSU external funding is slanted more towards the NLWC, as it should be, our NIL offers are likely less that from other big programs (tOSU) and mostly up to the kid's marketability and social media presence.
Likewise, I don't see much evidence Cael gives full rides to even our best kids. With someone like Nagao despite his stellar resume and 3 years to offer, I would be suprised if he gets much more than a 50% offer. How much room in the 9.9 even exists to offer, certainly not a full ride by any stretch. Other lesser programs may absolutely offer a full.
Setting aside finances. If a kid wants the very best room competition, the best program, the best coaches, a proven development model second to none, and a future post NCAA, there is only 1 choice.
Frankly Cael wants kids that want to be here for the right reasons.
Let's say Truax did get a $250k offer from Iowa. If he came to visit here and said match it and I'll come, chances are (100% IMO) Cael says, thanks but no thanks.
I think kids get pointed to the collective and they get what they get there in terms of NIL. I don't think Cael has any role or influence with NIL. Knowing that PSU external funding is slanted more towards the NLWC, as it should be, our NIL offers are likely less that from other big programs (tOSU) and mostly up to the kid's marketability and social media presence.
Likewise, I don't see much evidence Cael gives full rides to even our best kids. With someone like Nagao despite his stellar resume and 3 years to offer, I would be suprised if he gets much more than a 50% offer. How much room in the 9.9 even exists to offer, certainly not a full ride by any stretch. Other lesser programs may absolutely offer a full.
Setting aside finances. If a kid wants the very best room competition, the best program, the best coaches, a proven development model second to none, and a future post NCAA, there is only 1 choice.
Frankly Cael wants kids that want to be here for the right reasons.
Let's say Truax did get a $250k offer from Iowa. If he came to visit here and said match it and I'll come, chances are (100% IMO) Cael says, thanks but no thanks.
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A lot of it also has to do with how bad an athlete wants NIL. RBY from what I heard basically found his NIL deals himself and it added up to A LOT. It's really all there if you want to pursue it, that's what I would tell Bernie and as many have said, I imagine you have more opportunities if you can call yourself a National Champion.
Aaron Brooks on the other hand said he really couldn't care less. Bartlett said he doesn't partake in NIL during the season since he wants to focus on school and wrestling. It's what you make of it.
EDIT: @js8793 This is more or less what Woods said was his promise from Iowa (and maybe they dropped a figure that they believed was possible if he went all out like a RBY)
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I believe Cael handles the transfer portal in a similar way that he handles signing elite recruits out of highschool. I don't thing he dishes out full schollys but instead disperses them out in a way they are getting similar money (partials) ....and here and there he has elite guys taking very little. These are the guys we are surprised when they sign because we are already loaded with recruits and recruits at their particuliar weight. They are kids that just want to be champions more than anything and probably have parents that already had their college paid for years ago.
As for the portal, I don't think Cael will or ever will offer bags of cash. No, I think he mentions that PSU has a NIL collective and they will be able to participate just like all the kids. And they can go out and create their own deals just like all the other kids. To me, recruiting kids out of highschool and those in the portal are probably carried out in a similar fashion at PSU.
As for the portal, I don't think Cael will or ever will offer bags of cash. No, I think he mentions that PSU has a NIL collective and they will be able to participate just like all the kids. And they can go out and create their own deals just like all the other kids. To me, recruiting kids out of highschool and those in the portal are probably carried out in a similar fashion at PSU.
Hildebrandt and Kuhn both came out of retirement, and IIRC both arrived on campus after spring semester had begun.
Conel was injured. He wasn't good before the Arizona State match -- and clearly something was wrong. He wasn't the same guy who beat Moore twice at nationals, or who a couple years earlier gave Morgan a tough match at nationals.
I have no doubt about Truax, Nagao, or Cannon succeeding after a transfer, assuming good health and a timely move. They've proven themselves to be at that level. It's not like they're adjusting to college competition like true freshmen ... and how did Nico, Zain, Mark, and Levi do in Year 1 anyway?
Conel was injured. He wasn't good before the Arizona State match -- and clearly something was wrong. He wasn't the same guy who beat Moore twice at nationals, or who a couple years earlier gave Morgan a tough match at nationals.
I have no doubt about Truax, Nagao, or Cannon succeeding after a transfer, assuming good health and a timely move. They've proven themselves to be at that level. It's not like they're adjusting to college competition like true freshmen ... and how did Nico, Zain, Mark, and Levi do in Year 1 anyway?
Nico Megaludis and Max Dean are great examples.
I think it goes beyond a dirty connotation for some coaches and fans and directly contradicts the mindset some coaches are trying to instil in their athletes. For example you earn what you get mentality. But I also agree with you that in today's wrestling environment some coaches have to go against what they believe which is shitty to say the least.
Explain to me how elite wrestlers getting paid to wrestle contradicts this mentality
That's classic ask me a question that has nothing to do with my point. You said yourself that brands doesn't want to go down this path either but has to because he sucks at recruiting my emphasis on sucks I think you said he wasn't as good. My point is some coaches don't want to pay any athlete to play period. Do it for the love of the sport or the reputation you earn from being great. That's why Cael said kids don't come here for the hot tubs and ice baths and if they did that's not the kind of kids we are looking for. If a kid came to Cael and said I'll wrestle if you give me this amount of nil I'm betting everything Cael says have a nice life and walks away and I'm being serious. Cael hs looked for character in the room and always has. I'm also betting that Tom brands does the same thing. If a kid is looking for money up front that's a huge red flag and shows that money is motivating them that's the difference in the pay to play mentality versus get what you earn
I saw a tweet by Mineo today saying the words “total compensation”. I imagine if this was a $250k lump sum, Truax would’ve already made his decision. This offer is likely a multiple year deal that requires wrestling for the Hawkeye wrestling club after he graduates. Think $60k a year over 4 years sort of thing. It’s probably a lot of details for Truax to think over. Is $100k for 1 season at a Penn State or OSU better?
Seriously? Having to spend four years in Iowa after one graduates says it all. 250000 ain't enough lol
RIGHT!!! How long would it take to get bored with eating sweet corn and tipping cows?
Link please. With Cael actually saying what you posted. And no links to Ironturd and Compliance Guru Vodka.
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Understood, but I doubt that he would get anywhere close to that here. And $100K is never happening.
That's basically what Saban tells recruits. Only a few programs are in a position to do that, though.
That doesn't mean kids won't get NIL money; it simply tells kids to come and earn it.
A novel idea in the current NIL market.
I have no idea, was just throwing out a hypothetical. I’m confident in saying no NCAA wrestler is getting offered $250k up front for wrestling one season. A multiple year package that covers senior level stuff would be something to think over. Certain guys I’m sure it’s an enticing option.
Every time Mark Branch tweets, he looks worse.
Guy seemed to like transfers when Bryce Meredith found Laramie. Bet he played that 100% by the book
Agree but I’m admittedly not up to speed on NIL. What would the overall treasure chest need to look like to support a single NIL deal of even $100k? You’ve got 9 other starters (some of them national champions) who will want an invite to the party plus x # of blue chip kids who are redshirting. This on top of the need to constantly upgrade facilities, fund the RTC, etc. Welcome to the Wild West!
There was a post on HR claiming Spencer is already a millionaire. Seriously?? He’s got a small “Barstool Athlete” deal and what else? Are they plastering his picture on corn silos or something?
They probably are and naming first born after him, probably got him beside jesus on the church fresco
I heard they were melting down thousands of donated pure gold glass frames into gold bars.
Am I the only one Checking this board far more than I ever have in previous April’s due to this transfer portal? Years past I’d exit for a few months easily n checkout
Maybe he cut a deal to count lights in buildings and determine if halogen or LED bulbs are better.
If you told me to wrestle for Cael and be an AA or a million bonus when I got out of college, I'm taking Cael all the time. Some things just aren't worth money.
I honestly think that's the mentality of the type of recruit Cael wants. Dedication, sacrifice, family, team...Money is nice but a biproduct of doing things the right way. But what do I know, LOL.
I believe Willie was the one saying he's already a millionaire.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Barstools deal is next to nothing. But he does have his Rudis deal. Other than that i wouldn’t really know unless Fellers gave him something as well. Other than that local iowa city NIL or HWC sponsorship
IMO this is all much ado about nothing. If the number was for one year, maybe that is significant (although) as I'll point out later, even that isn't as much as it seems. And for people to think that Cael is turning his nose up at stuff like this - you guys are either burying your head in the sand or delusional. I see people on here posting that $250K is life-changing money. What? There have been some reports that this is over 3 years. For many on here that WOULD be life-changing money - in the wrong direction. For a Cal-Poly grad with Truax's background entering the job market in California - it's probably a step-down.
It's not that hard to present a package where the numbers add up pretty quickly. Let's do RBY, for example, for ONE year:
Wow, we are at $100K for just one year already. And with RBY's media presence, he probably raked in much more in terms of NIL. Substitute an NLWC stipend for the scholarship over the next two years and we are at $300K for the three-year package. Probably wouldn't be hard for that figure to hit half a million over three years.
In reality, these numbers are not very big and you must realize that the package is not only competing with other teams' offers but alternatives to wrestling which can be very lucrative. And I'm probably very light on the NIL - last year wrestling-specific NIL donations were 2nd to football at PSU, ahead of basketball.
It's not that hard to present a package where the numbers add up pretty quickly. Let's do RBY, for example, for ONE year:
- Financial aid + remaining cost scholarship for OOS student + PSU scholarship COL stipend = probably around $60K
- 6 autograph sessions during the year at $2000/each = $12K
- 6 days VIP technique camp at $2000/each = $12K (a couple of years ago, Zain and Nolf were asking $1500 to $2000, and Bo was asking over $3000)
- A couple of very reasonable NIL deals (maybe a pizza place is one of them?) = $15K
Wow, we are at $100K for just one year already. And with RBY's media presence, he probably raked in much more in terms of NIL. Substitute an NLWC stipend for the scholarship over the next two years and we are at $300K for the three-year package. Probably wouldn't be hard for that figure to hit half a million over three years.
In reality, these numbers are not very big and you must realize that the package is not only competing with other teams' offers but alternatives to wrestling which can be very lucrative. And I'm probably very light on the NIL - last year wrestling-specific NIL donations were 2nd to football at PSU, ahead of basketball.
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