Our NIL budget is likely at the bottom when compared to our Big 12 peers.
Leaving UAB was no doubt a good idea for Thomas.
But he didn’t have to come to UH. This guy can play.
With “weak” NIL why choose UH?
Playing time, coaching, fit, system, etc.
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The schedule is much harder next year especially the away games, 9 wins next season will be good again. TT will win big 12 again next season and may go undefeated they have a cream puff schedule
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@TucsonCoog I didn’t say our NIL was weak.
I’ve heard Kelvin talk about donor fatigue…im sure football has similar issues.
I think our portal strategy, like other schools, is to find gems 
in the portal
Where we can offer a starting role for them, with a decent NIL payout. Where an SEC or Big10 can offer more NIL, but not guarantee a starting job
Also, your family can see most of your games if your a local kid (TX, LA)
John Hebert has been upgraded to 4 star and he looks to be a really good RB for us and could see a lot of action as a freshman.
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I heard from a friend about a player she knows who was at Oklahoma making a NIL but sitting on the bench. The players dad told him to leave and find a school that would guarantee him playing time. He ended-up transfering to Tennessee St.
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It would be illuminating to list all 30 transfers, along with the NIL for each one.
Not hard to do in Kansas in December.
I’ve already walked on water 3 times today walking the dogs.
There’s a LOT of talent out there Willie has connections to with his days in JUCO, Division II, and FCS Football. Bet he finds some guys who would pay UH to play for the Coogs…
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Is NIL the cause, or the effect?
I am convinced it is a “part of” the process, not the process itself.
The best programs do EVERYTHING well, and don’t obsess over one thing.
How do we know who to target when portal doesn’t open till January? Strange thread
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I would:
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Review the playing situation of players you formerly recruited, either in high school or transfers. Sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener. Do they want a change in scenery?
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Review the All Conference lists from G5s and see if a player is willing to jump to P4. Players with more eligibility on those lists will be highly sought after, but UH has done very well recruiting players with one year of eligibility.
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Wille and the entire staff’s coaching connections, may find a player who is looking to move for more playing time.
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Nothing stops a player from declaring their intentions. Many players already have announced. It would be foolish for most players to wait for the 2 week window to announce, officially enter and try to get all visits/offers lined up. Many guys will have visits day one.
@TacoCoog also once your coach is fired, like Oklahoma State for example
Players could put their name in portal. Several key players did
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Strange take, IMO…
You make a list, ahead of time, based upon players not getting playing time, players who miss being home (in Texas), and all the star players from lower level schools who would give their left nut to play at UH.
You cross players off when they are no longer available and the portal gets published. At that time, you can add players who show up in the portal, who you didn’t know would be on the list.
In other words, you don’t play the game the way everyone else plays it.
You’re PROACTIVE.
You have your OWN list and use the portal, strategically, as part of the process, not the other way around…
The good news is, I’m pretty sure that’s how Willie is already doing it.
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Nail… meet Hammer.
GREAT explanation !
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You’re right. The players on CFP teams also get an extended window as well.
Our best transfers, and the best transfers routinely, are from lower ranked kids from lower ranked schools that are having break out years there. Our TE and RB are prime examples coming from Ball State and Rice.
Give me a hungry kid with 2 offers out of high school and first team sun belt accolades all day over the 4 star kid that didn’t play at Auburn or USC.
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Yep