Less high school kids more transfers

[GopherTheJugular]

I remember hearing the most about teams fighting over and getting into bidding wars over QBs in the 2023 high school recruiting class. Every year since, we've heard less and less about that and more about teams fighting over PROVEN QBs in the portal. I've heard almost nothing about the 2026 top high school QBs above

I gotta agree. From 2025 and 2026 on the list you have, I only recognized one name, and that's because the guy went to Michigan and people kept mentioning his $12M or whatever.

I used to follow high school recruiting way more and I knew the top players at almost all positions. Your post made me realize how that changed without me realizing it lol.

 

[MNVCGUY]

I assume most players with multiple offers will be able to command some type of NIL leverage.

I'm sure there are bidding wars and recruits playing schools against each other but I would also think that once you get beyond the top rated recruits their leverage drops really quickly.

Coaches aren't going to rush to throw a bunch of money at a high school prospect that might not pan out or might transfer when they can just as easily go out and get a transfer to fill that spot or even a comparable high school player.

Transfers with multiple offers will have way more leverage to negotiate for a larger payday.

 

[btowngopher]

I'm sure there are bidding wars and recruits playing schools against each other but I would also think that once you get beyond the top rated recruits their leverage drops really quickly.

Coaches aren't going to rush to throw a bunch of money at a high school prospect that might not pan out or might transfer when they can just as easily go out and get a transfer to fill that spot or even a comparable high school player.

Transfers with multiple offers will have way more leverage to negotiate for a larger payday.

Sure the amount will vary, but it all adds up. If they aren’t paying the high school kids much, that’s great, that would fall somewhat in line with what I would suggest doing. I think a budget of something like 15% for high school kids and save the rest for retention and portal.