The Portal, 2025 Style

[IUPbigINDIANS]

It was inevitable. In my opinion, he would have been better off football-wise if he had transferred prior to this year. I thought he was better than Hunter, all around. I think they had a commitment (over-commitment?) to Hunter because he was "the guy they went out and got." I don't believe they thoroughly vetted Hunter because only when he was on-board they found out that he wasn't a deep passer. Then you had his decision-making, which is something you can't perfectly judge ahead of time.

I guess I'm happy they went out and got Rueve but I still don't like all of this player shuffling. I guess, in that regard, I'm an old traditionalist.

As an IUP fan, I am eager to see what Rueve and the receiver corps can do and, at the same time, I hope Nico does well. Unfortunately, I think he stood on the sideline and held the proverbial clipboard a year too long. His options are probably not as great as they would have been had he seen the writing on the wall earlier.

I'm conflicted, I guess. I want IUP to win and win big. So, in the current environment, the reality is that they have to go out and get the best QB they can. However, I still have a longing for the days when a guy would come in to the system, pay his dues, and eventually be the starter. So now, even the highly-touted young QB's they have don't have a future at IUP and they feel the need to go pick up a more experienced back up? I am not sure that is the best philosophy to follow with the QB position.

Meanwhile, of course I'm hoping Rueve has a huge season in '25. Go IUP!

Not exactly an easy sell to a transfer ... coming in to be the (without question) backup.

However, they may be able to find a younger transfer and dangle the future in front of him.

The years are going by ... I don't even remember the last home-grown starter (not counting the occasional Nico-type spot start).

Lenny was here 4 years but even he transferred in.

[EyeoftheHawk]

It was inevitable. In my opinion, he would have been better off football-wise if he had transferred prior to this year. I thought he was better than Hunter, all around. I think they had a commitment (over-commitment?) to Hunter because he was "the guy they went out and got." I don't believe they thoroughly vetted Hunter because only when he was on-board they found out that he wasn't a deep passer. Then you had his decision-making, which is something you can't perfectly judge ahead of time.

I guess I'm happy they went out and got Rueve but I still don't like all of this player shuffling. I guess, in that regard, I'm an old traditionalist.

As an IUP fan, I am eager to see what Rueve and the receiver corps can do and, at the same time, I hope Nico does well. Unfortunately, I think he stood on the sideline and held the proverbial clipboard a year too long. His options are probably not as great as they would have been had he seen the writing on the wall earlier.

I'm conflicted, I guess. I want IUP to win and win big. So, in the current environment, the reality is that they have to go out and get the best QB they can. However, I still have a longing for the days when a guy would come in to the system, pay his dues, and eventually be the starter. So now, even the highly-touted young QB's they have don't have a future at IUP and they feel the need to go pick up a more experienced back up? I am not sure that is the best philosophy to follow with the QB position.

Meanwhile, of course I'm hoping Rueve has a huge season in '25. Go IUP!

It’s hard to say what the “market” looks like for him but personally I believe he would have been better off to stay at IUP. Being a solid backup is nothing to be ashamed of and heck, Rueve could be knocked out for the season on Week 1 and it would be his team. If a team picks him up as a starter, it’s going to be a lesser program and at who knows where. Then what if he transfers but still doesn’t end up being the starter? What was accomplished then? I just don’t think these guys do the math the whole way out and consider all of the possible outcomes.

You mention Hunter and it’s hard to disagree that he was given a longer leash because of the investment. If we’re being honest, he was NOT a top-tier quarterback. Not even close. Frankly, an argument could be made that IUP goes undefeated in the regular season last year if they had an arm like Sexton or Maxwell under center, or even Harry Football. The number of missed throws to wide open receivers let alone the open receives he just didn’t see was mind boggling. By all accounts, Rueve has a big league arm and can make all the throws that will be required of him.

[iupgroundhog]

It’s hard to say what the “market” looks like for him but personally I believe he would have been better off to stay at IUP. Being a solid backup is nothing to be ashamed of and heck, Rueve could be knocked out for the season on Week 1 and it would be his team. If a team picks him up as a starter, it’s going to be a lesser program and at who knows where. Then what if he transfers but still doesn’t end up being the starter? What was accomplished then? I just don’t think these guys do the math the whole way out and consider all of the possible outcomes.

You mention Hunter and it’s hard to disagree that he was given a longer leash because of the investment. If we’re being honest, he was NOT a top-tier quarterback. Not even close. Frankly, an argument could be made that IUP goes undefeated in the regular season last year if they had an arm like Sexton or Maxwell under center, or even Harry Football. The number of missed throws to wide open receivers let alone the open receives he just didn’t see was mind boggling. By all accounts, Rueve has a big league arm and can make all the throws that will be required of him.

Not to mention that entering the portal is not a guarantee of catching on elsewhere.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

It’s hard to say what the “market” looks like for him but personally I believe he would have been better off to stay at IUP. Being a solid backup is nothing to be ashamed of and heck, Rueve could be knocked out for the season on Week 1 and it would be his team. If a team picks him up as a starter, it’s going to be a lesser program and at who knows where. Then what if he transfers but still doesn’t end up being the starter? What was accomplished then? I just don’t think these guys do the math the whole way out and consider all of the possible outcomes.

You mention Hunter and it’s hard to disagree that he was given a longer leash because of the investment. If we’re being honest, he was NOT a top-tier quarterback. Not even close. Frankly, an argument could be made that IUP goes undefeated in the regular season last year if they had an arm like Sexton or Maxwell under center, or even Harry Football. The number of missed throws to wide open receivers let alone the open receives he just didn’t see was mind boggling. By all accounts, Rueve has a big league arm and can make all the throws that will be required of him.

He'll get a spot somewhere. He's started some games at IUP, which will hold some weight (in the D2 world).

The timing isn't great. He should have entered the minute they signed the new QB. The writing was clearly on the wall. I'm sure he was sold the 'stay and compete' company line. Now he will be going to a new spot having missed Spring Ball and having to quickly learn a new offense, etc. Remember he's from Colorado, so his net will likely be open to just about anywhere. Some of these guys only want to stay on the East Coast.

There are a lot of disgruntled backup QBs in the Portal or about to enter the Portal (as Spring is ending).

That said, it won't be an easy sell for IUP to find a (quality) transfer, either. The starting job is locked up. So, they'll likely be looking for a younger transfer they can sell on the dream of the future. Perhaps they'll be able to find a 'Nico type' who is fine being a backup on a good team.


As for Karst, I still find him to be rather polarizing. Larry Wilson's offense was borderline awful. It was beyond vanilla. To call it predictable is an understatement. Karst certainly had weaknesses. However, I don't think they exploited his strengths nearly enough. He was at his best - by far - while on the move. He wasn't a pocket passer, despite their dream to make him one.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The 'second' Portal Season is in full swing. Most are now done (or very close to being done) with Spring Ball.

Transfers soared this week.

[iupgroundhog]

The 'second' Portal Season is in full swing. Most are now done (or very close to being done) with Spring Ball.

Transfers soared this week.

As I understand it, the new roster limits are going into effect and this will create a tsunami of D1 transfers to lower levels? I'm asking.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

As I understand it, the new roster limits are going into effect and this will create a tsunami of D1 transfers to lower levels? I'm asking.

That's the perception. We'll see how it shakes out.

I'd be pretty nervous right now if I was a fringe player on a D2 roster.

[Tdobson]

I was wondering if there was any idea where Nico (IUP backup quarterback) might land?

also, has IUP picked up any players from the portal?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I was wondering if there was any idea where Nico (IUP backup quarterback) might land?

also, has IUP picked up any players from the portal?

It's hard to say where Nico will land. He's not from the East Coast so he likely has a lot of possibilities. He has good size and has some game tape. He's also a faster runner than most realize.

IUP signed (4) transfers over winter break -- All-PSAC DB David Awuah (Seton Hill), QB Matthew Rueve (Boston College / Findlay), WR Devin Whitlock (Pitt) and DB Mehki Johnson (Millersville).

Awuah is an extremely talented defensive back (and he'll let you know about it). He's kind of a throwback, personality-wise, to the bad boy teams at IUP in the 90s. He backs it up, too.

Rueve is reuniting with OC Frank Cignetti (who was his OC at BC). He's solid and should hit the ground running. Big arm. Experienced. Great size.

Whitlock is on the smaller side but is a burner. He should thrive in the PSAC. He also played under Cignetti (at Pitt). He's not easy to catch once he has the ball - break-away speed and very elusive.

Johnson had a strong freshman year at Millersville. He has a season of experience under his belt and will be surrounded with vastly superior talent in Indiana. He has nice size for a DB (about 6'2" and 190 lbs).

They will sign a few more in the coming weeks. The market is flooded right now with guys looking for new homes. I'd say it's all but a certainty they will sign at least (1) RB and probably (2) OL.

Tort is also getting back a slew of players who missed the majority - or all - of last season.

DE Randy Okungu (played in just 1.5 games last year)
DL Quadir Jacobs (missed all of 2024)
WR Zachary Boyd (missed all of 2024)
WR Omar Stewart (missed all of 2024)

Okungu, when fully healthy, is a real handful. He and Terell Williams - finally teamed up - will be a terror. They are both big, strong, physical players.

Jacobs is a house at about 6'2" and 330 lbs. He won't be an every down player but he will certainly clog some holes.

Stewart and Boyd were both hyped high school recruits a couple years back. Both were injured prior to the season last year.

One other key player (who won't get much buzz on here) is OL Matthew Nelson. He got bumped in to the starting lineup last season and played really well. He was going to retire and enter the workforce but at some point decided to stay for his final season.

Keep in mind Tort's last two classes (2023 & 2024) were very, very 'high school heavy' -- unlike most. He has some guys most on here haven't heard of yet but, well, they will soon. IUP has also done extremely, extremely well in player retention. So, we are going to see a lot of home-grown players this Fall.

[iupgroundhog]

It's hard to say where Nico will land. He's not from the East Coast so he likely has a lot of possibilities. He has good size and has some game tape. He's also a faster runner than most realize.

IUP signed (4) transfers over winter break -- All-PSAC DB David Awuah (Seton Hill), QB Matthew Rueve (Boston College / Findlay), WR Devin Whitlock (Pitt) and DB Mehki Johnson (Millersville).

Awuah is an extremely talented defensive back (and he'll let you know about it). He's kind of a throwback, personality-wise, to the bad boy teams at IUP in the 90s. He backs it up, too.

Rueve is reuniting with OC Frank Cignetti (who was his OC at BC). He's solid and should hit the ground running. Big arm. Experienced. Great size.

Whitlock is on the smaller side but is a burner. He should thrive in the PSAC. He also played under Cignetti (at Pitt). He's not easy to catch once he has the ball - break-away speed and very elusive.

Johnson had a strong freshman year at Millersville. He has a season of experience under his belt and will be surrounded with vastly superior talent in Indiana. He has nice size for a DB (about 6'2" and 190 lbs).

They will sign a few more in the coming weeks. The market is flooded right now with guys looking for new homes. I'd say it's all but a certainty they will sign at least (1) RB and probably (2) OL.

Tort is also getting back a slew of players who missed the majority - or all - of last season.

DE Randy Okungu (played in just 1.5 games last year)
DL Quadir Jacobs (missed all of 2024)
WR Zachary Boyd (missed all of 2024)
WR Omar Stewart (missed all of 2024)

Okungu, when fully healthy, is a real handful. He and Terell Williams - finally teamed up - will be a terror. They are both big, strong, physical players.

Jacobs is a house at about 6'2" and 330 lbs. He won't be an every down player but he will certainly clog some holes.

Stewart and Boyd were both hyped high school recruits a couple years back. Both were injured prior to the season last year.

One other key player (who won't get much buzz on here) is OL Matthew Nelson. He got bumped in to the starting lineup last season and played really well. He was going to retire and enter the workforce but at some point decided to stay for his final season.

Keep in mind Tort's last two classes (2023 & 2024) were very, very 'high school heavy' -- unlike most. He has some guys most on here haven't heard of yet but, well, they will soon. IUP has also done extremely, extremely well in player retention. So, we are going to see a lot of home-grown players this Fall.

RB is interesting. I fully expect IUP to sign a RB. They do have some decent building blocks at RB, in my opinion. Of course, Younger was originally supposed to be a DB but was called into service on offense due to injuries over the past 3 years. In that time, I think he has amassed just under 1,000 yards rushing. Washington is listed as a RB. They switched him to offense last year. He has had injuries the last 2 years but has a lot of speed and could be a surprise. The R-Freshman, Major and Marquez looked pretty good to me on film from high school and they both competed at a high level. A transfer would make the backfield complete. And don't forget Parker Gregg, listed as a FB, has a lot of talent. Hancox is also listed at FB. He came in as a QB, switched to TE last year and now FB. I can see him contributing.

[goalieman]

It's hard to say where Nico will land. He's not from the East Coast so he likely has a lot of possibilities. He has good size and has some game tape. He's also a faster runner than most realize.

IUP signed (4) transfers over winter break -- All-PSAC DB David Awuah (Seton Hill), QB Matthew Rueve (Boston College / Findlay), WR Devin Whitlock (Pitt) and DB Mehki Johnson (Millersville).

Awuah is an extremely talented defensive back (and he'll let you know about it). He's kind of a throwback, personality-wise, to the bad boy teams at IUP in the 90s. He backs it up, too.

Rueve is reuniting with OC Frank Cignetti (who was his OC at BC). He's solid and should hit the ground running. Big arm. Experienced. Great size.

Whitlock is on the smaller side but is a burner. He should thrive in the PSAC. He also played under Cignetti (at Pitt). He's not easy to catch once he has the ball - break-away speed and very elusive.

Johnson had a strong freshman year at Millersville. He has a season of experience under his belt and will be surrounded with vastly superior talent in Indiana. He has nice size for a DB (about 6'2" and 190 lbs).

They will sign a few more in the coming weeks. The market is flooded right now with guys looking for new homes. I'd say it's all but a certainty they will sign at least (1) RB and probably (2) OL.

Tort is also getting back a slew of players who missed the majority - or all - of last season.

DE Randy Okungu (played in just 1.5 games last year)
DL Quadir Jacobs (missed all of 2024)
WR Zachary Boyd (missed all of 2024)
WR Omar Stewart (missed all of 2024)

Okungu, when fully healthy, is a real handful. He and Terell Williams - finally teamed up - will be a terror. They are both big, strong, physical players.

Jacobs is a house at about 6'2" and 330 lbs. He won't be an every down player but he will certainly clog some holes.

Stewart and Boyd were both hyped high school recruits a couple years back. Both were injured prior to the season last year.

One other key player (who won't get much buzz on here) is OL Matthew Nelson. He got bumped in to the starting lineup last season and played really well. He was going to retire and enter the workforce but at some point decided to stay for his final season.

Keep in mind Tort's last two classes (2023 & 2024) were very, very 'high school heavy' -- unlike most. He has some guys most on here haven't heard of yet but, well, they will soon. IUP has also done extremely, extremely well in player retention. So, we are going to see a lot of home-grown players this Fall.

Devin Whitlock is an interesting prospect ...... as you said, he is small, good speed and a great athlete (listed at 5'8", 165 in high school and 5'10", 165 at Pitt so not sure how big he really is) ..... he played QB and DB at Belle Vernon High School as a senior and ran and passed for more then a 1000 yards each ....... also returned punts and kick-offs in high school ...... Whitlock was at Pitt the last 2 seasons and Cignetti was there Whitlock's 1st year ...... however to be clear, Whitlock was a preferred walk-on at Pitt, not a scholarship player, and never played in a game.

I agree with you though that Whitlock may become a factor in D2 with his speed and athleticism ..... he is listed at WR and I think he could be a solid slot receiver, may be able to also run jet sweeps and might be good in a wildcat package on offense, he also could return punts and kick-offs as well ..... if all else fails, he was a pretty good DB in high school ..... as a Pitt and IUP fan, I'll be interested to see if he makes an impact at IUP.

[IUP24]

As I understand it, the new roster limits are going into effect and this will create a tsunami of D1 transfers to lower levels? I'm asking.

I would not bank on that. That was what originally was going to happen when the planned roster cap was going to be 85 or 90 players. The laughable public outcry regarding “eliminating walk ons” just resulted in them raising the roster limit to 105. With that number, basically every player on your roster, including your current “walk ons” will fit under that roster limit.

What the lower cap would have done would have resulted in a domino effect of seeing walk ons and fringe guys not making the D1 FBS roster cut. That would have resulted in those guys filtering down to FCS, D2, and D3 - places where they actually should have been all along. But that’s not going to be the case anymore.

[TheBigCat2192]

I would not bank on that. That was what originally was going to happen when the planned roster cap was going to be 85 or 90 players. The laughable public outcry regarding “eliminating walk ons” just resulted in them raising the roster limit to 105. With that number, basically every player on your roster, including your current “walk ons” will fit under that roster limit.

What the lower cap would have done would have resulted in a domino effect of seeing walk ons and fringe guys not making the D1 FBS roster cut. That would have resulted in those guys filtering down to FCS, D2, and D3 - places where they actually should have been all along. But that’s not going to be the case anymore.

The big House settlement is also on hold because of those roster limits:

A federal judge told the NCAA and its members Wednesday that she would not approve the multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement that is expected to reshape the business of college sports unless they change a proposed policy for limiting roster sizes.

Judge Claudia Wilken said the NCAA's insistence on immediately implementing roster limits would cause some college athletes to lose their spot on their current teams and that she could not approve a settlement that would cause harm to some members of the plaintiff's class. She wrote that she did not have issues with any other parts of the proposed settlement and that the court "tentatively finds it can grant final approval" to the remainder of the settlement if the roster limits issue is resolved.

Based on some other quotes in the article they will probably come eventually through year-over-year cuts rather than the immediate change that a lot of athletic departments have been working under the assumption would occur.

[IUP24]

The big House settlement is also on hold because of those roster limits:



Based on some other quotes in the article they will probably come eventually through year-over-year cuts rather than the immediate change that a lot of athletic departments have been working under the assumption would occur.

The way that so much of this is being handled is ultimately just going to result in more isolated court cases down the road to hash out all the finite details that she's refusing to rule on here. The window of this settlement will be over and they'll be onto the next farce of a college athletics model before this is ever even fully codified.

They had a fantastic opportunity to create a very balanced and appropriate new model and arrangement that worked for student athletes and was fair for potential competitive balance, but this has been a failure at nearly every turn.

[TheBigCat2192]

The way that so much of this is being handled is ultimately just going to result in more isolated court cases down the road to hash out all the finite details that she's refusing to rule on here. The window of this settlement will be over and they'll be onto the next farce of a college athletics model before this is ever even fully codified.

They had a fantastic opportunity to create a very balanced and appropriate new model and arrangement that worked for student athletes and was fair for potential competitive balance, but this has been a failure at nearly every turn.

I’m not sure I agree with this. House might be good for competitive balance and it is going to open up pay for play BUT it lets the schools and conferences skate on television revenue. I’ve been apprehensive about House on two other grounds and I’ve yet to see any reason to change my stance:

1. The NCAA is essentially using this settlement to get a CBA without actually collectively bargaining.
2. A large number of member institutions are public schools and some portion of athletic department money (and potential salary cap money) is coming out of the general fund. The business of college athletics is also highly dependent on public goods like radio and television; given this I’m not convinced that NCAA structure for the next 10 years is something that should be settled by a random judge rather than by legislative or executive action and with little to no input from the public.