the Cal NIL collective is running a fund raising drive to help keep current players, and bring in new transfers. Unfortunately that's the way of the (college) world now. So everyone that can contribute even a small donation, it would be a good time to do so:
look at the portal.. every team has a bunch of players entering the portal.
Multiple teams have their starting QB & WRs entering the portal.
Yes we like to think we are cursed and we can't have good things (which is kinda true for sports), but this portal business... it's the new norm.
but yes, I was so delighted our kicking game got better... time to go scout the junior colleges... or what I was begging Cal to do earlier in the year - have an open try out and invite soccer players, rugby players and any one will to try... bc anyone would have been better than our kicking game first few games.
If I were a head coach I would go Juco or transfer portal for a kicker. Finding out, like Wilcox did that you have given a 4-year scholarship to a freshman kicker with the yips is a disaster.
Frustrated by the whole thing. I'm worried that Cal long term will not be competitive in NIL. And the FSU decision is hard to accept. Lots of stuff going on with the NCAA that represents a sea change in college sports. I'm just hopeful as new members of the ACC that we can weather the tempest.
It will take better support from Cal‘s Chancellor and Vice Chanselors, who have not acted as if a top notch football program, ranked in the top 10 annually has a value that would improve Cal’s overall standing.
Indeed, probably many of them and Cal's professors, would be just as happy with an Ivy League football program.
I believe it is only the massive stadium debt that requires substantial annual payments that forces Cal to maximize attendance & media money.
The non revenue sports (rowing is the exception as it is self endowed) all also depend on “excess” Cal football money for their survival as well.
NIL has forced a tipping point for Cal to decide once and for all which way Cal Football will go.
I don’t understand why the transfer portal is open before all the bowl games. Also why are coaches allowed to leave before the bowl games. The team going to the bowl doesn’t end up being the team that got them there. And frankly, as a football fan, it is not enjoyable with all the added uncertainty. I know CF has been taken over by the media people, but who controls the transfer portal and coaches contracts that allow them to go before the end? As a media company I wouldn’t think they would want this for the risk of the fans losing interest.
Also why is Bhaghani leaving. I don’t get it. Still want to know the real reason for Spav leaving.
I’m losing interest in these once super exciting bowl games...
But I am faithful to my Bears and will be watching with more anxiety than I thought I would have after the UCLA game. The guys playing deserve our support and I really want them to win so they leave this season excited for next year and don’t want to leave...
If it helps to calm the nerves.. we're not the only team in the Independence Bowl with players leaving early. TT just lost a couple starters on offense.. including their left tackle!
He is a freshman so maybe the academics were too hard for him and he would not have been eligible. This happened to Ross Bowers. Many 1st year students never make the grade at Cal.
Cal can be an intimidating place, especially for HS football players used to being treated as something special in their HS: Public high schools are usually far less rigorous regarding course difficulty, every student in classes (some exceptions) were at the top of their HS class, are talented in areas other than academics (music, band, choir, science club, student government, art, athletics, etc.), professors do not cut scholarship athletes any slack, on and on. It is not uncommon for incoming football players to need special tutoring just to pass Cal’s basic required courses.
That's what makes Cal the highest ranked public university in the world.
I can guarantee anyone who did well enough at Del Norte to get into Cal without the boost of being a scholarship football player can pass classes without much difficulty.
All I will say is that if we don't get a new kicker in the portal or a freshman that can be consistent, I don't want to see a single extra point for field goal kicked next year rather roll the dice with going for it on fourth down and two point attempts than relive the kicking of the first half of this season
Just landed the #2 transfer LB in the country! https://247sports.com/Player/Teddye-Buchanan-46084926/
Nice!
Could this be Mateens way of pushing the issue?? Power move!
the Cal NIL collective is running a fund raising drive to help keep current players, and bring in new transfers. Unfortunately that's the way of the (college) world now. So everyone that can contribute even a small donation, it would be a good time to do so:
calegends.com
Thank you and Go Bears!
Thanks Hoop! Nice work!
So so so important.
Easy to sign up for monthly contributions. Even $10 a month go a long way. (get your Cal Friends and Family to all contribute!)
Embrace the moment. Go Bears.
Imagine just half the alumni "tithing" as little as 0.05%.
Before everyone freaks out...
look at the portal.. every team has a bunch of players entering the portal.
Multiple teams have their starting QB & WRs entering the portal.
Yes we like to think we are cursed and we can't have good things (which is kinda true for sports), but this portal business... it's the new norm.
but yes, I was so delighted our kicking game got better... time to go scout the junior colleges... or what I was begging Cal to do earlier in the year - have an open try out and invite soccer players, rugby players and any one will to try... bc anyone would have been better than our kicking game first few games.
If I were a head coach I would go Juco or transfer portal for a kicker. Finding out, like Wilcox did that you have given a 4-year scholarship to a freshman kicker with the yips is a disaster.
why the heck would Bhaghani leave? smh.
That Auburn game was a huge let down.
Jeez, how did we lose another kicker? Bummer. (Yeah it's a scholarship issue but...sigh)
I'm guessing we'll be scouring the portal and we'll see if Luckhurst can compete himself back in for field goals.
Frustrated by the whole thing. I'm worried that Cal long term will not be competitive in NIL. And the FSU decision is hard to accept. Lots of stuff going on with the NCAA that represents a sea change in college sports. I'm just hopeful as new members of the ACC that we can weather the tempest.
We have the largest, richest, worldwide alumni base in the world.
If we're not competitive, its on us.
www.CalLegends.com
It will take better support from Cal‘s Chancellor and Vice Chanselors, who have not acted as if a top notch football program, ranked in the top 10 annually has a value that would improve Cal’s overall standing.
Indeed, probably many of them and Cal's professors, would be just as happy with an Ivy League football program.
I believe it is only the massive stadium debt that requires substantial annual payments that forces Cal to maximize attendance & media money.
The non revenue sports (rowing is the exception as it is self endowed) all also depend on “excess” Cal football money for their survival as well.
NIL has forced a tipping point for Cal to decide once and for all which way Cal Football will go.
I don’t understand why the transfer portal is open before all the bowl games. Also why are coaches allowed to leave before the bowl games. The team going to the bowl doesn’t end up being the team that got them there. And frankly, as a football fan, it is not enjoyable with all the added uncertainty. I know CF has been taken over by the media people, but who controls the transfer portal and coaches contracts that allow them to go before the end? As a media company I wouldn’t think they would want this for the risk of the fans losing interest.
Also why is Bhaghani leaving. I don’t get it. Still want to know the real reason for Spav leaving.
I’m losing interest in these once super exciting bowl games...
But I am faithful to my Bears and will be watching with more anxiety than I thought I would have after the UCLA game. The guys playing deserve our support and I really want them to win so they leave this season excited for next year and don’t want to leave...
#GoBears
If it helps to calm the nerves.. we're not the only team in the Independence Bowl with players leaving early. TT just lost a couple starters on offense.. including their left tackle!
Cal having the Cal football curse, I’m still worried...Cautiously optimistic as usual! Go Bears!
I'm not a doctor, but may I recommend 2 Cal Legends NIL and call me in the morning.
Seriously, Avi said it well, we're in the middle of an existential crisis. If we do not build this program on our own backs, it may be curtains.
Interesting to see were he ends up and his package deal that entice him to leave.
It’s likely as simple as an athletic scholarship.
NNNNNNNOOOOOO!!!! Not Mateen!!!!
His resume, as listed on 24/7 is sparse. Maybe he comes back with a NIL side deal
He is a freshman so maybe the academics were too hard for him and he would not have been eligible. This happened to Ross Bowers. Many 1st year students never make the grade at Cal.
Walk-on (minimal athlete bump, if any, to clear admissions) from an academically competitive public high school. I doubt it's his grades.
Cal can be an intimidating place, especially for HS football players used to being treated as something special in their HS: Public high schools are usually far less rigorous regarding course difficulty, every student in classes (some exceptions) were at the top of their HS class, are talented in areas other than academics (music, band, choir, science club, student government, art, athletics, etc.), professors do not cut scholarship athletes any slack, on and on. It is not uncommon for incoming football players to need special tutoring just to pass Cal’s basic required courses.
That's what makes Cal the highest ranked public university in the world.
I can guarantee anyone who did well enough at Del Norte to get into Cal without the boost of being a scholarship football player can pass classes without much difficulty.
Yeah, but that Bowers Flip should have gotten him some points with the professors.
I think the profs scored his best flip 5.4 out of 6. Not quite high enough for the tastes of Cal’s professors.
How did we find Mateen to begin with? I was under the impression that we only had one kicker in the roster (the same one who lost us the Auburn game).
Mateen leaving makes me sad b/c he was serviceable for the second half of the season.
Good luck at your next destinations! It will take me a while to get used to this portal
All I will say is that if we don't get a new kicker in the portal or a freshman that can be consistent, I don't want to see a single extra point for field goal kicked next year rather roll the dice with going for it on fourth down and two point attempts than relive the kicking of the first half of this season
-Chip Kelly
only Chip shots
we are not getting anyone from the portal without a scholarship offer. So, our only choice is a HS walk-on