Gap Down Backer.

[Soapy]

Losing to Ohio State is never a surprise. Still a really good season. Time to go Indy and show the nation what’s up.

speaking of which....

[Soapy]

Stanford strikes scheduling partnerships with Big Ten, SEC and Big 12
Michael Harrell
January 10, 2031, 08:18 AM ET

---

Stanford has taken another towards its future as a football independent, agreeing to a set of scheduling partnerships with the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12, sources told ESPN.

Under the framework of the agreements, Stanford will play three games annually against Big Ten opponents, with those matchups broadcast on FOX. The Cardinal will also face three SEC teams each season, airing on ESPN, while adding two games against Big 12 programs, split between FOX Sports and ESPN.

While the full financial terms have not been publicly released, multiple industry sources said the annual value of the combined partnerships is expected to be comparable to Stanford’s revenue share from the ACC’s ESPN media deal.

Stanford is expected to finalize its remaining broadcast arrangements in the coming months. Once complete, the Cardinal will enter the 2031 season with one of the most distinctive scheduling models in the sport — independent in name, but deeply embedded across college football’s power conferences.

***

Editor's Note: Last year's betting totals are in. The winner, by percentage, was Caesar so he will get a recruit named after him or a ratings bump for his favorite team. Second place was Captain Canada so he'll be the SEC Commissioner for the upcoming season. redsox907 was third so he'll be the Big Ten Commissioner for the upcoming season. YaBoyRobRoy actually had the best winning percentage of all but didn't have enough bets to qualify so I'll make him the Big 12 Commissioner for the upcoming season. The three will get to pick which teams from your conference I have to play next season. If you want more details about the teams, just let me know and I'll provide. I'll need your selections prior to the start of the season so you have a few days.

Thank you to everyone James ShireNiner djp73 that participated.

[Soapy]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head Coach Firings
Kirk Patrick (Colorado HC)
Ken Niumatalolo (Cal HC)
Deshaun Foster (UCLA HC)
Scott Abell (Rice HC)
Brent Key (Tulane HC)
Chris Klieman (Kansas State HC)
Drew Schaub (NFL DC)
John Kaesviharn (NFL DC)
Mike Gundy (Kansas HC)
Willie Scruggs (Georgia OC)
Laron Mevis (NFL OC)
Jaden Ruggins (Troy HC)
Corey Hetherman (Miami HC)

[Soapy]

Former four-star receiver Zach Yelk declares for the draft amid transfer portal rumors
Chris Wallace -- 247Sports Stanford Football Insider

The Zach Yelk saga has ended as expected with the former four-star receiver leaving Stanford's program but not for the portal. Yelk, who had eight catches this season, is entering the draft according to his social media page.

Yelk entered last season as Stanford's most productive returning receiver, catching 35 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns in what many thought was his breakthrough season. He started the year as a starter but lost playing time to freshmen Kyle Morison (22 receptions, 235 yards) and Brent Baker (16 receptions, 213 yards) as the season progressed and eventually fell out of rotation altogether.

Many expected Yelk to enter the portal but instead, the six-foot-three receiver will enter the draft. It's notable that Yelk did not mention Stanford or the coaching staff in the announcement, which is customary.

Yelk joins left tackle Neil Pryor as the two underclassmen that are headed to the draft. Pryor, who transferred from Wisconsin two seasons ago, was a major get for head coach Bubba Mack and is likely going to be a top-fifty draft pick even after dealing with injuries last season.

Redshirt junior defensive end/outside linebacker Raphael Beebe and freshman quarterback Erik Weston are entering the transfer portal.

2030 Players Leaving » Career Stats
#65 Neil Pryor (LT, Rs Junior): Pro Draft (Projected Round 2) » 38 GP, 23 sacks allowed
#10 Zach Yelk (WR, Junior): Pro Draft (Projected Round 6) » 48 receptions, 575 yards, 2 TD
#6 Trumaine Lasike (HB, Rs Senior): Pro Draft (Projected Round 7) » 691 carries, 4375 yards, 55 TD, 59 receptions, 432 yards, 2030 Doak Walker Award, 2030 1st Team All-American, 2030 1st Team All-ACC
#93 Raphael Beebe (EDGE, Rs Junior): Transfer Portal » 2 tackles, TFL, sack
#12 Erik Weston (QB, Freshman): Transfer Portal » No stats
#9 Tyrone Nicks (TE, Rs Senior): Graduation » 195 receptions, 1979 yards, 16 TD, 2028 John Mackey Award
#5 Manu Toomer (LB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 266 tackles, 59 TFL, 12 sacks, 8 INT, 2030 Dick Butkus Award, 2030 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, 2030 Chuck Bednarik Award, 2030 1st Team All-American, 2030 1st Team All-ACC
#74 Jameson Flood (T, Rs Senior): Graduation » 44 GP, 9 sacks allowed
#56 Sergio Silvestro (G, Rs Senior): Graduation » 42 GP, 3 sacks allowed
#4 Isaiah Lanovoi (LB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 258 tackles, 43 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 INT, 2030 2nd Team All-ACC
#0 Sam Tonga (WR, Rs Senior): Graduation » 126 receptions, 1520 yards, 8 TD
#63 George Vallos (C, Rs Senior): Graduation » 47 GP, sack allowed
#14 Alec Dalton (S, Rs Senior): Graduation » 76 tackles, 9 TFL, 0.5 sack
#0 Kareem Garvin (EDGE, Rs Senior): Graduation » 19 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks
#98 Cory Jones (DT, Rs Senior): Graduation » 65 tackles, 17 TFL, 8.5 sacks
#6 Jimmie Winston (DB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 261 tackles, 30 TFL, 6 INT, 2030 2nd Team All-ACC
#15 Ben Hall (K, Senior): Graduation » 56/76, 57 FG Lng, 100 XP%
#17 Barry Callow (P, Senior): Graduation » 169 punts, 38.1 Net Avg, 51 inside the 20
#59 Zac McMillon (LB, Rs Senior): Graduation » No stats

[ShireNiner]

“Participation”

[Caesar]

Did Gundy get fired from Kansas and go to Kansas State?

Only two guys in the portal and only two early departures. This man set for the offseason already.

Go ahead and bump LSU, my boy.

[redsox907]

oh you know that lick back against Ohio State is scheduled. After the offseason PM the overalls of the pre-season ranked ones and I'll choose two more

losing a lot of production, but should be able to nab some solid guys in the portal after a CFP season

[Soapy]

Stanford's return to the transfer portal market should be met with tepid expectations
Chris Wallace -- 247Sports Stanford Football Insider

The Stanford Cardinal are back in the game after enacting a self-imposed one year ban from the transfer portal as a result of the Jamarice Wilder saga from two seasons ago. Stanford still managed to sign a top ten class nationally, boosted by a deep high school recruiting class that featured ten four-stars and twenty-four players, all high schoolers.

It's a different ball game this time around as Stanford enters the transfer portal period with the 59th ranked recruiting class and just seven high school players signed over the winter period, giving themselves plenty of space -- on paper -- to reload in the portal.

As it currently stands, Stanford has around fourteen or so spots left on their roster. They've got some notable high school targets out there in running back Malik Marshall and defensive lineman David Drake, two top priorities along with other players such as linebacker Kevin Macklin, cornerback Emanuel Araiza and tight end Colt Mixon who they remain keen on signing. When you factor those guys in, the number of available spots is closer to eight or so.

Here's a few positions to watch where Stanford could be (cautious) buyers:

Tight end
Current players: Dorian Droogsma (redshirt sophomore) Dillon Forsett (redshirt freshman) Fredrick Parker (sophomore)
Departures: Tyrone Nicks (graduation - 46 Rec, 455 Yds, 4 TD)
Potential transfer portal targets: Tyquan Stokes (50 Rec, 541 Yds, 2 TD) Tye Tuggle (42 Rec, 435 Yds) Jeff Torbor (51 Rec, 516 Yds, 2 TD)

Perhaps the most glaring need on offense is tight end where not only is Stanford losing a ton of experience and production in Tyrone Nicks, who was a three-year starter, they don't have a clear replacement in tow like they do at other positions such as running back or even left tackle.

Dorian Droogsma is a talented player in his own right with fifteen catches for 131 yards last season, including a four-catch performance against Notre Dame when Nicks was injured. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school so Stanford could decide to roll with him but if they don't, there's a few intriguing options. Penn State's Tyquan Stokes is a proven commodity at the Power 4 level with fifty catches last season and even better production than Nicks had. The concern with Droogsma is the lack of vertical aspect in his game and Stokes would bring that, as would Louisiana's Jeff Torbor who projects as one of those players that makes the jump to P4 and has a breakout senior campaign, turning themselves into a legitimate prospect.

A middle ground might be Tye Tuggle from Utah who is more of an inline blocker so the pairing of him and Droogsma would work as Droogsma could elevate into that Nicks role as the primary pass catching target but bring in Tuggle often as an extra tight end for play action and running the ball, which is what Droogsma did last season.

Outside receiver
Current players: Rodney Cookus (redshirt junior) Kyle Morrison (sophomore) Brent Baker (sophomore)
Departures: Zach Yelk (draft - 8 Rec, 103 Yds)
Potential transfer portal targets: Mateo Cannida (70 Rec, 936 Yds, 4 TD) Cedric Epps (39 Rec, 540 Yds, 6 TD) Athya Strong (46 Rec, 626 Yds, 2 TD)

This could be viewed as a hot take as Stanford is bringing back their starting outside receivers in Rodney Cookus and rising sophomores Kyle Morrison/Brent Baker. Morrison and Baker were big time high school recruiting gets and Stanford essentially benched Zach Yelk for them so they clearly value them. However, as the season progressed and the more Morrison and Baker played, the offense got more and more predictable with Cookus being the first and often only read for quarterback Zach Rowe.

Why not bring in an experience receiver to raise the floor of this room and potentially the ceiling? Mateo Cannida is exactly that although he probably would be wanting a guaranteed starting spot. UAB's Cedric Epps and California's Athya Strong would be more conservative options that could be willing to play a complimentary role and would either beat out the duo of Morrison and Baker in the offseason or, at worse, be a solid backup option.

Guard
Current players: Shaquille Marks (redshirt senior) Jamal Harris (redshirt senior) Shontrelle Madu (redshirt sophomore) Jared March (redshirt sophomore) Teddy Landry (redshirt freshman)
Departures: Sergio Silvestro (graduation)
Potential transfer portal targets: Jimmy Wells (13 GS, 2 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed) Glenn Wendt (13 GS, 7 pancakes, 1 sack allowed) Russell Dorsett (13 GS, 1 pancake, 0 sacks allowed)

The return of Shaquille Marks is huge as Stanford is set to start a sophomore at left tackle in Joe Nunn, who started several games last season in place of the injured Neil Pryor. They'll have a new starter at center in Brenton Rahman, replacing a senior in George Vallos and first-time full-time starter in Jalen Freeman at right tackle. This leaves Marks as the only returning starter along an offensive line that has always been a focus for Mack, a former lineman himself.

The biggest question mark, in terms of who will be starting, is at right guard where Sergio Silvestro started last year. Jamal Harris and Shontrelle Madu are potential replacements with both of them playing almost 300 snaps last year as rotational players. Stanford could decide to get some more veteran presence and more experience for an offensive line that is going from having a ton of multi-year starters to just one in Marks.

If they do go in the portal, I expect them to go big game hunting and going after the top guys, starting with Penn State's Jimmy Wells who would be a Pryor-level get in the portal for the Cardinal. Unlike Pryor, it would only be for a season as Wells has one-year of eligibility left, so does Notre Dame's Glenn Wendt as they'll be coming to Stanford to improve their draft stock and head into the draft. Ole Miss' Dorsett does have two years left but if things work out, we're likely looking at a one-year pit stop before the draft.

Linebacker
Current players: Richard Caussin (redshirt senior) Desmond Spann (redshirt senior) James Gattis (junior) Tiquan Quin (sophomore) Chester Oordt (redshirt sophomore) Anthony Robbins (redshirt freshman) Conor McCune (redshirt freshman) Dimitri Minor (redshirt freshman)
Departures: Manu Toomer (graduation - 112 Tkl, 29 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 INT, TD, 7 PBU) Isaiah Lanovoi (graduation - 127 Tkl, 18 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT, 6 PBU)
Potential transfer portal targets: J.T. Brazell (77 Tkl, 3 PBU, 2 INT) J.D. McBriar (114 Tkl, 10 TFL) Jose Elliss (65 Tkl, 4 PBU) Taylor Bagent (No stats)

The loss of Manu Toomer and Isaiah Lanovoi together is going to be a steep one to replace in one offseason. Richard Caussin was solid in the playoffs against Ohio State but isn't the playmaker that Toomer was and probably fits more naturally into that Lanovoi role as the steady hand of the linebacker room although even Lanovoi had two interceptions last season.

The Cardinal have some interesting choices already in their bullpen in Desmond Spann, who showed flashes his first two seasons but didn't play a lot last year. James Gattis is a former four-star recruit that was a big get for Mack and his staff out of the Atlanta area and has made the most of his limited opportunities with two tackles for loss against Ohio State. Does Stanford roll with Gattis and Spann, banking on them taking that next step, or do they get an experienced player in the portal?

They've seen Miami's J.T. Brazell up close and personal the last few seasons and he could be that playmaking, sideline-to-sideline replacement for Toomer. LSU's J.D. McBriar is a tackling machine and from California so a return to his home state could make sense. Two lowkey candidates are Kennesaw State's Jose Elliss, who Mack didn't recruit at Kennesaw but probably has inside knowledge on and Georgia's Taylor Bagent who didn't play much but was a talented prospect coming out of high school.

Safety
Current players: Angel Bass (redshirt sophomore) Malik Ricks (redshirt senior) Mike Cologne (junior) Franklin Larue (redshirt freshman) Mo Ndukwe (redshirt freshman)
Departures: Jimmie Winston (graduation - 86 Tkl, 14 TFL, 2 INT, 5 PBU) Alec Dalton (graduation - 43 Tkl, 6 TFL, 3 PBU)
Potential transfer portal targets: Leon Dragos (61 Tkl, 2 INT, 8 PBU) Nathan Crook (63 Tkl, 4 PBU) Emeke Iwebema (66 Tkl, INT, 2 PBU)

Stanford played three safeties a lot last season with the combination of Jimmie Winston, Alec Dalton and Angel Bass. Bass returns as a Freshman All-American but with Dalton and Winston graduating, this is a key focus this offseason to replace as the depth behind them just doesn't feature any guys that excite you.

Bass, who is on the lighter side, needs some help against the run and Florida Atlantic's Nathan Crook would be that although the jump up in competition is something to watch with him. He's an impressive athlete that's nearly 200 pounds, similar to Dalton, and would be that effective box presence.

Auburn's Emeke Iwebema would provide what Winston provided as a former corner who was capable of lining up in man coverage. Iwebema might not be as good in coverage as Winston but he would certainly be an upgrade over what they have on the roster and be their best coverage safety, an area of weakness for this team currently at it stands. Missouri's Leon Dragos is a combination of both but would be a costly addition as the top safety in the market.

Top 25 Transfer Portal Players
#1 Philip Umenyiora [WR #1]: Twins Fale, ID | Prev Team: Missouri
#2 Henry Delos [QB #1]: Washington, MD | Prev Team: Penn State
#3 Ian Rambo [WR #2]: Nashville, TN | Prev Team: Missouri
#4 Jimmy Wells [G #1]: Akron, OH | Prev Team: Penn State
#5 Juan Velasco [CB #1]: Mesa AZ | Prev Team: Colorado
#6 Russell Dorsett [G #2]: Memphis, TN | Prev Team: Ole Miss
#7 John Heredia [CB #2]: Chandler, AZ | Prev Team: Colorado
#8 Mohammad Ogunjobi [DT #1]: Phenix City, AL | Prev Team: LSU
#9 Dom Bullocks [T #1]: Delran, NJ | Prev Team: Notre Dame
#10 Glenn Wendt [G #3]: Cheasapeake, VA | Prev Team: Notre Dame
#11 Terrance Eddy [WR #3]: Cordele, GA | Prev Team: Duke
#12 Eric Head [CB #3]: San Clemente, CA | Prev Team: Colorado
#13 Aiden Russo [OLB #1]: Kalamooza, MI | Prev Team: Penn State
#14 D.J. Baas [T #2]: Westerville, OH | Prev Team: Penn State
#15 Mateo Cannida [WR #4]: Denton, TX | Prev Team: Texas A&M
#16 Freddie Painter [WR #5]: Raytown, MO | Prev Team: Missouri
#17 Adonis Ambrose [QB #2]: Honolulu, HI | Prev Team: Utah
#18 J.T. Brazell [ILB #1]: Fort Lauderdale, FL | Prev Team: Miami
#19 Tyqyan Stokes [TE #1]: Louisville, KY | Prev Team: Penn State
#20 Philip Ozougwu [HB #1]: Rock Hill, SC | Prev Team: Clemson
#21 Leon Dragos [S #1]: Olympia Fields, IL | Prev Team: Missouri
#22 Jameson Wilbon [DT #2]: Starkville, MS | Prev Team: LSU
#23 John Mooney [G #4]: Plainsboro, NJ | Prev Team: Ohio State
#24 Patrick Ikegwuonu [WR #6]: Las Vegas, NV | Prev Team: Washington
#25 Kurt Dieter [G #5]: Parma, MI | Prev Team: Ball State

2031 Stanford Cardinal Recruiting Class
Carl Shakir [RT #5]: 6'7", 313lbs | Arvada, CO | 4-star
Trevon Winbush [HB #12]: 5'10", 179lbs | West Bloomfield, MI | 4-star
David Okuayinonu [DT #4]: 6'4", 294lbs | San Leandro, CA | 4-star
Jeffrey Redman [C #3]: 6'1", 286lbs | Michigan City, IN | 4-star
Jaron Azumah [ATH #36]: 6'2", 224lbs | Anderson, CA | 3-star
Trevante Punga [CB #47]: 5'9", 179lbs | Mission Viejo, CA | 3-star
Shaquille Zimmons [WR #175]: 5'9", 172lbs | Los Angeles, CA | 3-star

2031 Stanford Cardinal Recruiting Board
Malik Marshall [HB #3]: 6'0", 186lbs | Hyattsville, MD | 5-star
David Drake [ATH #12]: 6'6", 272lbs | Hyattsville, MD | 4-star
Kevin Macklin [ILB #32]: 6'1", 205lbs | Red Bank, NJ | 3-star
Braydon Meeks [ATH #53]: 6'4", 271lbs | Atlanta, GA | 3-star
Emanuel Araiza [CB #50]: 5'10", 186lbs | Lubbock, TX | 3-star
Colt Mixon [TE #30]: 6'2", 223lbs | Manassas, VA | 3-star
-----------------
Tyler Fine [CB #5]: 6'3", 182lbs | Mesquite, TX | 5-star
Derek Cockrill [EDGE #26]: 6'6", 231lbs | Decatur, GA | 4-star
Immanuel Lovelace [CB #8]: 6'1", 189lbs | Harrisburg, PA | 4-star
Paris Moronkola [ATH #4]: 6'6", 294lbs | Columbia, SC | 4-star
Lyle Willingham [WR #8]: 6'4", 166lbs | Belmont, NC | 4-star
Ramon Creed [OLB #35]: 6'3", 215lbs | Pittsburgh, PA | 4-star
Ben Radunz [QB #4]: 6'2", 182lbs | Trussville, AL | 4-star
Jamar Dacus [RG #4]: 6'2", 293lbs | Mocksville, NC | 4-star
Sergio Fraboni [CB #12]: 5'11", 164lbs | Temple, TX | 4-star
JaMichael Jackson [QB #6]: 6'3", 190lbs | Corona, CA | 4-star
John Fine [TE #5]: 6'5", 213lbs | Forsyth, GA | 4-star
David Matungulu [ILB #9]: 6'3", 229lbs | Oakton, VA | 4-star
Eli Ruegamer [WR #41]: 6'2", 186lbs | Denton, TX | 4-star
Najee Berryman [ILB #22]: 6'2", 212lbs | Pasadena, CA | 4-star

[Soapy]

“Participation”

you had a good percentage but not enough games to break into the top 3

Did Gundy get fired from Kansas and go to Kansas State?

Only two guys in the portal and only two early departures. This man set for the offseason already.

Go ahead and bump LSU, my boy.

nah even worse. he left Kansas for Kansas State

yeah not expecting to sign a ton of guys but got a few areas that need to be filled

oh you know that lick back against Ohio State is scheduled. After the offseason PM the overalls of the pre-season ranked ones and I'll choose two more

losing a lot of production, but should be able to nab some solid guys in the portal after a CFP season

I got you my boy

[YaBoyRobRoy]

I’m still proud of the 9-1 record

As Big 12 commissioner, we want to bring the smack down on the Cardinal. There’s no easy path to the playoff so schedule our three best schools (or best quarterbacks if there’s a toss up)