@hurryinghoosiers me too. But, the fact remains, having the idea and actually being able to execute it are 2 different things. I'd guess every IU coach over history has had the idea to beef up and strengthen the lines. Heck, per the 60 Minutes story, Mellencamp put a few million behind the idea with the training facility and that didn't help! I don't think there's any equal for what Cig has done, at least not in collegiate football.

@thehoosierhuddle OK, you obviously know way more about portal stuff than I do. I thought Joseph may not be at the level, where he'd command a huge payday and might be seen as more moderate. Heck, I thought the world of Fernando last year and was very excited when we signed him because I thought he was really good. Not knowing much of what Joseph did this year at ODU, I'd have guessed Fernando was more of a sure thing, and obviously we fit him in our budget. Also hoped that having elevated both Rourke and Mendoza's pro prospects and winning, that someone might take a little less to come here.

@kkott Fernando was the biggest bargain out there. $1.5 million or so. 
If Sorsby’s agent is looking for $4.5 million, Joseph will be up near there as well.

Good intel.  I thought Fernando was $1.8-2M.

Good deal for IU.  And Fernando too — I’d guess his development this year is going to result in more NIL opportunities and a draft pick that way more than makes up for the extra money he could made this year at some other school.

@openwheel - As I know you would agree, I find it hard to judge Alberto until we give him a first-string offensive line and weapons to throw to.  Let alone a game plan and lots of practice reps with the first string to go out and execute.   I have to imagine having his brother having success and helping him, likely more so than other QB's would be willing to help their backup, is also incredibly beneficial.  I have really high expectations for Alberto.  I mean, he is a Cignetti recruit after all.

@tammany It could've been $1.8 but it was under 2. Either way worth every penny and a relative bargain

@iunorth Texas Tech spent a boatload on their defensive front in the portal and it got them a bye in the playoffs

I’m not sold on any of the guys in the portal to where IU could justify a $4-5m price tag when we already have Alberto. Sorsby looks like a guy who has a 10-2 ceiling due to his propensity for some really off games (kind of like Carson Beck in that regard), while with Mestemaker I’m not sold on his arm strength. 

I would pass on Leavitt and Raiola completely unless they came here for next to free and would accept QB2 if they don’t win the role 

@hoosierdaddy Sounds like they love Alberto.  Assuming that's true, I zero in on lower levels of D1, even down to D2 levels.  Find a guy that's won a lot of games, has a good arm, is accurate, good fit for the room.  And give him a competitive NIL package.  500K-750K, maybe?  Give Alberto the same or a little more.  Then go spend a ton on elite linemen, keeping the best skill guys we need to keep, etc...

@thehoosierhuddle I trust your sources over mine!

@iunorth agreed. Chambliss balled out for Ole Miss this year, plenty of good football players who won’t come with the big name price tag. Our staff seems to excel in that regard so I’m not worried about it

I haven't seen any confirmation online, but I've heard a rumor that Iowa might have an OL entering the transfer portal that could be an attractive get, particularly if Carter goes pro.

Nice thing is the staff has seen Alberto vs our first team Haines defense.  That’s a good test.

Posted by: @thehoosierhuddle

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@tammany It could've been $1.8 but it was under 2. Either way worth every penny and a relative bargain

I heard around the $1.8 number as well.

Still, that's a huge discount for a qb his caliber.

Well, Fernando would be a lot more than 1.8 this year even with the same circumstances, with the tremendous inflation in NIL. Probably to continue to skyrocket as laggards figure it out, or at least spend like they think they figured it out.

Dont usually want to be the high bid at an auction for the well known stuff either.

Good thing Cig has taken QBs, if Cherry is healthy we have four. (?) Assuming we can meet Albertos price. Even without playing, you know other schools will be making backdoor offers. --Cignetti QB? And, we hear he likes him... Fernando said one reason he came is little bro had developed so fast. Lets find some film and talk to his agent...

@thehoosierhuddle 

Are you hearing anything about Makai Jackson?  I wondered if he left to pull an EJ Wiliams move and come back with more opportunities next year.