In today’s Fact or Fiction — transfer portal edition — I look at three big recent topics from the transfer portal and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. Michigan needs to be more aggressive in the portal.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Hiring Sherrone Moore was a stability choice, and Michigan has done a great job retaining its roster. Jim Harbaugh has also laid a great foundation with his high school recruiting and player development. But I expect Moore to be a bit more aggressive in the spring window with so many immediate needs and question marks. The timing of Harbaugh’s departure put them behind the eight ball, but they will make up for it.
2. The Gamecocks’ huge portal class is surprising.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
More than 20 portal additions is a lot, and they are at the top of the SEC in that category, but let’s be honest — Shane Beamer needs to fix things now. He’s done a really good job in high school recruiting and laying that foundation, but they’ve taken some hits in the portal and have to hit back. Will it work? I’m not sold, but it’s an expected strategy. Guys like RB Raheim Sanders and DE Kyle Kennard will need to step up immediately.
3. Florida State is too reliant on the portal.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Let’s remember that Mike Norvell was hired during COVID with so many recruiting issues he had to turn to the portal. And it worked. He’s still aggressive in the portal, but he has a nice balance of HS and transfer recruiting going now. If it works, keep at it, but FSU isn’t as portal-reliant as when he was rebuilding this roster.
