Once cheating became legal, it actually helped the west coast more than it hurts. Who knew? And we hired the best coach in the country.
This is a huge part of it. I incorrectly assumed NIL was the final nail in our coffin, given my reasons stated previously (i.e. AD and institutional support), but turns out when you have a goddamn football savant like Boner and the Univ (at the Prez) level commits to winning then wtfIcan'tbelieveit we are all of the sudden playing for it all. Portal has become our biggest asset because Boner and crew know how to make winners out of the island of misfit toys better than any other staff in the land.
#metoo
I thought it would kill the west. Oregon usc and uw have done well though. I think the sec misplayed it initially. Ole Miss is getting their reads down for a run next year. Don't know that they can replicate it year after year spending that way though.
It actually works out best to have a bunch of juniors on your team projected as mid round picks. You can guarantee them compensation the nfl can't unless they are on a game day roster. Then go plug a few holes.