Impressive ranking for the Cats. Fitz’s body of work speaks for itself.

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Not intended to be a comprehensive list but in light of the two offers yesterday, here's a list of self-reported offers from X and listed on the Verbal Commits website:

Most recent:

Simon Walker - SG - Alabama (6'5)
Josiah Sanders - PG - Aurora, CO (6'4)
Jayden Forsythe - SG - NY (6'4) - 5/19
Mason Blackwood - SG/SF - NY (6'5 to 6'7) - 5/19
Brady Koehler - SF - Indiana (6'8) - 5/5

Older offers out there:

Keyshaun Tillery - CG - NY (6'1)
Angelino Mark - LA (6'2)
Phoenix Gill - Chicago (6'2)

Guys with offers who we will likely will never see on campus:

Xavion Staton (7)
Trent Sisley (6'8)

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS (NO. 13; +12 SPOTS)​

Where Northwestern ranked in 2018: N/R

Northwestern made a monumental leap in 2021 and continues to hang around the top 15 in 2024 thanks to a practice facility that is, undoubtedly, college football's most majestic. Standing outside of Northwestern's 450,000-square football facility on the shores of Lake Michigan, you'd think this was college football's Mecca — not a program that's itching to break into the realm of being a consistent threat. There was almost instantaneous criticism over Northwestern's quarter-billion dollar project that serves only a tiny percentage of Northwestern's student body, but the noise has quieted since.


Not sure if they're aware that the Palace by the Lake is open to use by other sports, but still, a small fraction of the student body.

Wish the lockerroom design was a bit more modern/sleek and more in line with the rest of the facility.

Finally received an email with a link to ticket information. No mention of capacity but there is a basic seating diagram with prices and, of course, “contribution” as with basketball.

As I passed the stadium this morning I saw the first noticeable demolition. The brick exterior wall of the ticket office was starting to be taken down. I'm not aware of NU setting up a webcam for this project, like they did with WRA. However, I pass the stadium nearly every day and plan to occasionally post pictures so others can track the progress. I hope others will contribute pictures as well. Most of my pictures will be taken from a moving bus on Central St. so it'll be a limited view of the site.

EDIT: After a second look the wall is still standing. It was obscured by a large piece of equipment when I passed by yesterday. There had been activity over the last couple of weeks that seemed like they were clearing out the interior of the ticket office. I wouldn't be surprised if it's one of the first sections to go when the demolition does begin.

EDIT2: NU sent an email this morning saying the demolition was set to begin.

Here are a few pictures from the past week, mostly of staging equipment and erecting the perimeter fence. Maybe at some point I'll figure out how to embed images here.

Pic 1
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Pic 4

Ducks up on Buffs 21-0 mid 2Q. Duck are scary. The BIG will never be the same and we are so far from being competitive with them

Seems like CCC is casting a wider net this year. Good to see!

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Hadn't heard this one..

In case you missed it, starting in Fall 2025, college athletic programs will be able to distribute up to $21 million (estimated) in a revenue-sharing model with their athletes.

For the purposes of this hypothetical question on a Friday when our answers don't matter, let's not get hung up on the actual dollar amount. Can work with percentages or vague guidelines as you please.

I'm just curious in broad terms how you would split this up.

Specifically for NU, I would prioritize creating stability and minimizing turnover within the program - get more $ in the hands of more players and have that be a marketable aspect of the program (versus others which will probably max out their money to star players and leave many players with nothing). I think this could go a long way to attracting good players who prioritize a traditional college experience (and an education, maybe?) over prima donnas chasing max paydays who will keep program-hopping.

I would offer some guaranteed money to players who start in their positions in at least 51% of games and guaranteed money for seniors on the team for at least four years.

After that I'd give a minimum amount to players who had any playing time, and I'd set aside bonuses for players who receive awards and recognition - All Conference, position awards, maybe even some internal distinctions as well (who gets the "1" jersey, for example).

I would also set aside a big chunk for bowl/playoff participation, to minimize the chances of players sitting out. If the program doesn't get any post-season anything, this doesn't get paid out. Might adjust this if it actually seemed like a negative against the program, but over time I bet this would be the trend - and when you see post-season games with a ton of players are sitting out, then it becomes a sign that you're program doesn't manage it's revenue sharing well.

I would hold my breath and hope some individual caps would be in place to eliminate the possibility of bidding wars, negotiation stalemates, and agent involvement.

I talked to Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller defensive end Jonah Hayes about his offer from Northwestern and his recruitment.

They play the winner of Denver vs Stanford on Sunday May 12. Unfortunately it's Mother's Day so I can't go. 🙁

Anyone know where to purchase the light purple N-lacrosse t-shirts? I was at the BIG championship and all the merch looked to be the run of the mill licensed gear. Also searched the web and no luck. Love the light purple T-shirts with the big N. Looks like it might be a team/family offering…

Any board members have any insights or inside track on acquiring one of these?

I talked to Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller defensive end Jonah Hayes about his offer from Northwestern and his recruitment.

Not sure how this fully impacts NU. Assuming it leads to some sort of a salary cap, it could be a good thing?

Several athletic directors told ESPN that they are hopeful the settlement lays the groundwork for a system where success on the field is less dependent on which schools can spend the most money.

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That’s the 2023 $$$ distribution per B1G member. We are VERY fortunate to be a founding member of the conference. I’m hopeful our BOT understands the need for us to remain competitive in all sports.

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Just an impossible task.

I understand the ruling but the runner barely grazed the SS not to mention the infield fly rule was in effect.

Lucky me! I met dwayne dowell the voice of northwestern basketball in the early 80s. He noticed my buddy's northwestern sweatshirt I had given to him a few years back. We were at a joint called chiggys in palatine Illinois. Not sure if I am spelling his name correctly. He asked me if I was an nu grad. I of course confirmed it. We talked about nu sports over the past 40 years. Really nice guy! Colgate grad. Turns out he lives in a senior living house just down the street from me! Looks about 90 years old. He thinks ccc is nu royalty. Told me about 83' game vs nd in nit. Really sharp still. Anybody know dwayne??

Insert comments below.

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@lou v checked in with top DE target Tommy Rupley about his official visit with the Wildcats.

Jonah Hayes from Moeller HS, has an impressive family, to say the least. Dad is former longtime Bengal TE Jonathan Hayes (Iowa grad and current AD at Moeller), brother Jaxson (Texas grad) is a 6 year NBA veteran playing for the Lakers (7 ft), sister Jillian is a F for Cincinnati and the other brother, Jewett is a freshman DE at Virginia. Glad we offered based on bloodlines alone. LOL.

Hayes lists himself at 6’6” and 215 pounds. He certainly has the frame to put on more weight.

I’d expect him to be a part of the May 31st visit weekend. Looking forward to the @mshelton33 interview with Jonah!

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FYI. Get to Wrigleyville if you can...

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So many names out there…time to get a list started here.

Reed seems like a longshot for NU despite our apparent interest.

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