For what it's worth, I'm not nearly as pessimistic about next year as some. Obviously, LB is a big concern with losing Houston and Thompson (and the players behind them not getting snaps).
CJ will do fine at QB, Jones should be back if his recovery goes well, Kacmarek, Cross, Bangura, throw in some very good young receivers and Hunt - adds up to few worries at the skill positions.
Losing some guys on the OL, but given the issues with the ground game this year...
Thus far, I think Ohio has come out on the plus side of the portal. If that continues, we'll be in good shape.
CJ might not play football ever again, sir. He didn't just sprain an ankle or something. He's recovering from a 'medical emergency', but is otherwise "fine". Which makes it seem like they discovered a heart issue. He's also a grad student with ambition outside football.
Better get used to seeing Navarro run for his life. Though if you go back to spring ball, Albin praised Winters more than he praised even Rourke - so I think we might see a freshman take the reins next season.
Bangura was a flight risk last season and then he got hurt. I would be more stunned by him returning than anyone else on the team - other than Nowinsky.
They need to replace the entire front 7 on one of the oldest teams in college football. Weaver is getting some PT since Vonnie got hurt, but he's the lone returner.
And the big one... Spence. I don't know what % I'd put it at, but I'd say 95% he will be coaching elsewhere next season.
We've seen how quickly this team turned it around once he got his system in place and everyone on the same page. It's almost comical to look back at those first few games last season to what we're seeing now with the same kids.
The cause for 'pessimism' is very real.