Quote from: USee on June 02, 2026, 10:19:43 AM

Quote from: AndrewB on June 01, 2026, 06:43:42 PMNorth Central just lost too much this off season.

This is almost funny. Have you been watching the last 5 years? Unless something dramatic has changed, North Central will have plenty of talent on the field in September.

Never said they wouldn't be a top 10 team.  They won't win the Stagg Bowl in January.  Losing the 2 best players on defense will have a huge effect.  Rewatch the 2nd half against UWRF last year.  That's not a #1 overall team.  Every team - Whitewater, UMHB, Mount Union has had minor rough patches.  This could be the beginning for NC.

Yes, WAY to early for a poll.  That players can still change teams, I don't know how anyone can have clarity.  This upcoming season looks wide open to me.  From everything I followed so far.  I would say La Crosse is the most talented team.  But no way they end the season #1.  Not with that schedule.  North Central just lost too much this off season.

Quote from: Jbothe on May 31, 2026, 11:31:25 AMWIAC stadiums and facilities are ridiculously good.

I'm not sure facilities at the D3 level are as big of a deal in recruiting as other levels.

If you look at recent history, facilities play a huge part in recruiting.  There's a reason UW-Whitewater won 6 titles. (Biggest stadium) & Amazing locker room. SUNY Cortland A+ facilities.  UMHB as Pat said, best stadium in D3.  UWRF new $60 million dollar improvements. The elite players want to feel as though they are D1 players.  Now the arms race is getting out of hand.  UWEC with a 100 million plus facility along with DePauw. 

Just now looking at an older UW OSHKOSH Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/100057229549365/posts/pfbid02amoV7hkwYNph1xC9mZujWDiyWqNHXqbWnuvKbr9PXWzH9pYowsaBQvfKAynUkKBUl/

Getting 60 commitments sounds crazy.  They beat Linfield and UW River Falls.    Can't believe that so much turnover existed
 

As Pat just talked about on the podcast. 
UW-Oshkosh just received a commitment from Demir Ashiru.  Quarterback from North Central.  Wouldn't be surprised if he finishes Top-5 in the Gagliardi voting the next season.

And reported by TheThirdDivision, Nigel Cheek, a JUCO All-american commitment to UW-Whitewater.

The rich getting richer.

Just looking at the Top-20 teams this upcoming season.  I would be shocked if the talent level was ever higher.  The very top teams (1-4) from 15-25 years ago were probably better.  But today's depth is unmatched.

https://www.youtube.com/live/DabyvylpIR4?si=OTIEdGc_s1wC9ma9

Fun interview with Peter Jennings.  No, not the news reporter.  The head coach of UW-Oshkosh. Goes over his coaching history, and plans moving forward. 
ENJOY.

Quote from: PauldingLightUP on May 08, 2026, 11:29:34 AMUW-Platteville schedule is posted in full.

I see the Dubuque game is at 1:00 pm.  Last 3 they played were at night.  Only reason I can think of is the flight to Springfield the following week.  Too bad.  Was a fun night game atmosphere.

Quote from: BigMark on May 06, 2026, 09:53:09 AMWhat is the final count of players to leave the UWRF after a championship run? I have counted 11 on X including their top 3 pass catchers from last season. I hope UWRF can rebound and get it back going, but with all the kids that graduated last year and 11 guys who you thought would be back on roster who are not now, that is going to be an uphill climb. I am curious how UWRF handles the interim title of the head coach right now. If that position was posted I would think would see an unbelievable application pool. I am working on my pre season WIAC rankings this week and hope to have them out next week!

I just don't get the large number of transfers.  I completely understand Blake Rohrer.  Being able to put Duke University on your resume.   
DJ FOX - completely understandable.  The only other guy I would advise to transfer is Taylor Sussner. 
Just look at what the team did this off-season.  City wide parade.  Barstool visited for a practice.  They did multiple interviews in Minneapolis.  Visited Lambeau field and atrium.  Went to a Timberwolves game.  Went to a Twins game.  And most importantly they pay in-state tuition so the cost isn't outrageous.

A few notes from this spring.

RF exceed the giving days goal.  Not sure if the $20,000 is before or after the $10,000 matching contribution.  But in the notes, it's for helmet communication and Instant replay reviews..
Pat, does this mean the entire conference will be having reviews this fall?  Or is this for Playoff games only?

I know of just 2 transfer this year so far.  Both to Whitewater. Quarterback Drew VanVleet of Dayton (Patriot league D1), and quarterback Cole Warren of Oshkosh.

Went to the Platteville spring practice.  Lots of parents, not many students.  Offense looked really good, defense got pushed around quite a bit. 

Oshkosh looked to have a great spring practice in the dome.  This must save so much time.  Looks like such a great facility and it's near campus.

Watch out for UW-EC going forward.  Just hired a fantastic offensive coordinator by the name of Phil Ockinga.  Former head coach at a NAIA School. Also coached at South Dakota for WR's and running backs. Hired Brandon Webb to the defense.  Former D2 standout and was on the 49er's mini camp squad.

This conference is only getting stronger.