Curt Cignetti built the success of the 2024 and 2025 teams by snagging polished veterans from the portal. I'm not referring to Mendoza, since he was actually a true senior last season, but the rest of the cast.

A lot of these guys were fully grown men at that time, and played a lot of football. Basically, he won by using experienced, developed players, even if most of them weren't the most talented guys at their positions.

With the new 5 year rule in effect, Curt Cignetti isn't going to be able to get the 6th year veterans in the portal that were crucial to his success these last two years.

Equally as important, he won't be able to get the 5th year players who have reached the age limit.

That being said, he'll still be able to get true 5th year players under the age of 24, but the pond in which he's fishing is going to be a lot less stocked.

I'm pretty sure everyone saw his plan and strategy, and more will be trying to copy it, especially if the coach is on the hot seat.

At some point, there will be a more pronounced emphasis on how well he can develop and use that home-grown talent, instead of using experienced adults.

I honestly don't know if he can do it with home-grown talent. Maybe he can, maybe not.