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The Tulane football team appeared to land some much needed wide receiver talent in the transfer portal last week with a commitment from Cyrus Allen. The former Louisiana Tech and Texas A&M pass catcher hit the portal this offseason in search of another new home.
After landing that initial pledge, though, the Green Wave watched Allen flip to Cincinnati. Head coach Jon Sumrall didn’t seem to be happy about how things transpired.
Sumrall took to X to post his displeasure with the current state of college football recruiting following Allen’s denial. NIL has made keeping a roster intact much more difficult.
— Jon Sumrall (@CoachJonSumrall) December 17, 2024
Coaches are frustrated with the annual free agency, which has significantly impacted Tulane this offseason. The Green Wave has already seen starting QB Darian Mensah hit the portal. He’s since landed at Duke. Backup passer Ty Thompson is also in the portal though he plans to play in the bowl game vs. Florida.
Many have been quick to blast the timing of the transfer window as it affects roster management ahead of the postseason. Even schools competing for a national title are experiencing attrition.
Others have ripped the lack of NIL legislation, resulting in players chasing bags rather than finding the best fit. The combination of player payment and unlimited transfer opportunities is angering coaches.
Jon Sumrall is fed up. It’s become exhausting trying to build a team with short-term rentals. He can’t even get excited about landing a commitment anymore. There’s always the chance they already have one foot out the door!