As disappointing as this year’s portal exodus has been, it has got me thinking, “What if we lean into this and use it to our advantage?” I would say that 90% or more of our portal entries are going to find good homes. Many have already found P4 schools. 
If we approach high schoolers with the mindset of, “We want you. We see a path to playing time early. We pay X. It might not be what you’re getting offered other places, but if you come in to compete, you’ll have full advantage of our strength and conditioning program, some of the best position coaching in the country, and if you get into the rotation, you’ll be paid WELL. If for whatever reason you don’t crack the two-deep by your sophomore season and want to look elsewhere, you’ll be able to get a premium at another school.” 
The only caveat to that is that we have to be prepared to actually follow up with real money for the kids with promise. If a sophomore needs one more year, but you think he’ll be a star, freaking pay him and get a one year rental that doesn’t threaten him. 
I get the desire to just say this kid or that kid is bag chasing, and there always will be a few of those. BUT, I believe if we play this right going forward everyone wins. 
In real estate you have buyers’ and sellers’ markets. In football it’s players’ and coaches’ markets. Right now it’s a player’s market. Eventually there will be a grownup that steps in and forces change to bring some more balance to the system. Until then, if we don’t bend, we’re going to break. 
Go Buckeyes!