Hanging on for 26

[Mjohn1988]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

[Seattleapp]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

I respect the optimism but the defense allowed Ark State to march down the field in under a minute for the game winning score. And if Smith is repping App culture then he needs to start speaking up during the coaches meetings

[Saint3333]

Can we start interviewing DJ postgame?

[Mjohn1988]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

I respect the optimism but the defense allowed Ark State to march down the field in under a minute for the game winning score. And if Smith is repping App culture then he needs to start speaking up during the coaches meetings

Asking the question, do we know he’s not speaking up during coaches meetings?

[Seattleapp]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

I respect the optimism but the defense allowed Ark State to march down the field in under a minute for the game winning score. And if Smith is repping App culture then he needs to start speaking up during the coaches meetings

Asking the question, do we know he’s not speaking up during coaches meetings?

My post was a bit tongue in cheek because what I watched all year didn’t look like any App team I’ve seen ever. It looked like a disinterested pro team

[Mjohn1988]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

I respect the optimism but the defense allowed Ark State to march down the field in under a minute for the game winning score. And if Smith is repping App culture then he needs to start speaking up during the coaches meetings

Asking the question, do we know he’s not speaking up during coaches meetings?

My post was a bit tongue in cheek because what I watched all year didn’t look like any App team I’ve seen ever. It looked like a disinterested pro team

Fair enough.

[PhillyApp1]

The REAL game starts today.

Change must happen.
Discipline must happen.
Intelligence must happen.
And again skills must be improved

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

At the beginning of the season, my floor expectation was 6-6. We didn’t have enough good players, had significant injuries, and had several guys kicked off the team. I’m not happy with how the season unfolded, however, I’d still like to see how we do with a full recruiting cycle and a more complete roster. I do want to see us be bowl eligible with 2-3 weeks remaining next season and at least be in discussion for conference championship towards end of the season. With the transfer portal, a good college coach should be able to get there in 2 seasons. Anything less than a 7-6 record and he should be shown the door. But I’d like to set the floor at 8-5.

[Bigdaddyg1]

I still think that collecting lower end portal players is absolutely the wrong way to build a G5. If we are paying these guys it’s money down the drain. If we are indeed the equivalent of a double A baseball team and aspire to be a triple A then we need to build through high school recruiting and scour the FCS ranks for hidden gems. We need to build from down to up not the other way. I’ve asked before and maybe there is no definitive answer but what is the success rate for our team as far as portal offers versus acceptance? There are 130+ teams competing for portal guys and obviously the top tier go P4 even if it’s to backup. One huge aspect of college football that never changes is the talent pool. No matter what happens there is always a finite supply of college level talent and a smaller number of division 1 talent. Some act like this changes simply because of a portal and NIL. How many players do we have on this roster who were signed from FCS teams?

[Seattleapp]

I still think that collecting lower end portal players is absolutely the wrong way to build a G5. If we are paying these guys it’s money down the drain. If we are indeed the equivalent of a double A baseball team and aspire to be a triple A then we need to build through high school recruiting and scour the FCS ranks for hidden gems. We need to build from down to up not the other way. I’ve asked before and maybe there is no definitive answer but what is the success rate for our team as far as portal offers versus acceptance? There are 130+ teams competing for portal guys and obviously the top tier go P4 even if it’s to backup. One huge aspect of college football that never changes is the talent pool. No matter what happens there is always a finite supply of college level talent and a smaller number of division 1 talent. Some act like this changes simply because of a portal and NIL. How many players do we have on this roster who were signed from FCS teams?

It’s an interesting question. The theme all year has been DLO couldn’t win with this inferior roster. So does he do what you are suggesting and bring in good players from smaller conferences or does he mine P4 castoffs? I think what everyone keeps overlooking is does he have the ability to successfully coach them? That’s that million dollar question. People keep saying all he’s gotta do is crush the portal and it’s smooth sailing next season. Is it?

[WASU 93]

I am as disappointed as anyone but I have fond a few things to hang onto for 26. No I didn’t see the players or the coaching we will need to compete for Sunbelt championship. But I’m hanging onto three things for 2026. I did see individual players improve over the season. Just naming a few, Mbake, Phares and Kohl, yes I thought our final game was Kohl’s best. Phares is my most improved for the year. The team didn’t quite after the JMU loss. I have to admit that I thought they would pack it in. And lastly DJ Smith. No one can dispute that DJ Smith knows App culture and he knows what it takes to win. DJ left what had to have been a pretty good job to come back to App with Loggains. Am I saying DJ thought Loggains was the next Sabin, no. But one of Apps best thought enough of Loggains to become part of his team. See you guys in 2026.

I respect the optimism but the defense allowed Ark State to march down the field in under a minute for the game winning score. And if Smith is repping App culture then he needs to start speaking up during the coaches meetings

The defense did go into prevent and gave up an easy drive when the game was on the line. But, it also grabbed an interception and forced two punts in the 4th Quarter. We tried to win a game with FG’s, when a TD would have put them away.

[Bootsy]

I still think that collecting lower end portal players is absolutely the wrong way to build a G5. If we are paying these guys it’s money down the drain. If we are indeed the equivalent of a double A baseball team and aspire to be a triple A then we need to build through high school recruiting and scour the FCS ranks for hidden gems. We need to build from down to up not the other way. I’ve asked before and maybe there is no definitive answer but what is the success rate for our team as far as portal offers versus acceptance? There are 130+ teams competing for portal guys and obviously the top tier go P4 even if it’s to backup. One huge aspect of college football that never changes is the talent pool. No matter what happens there is always a finite supply of college level talent and a smaller number of division 1 talent. Some act like this changes simply because of a portal and NIL. How many players do we have on this roster who were signed from FCS teams?

It’s an interesting question. The theme all year has been DLO couldn’t win with this inferior roster. So does he do what you are suggesting and bring in good players from smaller conferences or does he mine P4 castoffs? I think what everyone keeps overlooking is does he have the ability to successfully coach them? That’s that million dollar question. People keep saying all he’s gotta do is crush the portal and it’s smooth sailing next season. Is it?

Fair point. How many P5’s recruit talented players, pay them well but still aren’t able to get the job done (i.e., Napier, Kelly, Freeze, etc.)? Landing talent is key, but to discount the value of good coaching is myopic.

[BambooRdApp]

I still think that collecting lower end portal players is absolutely the wrong way to build a G5. If we are paying these guys it’s money down the drain. If we are indeed the equivalent of a double A baseball team and aspire to be a triple A then we need to build through high school recruiting and scour the FCS ranks for hidden gems. We need to build from down to up not the other way. I’ve asked before and maybe there is no definitive answer but what is the success rate for our team as far as portal offers versus acceptance? There are 130+ teams competing for portal guys and obviously the top tier go P4 even if it’s to backup. One huge aspect of college football that never changes is the talent pool. No matter what happens there is always a finite supply of college level talent and a smaller number of division 1 talent. Some act like this changes simply because of a portal and NIL. How many players do we have on this roster who were signed from FCS teams?

I agree with you, in theory, if we had a stellar roster in place. I prefer to have more HS recruits than portal guys. Just a personal preference. However, in the short term period, we will need to mine the portal. Let's say the 2025 class freshman 2026) is top of the SBC as folks are saying. Not sure how many will be immediate contributors as a first year player. As such, App. St. will need to continue in the portal more than I think I would prefer. It does not matter to me where they come from..power, group, FCS, military college, community college... hopefully we are fortunate enough to keep the ones we want to keep and have a successful recruiting season over the next few months.

With all that said with the musical chairs of the portal, you may be in the portal significantly every year in today's world if player musical chairs.

[Bigdaddyg1]

I’m in Cumberland County and we have like 10 high schools here. I’ll bet on average we have (maybe) half a dozen kids go P4. Very rare for us to see a guy become a legit stud at that level. Obviously different in Wake or Mecklenburg County. It’s always been a numbers thing and if we are simply filling a roster with P4 guys who are really FCS level, lower G5 or not college level players then the results won’t vary much. No coach can perform miracles with a roster of players who aren’t college football caliber.

[311neers]

I’m in Cumberland County and we have like 10 high schools here. I’ll bet on average we have (maybe) half a dozen kids go P4. Very rare for us to see a guy become a legit stud at that level. Obviously different in Wake or Mecklenburg County. It’s always been a numbers thing and if we are simply filling a roster with P4 guys who are really FCS level, lower G5 or not college level players then the results won’t vary much. No coach can perform miracles with a roster of players who aren’t college football caliber.

We’ve been filling a G5 roster with FCS/D2 talent for the past 5 years. As proven by droves of our guys that leave (portal) go FCS, D2 or stop playing ball in general. Have to get back to dominating on the recruiting trail.

Silver Lining- we can start recruiting 3 weeks earlier than if we went to a dinky bowl game. (I’d still prefer a bowl but at least we can shift focus to recruiting)

[MrCraig]

The defensive scheme and coaching was absolutely improved this year. The problem with defense was players and/or strength and conditioning.
Last year, the defense was constantly out of sorts, blowing coverages, guys wildly out of position. I didn’t see that nearly as much this year. However, if you’re in position and still can’t tackle it doesn’t really matter.
Next year is going to be a lot better. Mark my words.

[ASUTodd]

Coach Dlo has a LOT to do this off-season. He best get to it. I'll give him support until next season but if there is no improvement in the team or his coaching then it will be time to look elsewhere. He thought he had pressure this year, just wait...... I agree that he needs to find an established offensive coordinator. Lose the young GM and find someone that has some experience in that field. Keep DJ around and don't let him slide away. New S&C coach/coordinator. If all of this fails then not only should Dlo go, Gillin would need to take a hike as well. Also, hit the offensive linemen recruiting with all you got. We need starters and 2nd stringers ready to step in.

[appstate24]

Agree with the sentiment that this offseason is huge not only for DLO’s future but for App State football all in general.

We have got to get better and deeper up front. Priority number 1.

What current players do we build around? Disappointment aside we do have some guys to build around. Some will much much tougher to hang onto than others. Barnes and Phares are going to be next to impossible to keep, but would be huge for us. IMO Phares is the more valuable.

We need to hang on to Trigg Lewis, he’s going to be a stud. If Kanye comes back healthy that’s a solid duo. Building the offense around an improved OLine along with Lewis, Dozier, Mbake is a good start. Kohl is a solid game manager and did show some improvement, but man a solid dual threat QB would be great.

On defense our DBs have to get better. Ethan Johnson was solid, but the other side was very very weak. Just like on offense, the DLine has to get stronger. Rondo Porter and Dylan Manual are both very solid and a good core to build around. If we can somehow keep Phares that’s certainly a great piece to build the LB’s around.

DLO is back next year, that we know. He’s our coach like it or not. Time to circle the wagons, band together and get the train back on the tracks.

GO APPS!!

[BambooRdApp]

Agree with the sentiment that this offseason is huge not only for DLO’s future but for App State football all in general.

We have got to get better and deeper up front. Priority number 1.

What current players do we build around? Disappointment aside we do have some guys to build around. Some will much much tougher to hang onto than others. Barnes and Phares are going to be next to impossible to keep, but would be huge for us. IMO Phares is the more valuable.

We need to hang on to Trigg Lewis, he’s going to be a stud. If Kanye comes back healthy that’s a solid duo. Building the offense around an improved OLine along with Lewis, Dozier, Mbake is a good start. Kohl is a solid game manager and did show some improvement, but man a solid dual threat QB would be great.

On defense our DBs have to get better. Ethan Johnson was solid, but the other side was very very weak. Just like on offense, the DLine has to get stronger. Rondo Porter and Dylan Manual are both very solid and a good core to build around. If we can somehow keep Phares that’s certainly a great piece to build the LB’s around.

DLO is back next year, that we know. He’s our coach like it or not. Time to circle the wagons, band together and get the train back on the tracks.

GO APPS!!

I hope the staff gets money for this wish list

[WASU 93]

#41 Caleb Sandstrom (who came out of FCS) and #93 DeNigel Cooper are a couple of young DL players who gave us good reps the second half of the season.