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Quann wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 4:58 pm

UMass1991 wrote: Mon Jan 26, 2026 12:16 pm UConn homers are looking at a 11-1 or 12-0 season under new head coach

Rutgers is Rutgers

Hawaii is being discussed for the CFP

Assuming this team can beat Stonehill and Sacred Heart, we are looking at 2-3 OOC and ? in conference. It is possible another 2 win season

I think we discussed it in another thread, the Hawaii game is getting the axe right? We'll probably have 8 MAC games again I would assume. I'm hoping we can beat Sacred Heart and Stonehill but no guarantees as a UMass fan. 4 total wins should be attainable. Right? Please? I'm begging?!

Why would that game get axed? I think they would've told us already.

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:31 pmWhy would that game get axed? I think they would've told us already.

At the last 2025 sports luncheon, Bamford explained that they were trying to move the Hawaii game out of the 2026 season to a future year so that the team gets a bye IN 2026. At last week's luncheon, Harasymiak said the Hawaii game is still on. It wouldn't surprise me if they are still trying to negotiate with Hawaii, but at the moment, it is still on.

Rolling Ridge wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:28 pm

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:31 pmWhy would that game get axed? I think they would've told us already.

At the last 2025 sports luncheon, Bamford explained that they were trying to move the Hawaii game out of the 2026 season to a future year so that the team gets a bye IN 2026. At last week's luncheon, Harasymiak said the Hawaii game is still on. It wouldn't surprise me if they are still trying to negotiate with Hawaii, but at the moment, it is still on.

Why did they add Stonehill if he wanted a bye? 9/26 might be a bye before MAC schedule starts. That is week four of the season. UConn is scheduled in the middle of October.

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:36 pmWhy did they add Stonehill if he wanted a bye? 9/26 might be a bye before MAC schedule starts. That is week four of the season. UConn is scheduled in the middle of October.

I'm not certain. I think Stonehill was a replacement for another team that got pushed into a future year. Hawaii is weird because if you play Hawaii, you can play 13 games. They want to push Hawaii into a season where they can play them in week zero (late August), which still allows the team to have a bye. That isn't possible in 2026 as we're playing Rutgers.

Rolling Ridge wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:28 pm

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:31 pmWhy would that game get axed? I think they would've told us already.

At the last 2025 sports luncheon, Bamford explained that they were trying to move the Hawaii game out of the 2026 season to a future year so that the team gets a bye IN 2026. At last week's luncheon, Harasymiak said the Hawaii game is still on. It wouldn't surprise me if they are still trying to negotiate with Hawaii, but at the moment, it is still on.

In fairness to Bamford, his office is across campus and it's too far a drive to get to the football offices, so you can't expect him to know stuff about his football program. It's just not fair to him, guys.

Rolling Ridge wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 8:26 pm

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:36 pmWhy did they add Stonehill if he wanted a bye? 9/26 might be a bye before MAC schedule starts. That is week four of the season. UConn is scheduled in the middle of October.

I'm not certain. I think Stonehill was a replacement for another team that got pushed into a future year. Hawaii is weird because if you play Hawaii, you can play 13 games. They want to push Hawaii into a season where they can play them in week zero (late August), which still allows the team to have a bye. That isn't possible in 2026 as we're playing Rutgers.

The unwind of the Independent schedule was mostly accomplished but Hawaii has been resistant to unwinding our home and home. Think it may have been UCF that provided September slot. Thorr is now responsible for football scheduling and the Stonehill game is a win win. We get a very winnable game during September, generally nicer weather and could be a homecoming game. To Rolling Ridge repeating the scheduling spin from the sports luncheon that I appreciate. We had a MACtion game last year and practicly speaking could not have that and Hawaii in the same week with Thanksgiving. UConn is also scheduled in October, sans of the old independence scheduling. Making it difficult to have a bye near the middle of the season. If we get rid of the Hawaii game, it opens that week back up for a MACtion game and the MAC more flexibility in giving us a bye earlier in the season

From this mornings "UMass Improves Through The Portal" article.

Insiders note that the difference between this year’s portal haul versus last year’s is rooted in the fact that this year’s group is rooted more in proof than projection.

The Minutemen have added 23 transfers so far, nine on offense, 13 on defense, and one specialist, reshaping nearly every position group in a short span. The emphasis, according to a source close to the situation, was clear.

“All these guys have played before,” the source said. “Just about every single guy added this portal period has actual production and has actually played college football. That’s the thing I’m most excited about.

“Last year it was more projection. This year decisions were made off film.”

The result is a roster influx the staff believes will raise the floor immediately while intensifying competition across the board.

https://www.minutemancommand.com/p/umas ... the-portal

Nice highlights and info on key guys and stating they are still looking for OL help and signed 3 with writeups.

Is there a count somewhere of how many players have left the program from last season, for whatever reason?

Remember we were portal heavy for sometime and player's eligibility running out. Say around 50 with some not getting invited back and guessing 10 that hit the portal. Others may have an exact number. Have seen 23 transfer ins plus 2 that did have an option and came back from the portal. 21 freshman ahead of National signing on Wednesday.

Juice Stand wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 6:52 am

Rolling Ridge wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:28 pm

minutefanjsf wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:31 pmWhy would that game get axed? I think they would've told us already.

At the last 2025 sports luncheon, Bamford explained that they were trying to move the Hawaii game out of the 2026 season to a future year so that the team gets a bye IN 2026. At last week's luncheon, Harasymiak said the Hawaii game is still on. It wouldn't surprise me if they are still trying to negotiate with Hawaii, but at the moment, it is still on.

In fairness to Bamford, his office is across campus and it's too far a drive to get to the football offices, so you can't expect him to know stuff about his football program. It's just not fair to him, guys.

That drive from Mullins to McGuirk has to be a full mile

Quann wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 7:36 pm

Juice Stand wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 6:52 am

Rolling Ridge wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:28 pm
At the last 2025 sports luncheon, Bamford explained that they were trying to move the Hawaii game out of the 2026 season to a future year so that the team gets a bye IN 2026. At last week's luncheon, Harasymiak said the Hawaii game is still on. It wouldn't surprise me if they are still trying to negotiate with Hawaii, but at the moment, it is still on.

In fairness to Bamford, his office is across campus and it's too far a drive to get to the football offices, so you can't expect him to know stuff about his football program. It's just not fair to him, guys.

That drive from Mullins to McGuirk has to be a full mile

Why are you here, disrespecting the football forum with your dissatisfaction with our AD. You know Thorr has hands on running football. Take your fight against the AD to the other sports forum or any other sport. Football has Thorr running point for football.

^ ^In the good weather, maybe he could borrow one of the basketball golf carts…….

Steve81 wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 9:10 pm

Quann wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 7:36 pm

Juice Stand wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 6:52 am
In fairness to Bamford, his office is across campus and it's too far a drive to get to the football offices, so you can't expect him to know stuff about his football program. It's just not fair to him, guys.

That drive from Mullins to McGuirk has to be a full mile

Why are you here, disrespecting the football forum with your dissatisfaction with our AD. You know Thorr has hands on running football. Take your fight against the AD to the other sports forum or any other sport. Football has Thorr running point for football.

The late signing period starts tomorrow. Anyone have an idea or information that we might pick up a few more players?

km109 wrote: Tue Feb 03, 2026 8:57 am The late signing period starts tomorrow. Anyone have an idea or information that we might pick up a few more players?

At the sports luncheon last week, Coach Joe said they have 98 roster spots filled. He said they are actively looking to fill those last seven spots, especially targeting overlooked high school players who may have gotten "lost in the shuffle" at the end of last year.