In Reply to: So his contract has a player option* posted by andyH on October 29, 2026 at 17:51:23
Be careful what you wish for with Nico. He demonstrated he is a legit 5 star his first year running Heupel's offense at Tenn. He has played under very difficult conditions at UCLA.
Publicly Coach hasn't been supportive, Nico complained about the Alexander punch and Coach's response was he didn't see it was not a good look. Lanning got the SC player suspended after the Moore hit. I very much hope in private that Coach is doing all he can with the family to get Nico and Madden to stay. That hasn't been the public look with Nico and Madden.
The last thing we want is a Mendoza situation. Mendoza loved Cal, so much that after the hoopla he came pack and walked at graduation in cap and gown to get his diploma. He also had a brother that is a QB. Cignetti got him to portal to a national championship and a Heisman. We certainly don't want Nico to to repeat that. Imagine if that school was across town and Coach Chez was the HC. Remember Nico has already taken a team to the playoffs.