(06-30-2026 02:07 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  Portal closes at midnight tonight. NIU only has the original four in the portal.

Jennings to Western Illinois
Cihocki to East Carolina

Pretty impressive Cihocki is the only substantial portal loss, especially when you consider we are going to a worse baseball conference than the one we are currently in.

Cole Smith got picked up by Schaumburg baseball team.

https://www.boomersbaseball.com/news/arc...ole-smith/

(07-01-2026 06:21 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Cole Smith got picked up by Schaumburg baseball team.

https://www.boomersbaseball.com/news/arc...ole-smith/

That is a pretty good place for him to land. They are usually one of the better teams in the Frontier League which should help increase his exposure.

Transfer in from IL, outfielder/catcher Luke Landrus.

https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseba...drus/15570

Ranked as the No. 16 player in Illinois and the No. 4 catcher in the state according to Perfect Game.

Ranked as the No. 17 player in Illinois and the No. 4 catcher in the state according to Prep Baseball Report.

We currently have four incoming portal transfers:

Josh Vaughn (Pitcher/soph) - Bradley
Jacob Barrett (Pitcher/junior) - Southern Indiana
Luke Landras (catcher/soph) - Illinois
Nathan Ball (DH/junior) - Central Michigan

High School Adds (I think):

Jackson Ahrens - MIF (East Peoria, IL)
Caleb Cox - RHP (Springfield, IL)
Preston McCracken - RHP (Bois D’Arc, MO)
Connor McKay - RHP (Riverside, IL)
Noah Melby - RHP (Brookfield, WI)
Easton Newman - MIF (Deerfield, IL)
Reed Robinson - C (New Carlisle, IN)
Cole Latimer - OF (Dekalb, IL)
Devin De Loach - LHP (Crystal Lake, IL)

Ivan Dahlberg signed with the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League. A great place to see a game if you are ever looking for a cheap way to watch professional baseball.

New 2027 commit……Logan Mackin RHP from Minooka High School.

https://x.com/logan_mackin99/status/2077...qsyn5erw5A

https://www.youtube.com/@logan_mackin99

(07-15-2026 11:37 AM)HuskieDave Wrote:  New 2027 commit……Logan Mackin RHP from Minooka High School.

https://x.com/logan_mackin99/status/2077...qsyn5erw5A

https://www.youtube.com/@logan_mackin99

His sister, Taylor Mackin, plays for NIU softball.

New commit……..Tommy Hosty (LHP/OF) from Marist.

https://x.com/tommyhosty2027/status/2080...qsyn5erw5A

https://x.com/on3/status/208332921465721...aiWqpvQq1Q

If this holds up, I’m told Dahlberg will be back and Gregorio (awesome in 2025, transferred to Auburn in 26) would also return.

Would be two massive additions.

New 2027 commit from Brother Rice……Anthony Cartolano (OF)……#22 in State of Illinois.

https://x.com/prepbaseballil/status/2083...qsyn5erw5A

Another commit…….from St. Charles East. Kyle LaRose (OF/P).

https://x.com/kylelarose24/status/208374...qsyn5erw5A

(07-31-2026 08:46 PM)7 Wrote:  https://x.com/on3/status/208332921465721...aiWqpvQq1Q

If this holds up, I’m told Dahlberg will be back and Gregorio (awesome in 2025, transferred to Auburn in 26) would also return.

Would be two massive additions.

Didn’t Dahlberg sign a contract for an independent? He would still then be allowed to come back after that?

(08-02-2026 12:01 AM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  

(07-31-2026 08:46 PM)7 Wrote:  https://x.com/on3/status/208332921465721...aiWqpvQq1Q

If this holds up, I’m told Dahlberg will be back and Gregorio (awesome in 2025, transferred to Auburn in 26) would also return.

Would be two massive additions.

Didn’t Dahlberg sign a contract for an independent? He would still then be allowed to come back after that?

I was told they were argue he signed it thinking he was out of eligibility

New commit. Rocco Triolo (catcher) from Lincoln Way East.

https://x.com/ssuburbanhoops/status/2085...qsyn5erw5A

https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/profi...8697513420

(08-02-2026 08:33 PM)7 Wrote:  

(08-02-2026 12:01 AM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  

(07-31-2026 08:46 PM)7 Wrote:  https://x.com/on3/status/208332921465721...aiWqpvQq1Q

If this holds up, I’m told Dahlberg will be back and Gregorio (awesome in 2025, transferred to Auburn in 26) would also return.

Would be two massive additions.

Didn’t Dahlberg sign a contract for an independent? He would still then be allowed to come back after that?

I was told they were argue he signed it thinking he was out of eligibility

Sounds like this argument wouldn't work.

Quote:The NCAA's chief legal officer has issued a clarification to schools over a recent court ruling that made some high school class of 2022 athletes eligible for the 2026-27 athletics season.

Some athletes, like star Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley, have already made plans to return to school. But not just anyone can return to school. In particular, athletes who have pursued a professional path are ineligible to return to their previous school.

"The professional participation rules and rules regarding agents also remain in effect," NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby wrote. "Those rules were not before the judge.

"As a general matter, individuals who leave college sports to pursue professional opportunities are ineligible to return. Schools seeking to roster such players are expected to comply with all NCAA rules."

In addition, the NCAA was clear that the court injunction only applies to student athletes "who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022-23 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA's prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025-26 season."

The Copeland extension, while thru June 30, 2032, eliminated the previous buyout provision.

https://x.com/skylerkisellus/status/2087...qsyn5erw5A

(08-13-2026 10:13 AM)HuskieDave Wrote:  The Copeland extension, while thru June 30, 2032, eliminated the previous buyout provision.

https://x.com/skylerkisellus/status/2087...qsyn5erw5A

I don't normally like discussing other peoples salaries, but since it out there here goes. According to Google AI, the salary range is:

Horizon league - Salary Range: Roughly $65,000 to $100,000 per year.

MAC - Salary Range: Roughly $80,000 to $150,000 per year.

MW - Salary Range: Roughly $120,000 to $230,000+ per year for head coaches.

(08-13-2026 10:13 AM)HuskieDave Wrote:  The Copeland extension, while thru June 30, 2032, eliminated the previous buyout provision.

https://x.com/skylerkisellus/status/2087...qsyn5erw5A

Appears that assistant salary pool will still only leave him with two assistants, which is the smallest assistant staffs among D1 baseball. No way you can make $116k spread among three assistants. Even for the two assistants Copeland has now that is pretty meager.