Not getting JT or Emeka would just confirm that we are pretenders not contenders. With the exception of the one playoff game against Bama, we are solidly in the Tier 2 of college football where we can compete for conference championships and decent bowls but are kidding ourselves that we elite. I could stand losing Emeka but if JT bails then I’m done dreaming this program will ever get there. Looking at OSU’s class it’s just delusional to think you can compete with that especially with a rookie coach.
Two recruits don’t have that much of an impact. UW made the playoffs with less overall roster talent than they have right now. The defense in 2016 was good enough to win a national title but the offense wasn’t, particularly the O-Line and QB weren’t good enough. Now UW has recruited the talent to have one of, if not the best O-lines in the country. The missing piece is always a special QB and I believe between Sirmon, Morris, Garbers, and Huard, at least one of them is going to be special if not two. UW can and will absolutely get back to the playoffs and have a good enough team to win in the playoffs without those two guys. Hell, if Donovan fixes this offense and the new QB balls out, UW could back in the playoffs next season because the defense will be elite.