Pretty sure he beat Nasir Bailey last year at U20 trials. Different style, yes and over a year ago. But Nasir is a title contender in 2025. Take that for what it's worth.
Anyone that wins at the level Gable, Cael, JWS, DT, Dake, JB, Big Bruce, etc. is an ultra-competitive killer that will do anything (within the rules) to win.
I think it's more likely Belton goes 133 than Schwartz. Seems like Schwartz's 133 days are long gone. He's been at 141 for 2 years now. And I am pretty certain he transferred out of UNCO because he knew Alirez was dropping to 141 and he wanted to go 141 himself.
All three of these guy were upperclassmen. 103 said freshman or sophomore then portaled.
Sorry, jumped the gun on this post before getting to page 3 and see it had already been discussed.
Where did I say anything about 'being excited'? He said Nini 'shored up the final hole in the Illini lineup at 157'. I made the case that getting a guy that had a losing record last year didn't exactly shore up a hole. Being excited about getting a guy who can sit and develop for the future is far different than 'shoring a hole in the lineup.'
Cael doesn't seem to love the idea of bringing in outsiders (aside from Jimmy Kennedy who was family to DT). Additionally, I'd argue that none of those candidates would be better than what they have in house. Penn RTC has largely been a disappointment.