In a surprising showdown on Saturday night, Idaho came close to pulling off an upset against No. 3 Oregon, only to be defeated in the fourth quarter. Despite dominating statistics, Oregon struggled against the Vandals, who sacked transfer QB Gabriel three times and limited their offensive capabilities. The game highlighted the realities of college football in 2024, with Oregon being seen as the gold standard of NIL thanks to their well-funded program, while smaller programs like Idaho struggle to retain top players who are lured by NIL deals at larger schools.
Idaho coach Jason Eck’s team lost key players to FBS programs via the transfer portal, with many of them receiving lucrative NIL deals. The Vandals put up a strong fight against Oregon, showcasing the potential of their young players. Eck acknowledges the challenges in retaining talent in the current college football landscape but remains focused on developing players and providing opportunities for both athletes and coaches.
Idaho’s performance against Oregon drew attention from larger programs, highlighting the potential of their players to compete at a higher level. As the dynamics of college football continue to evolve, Eck is determined to navigate the challenges while emphasizing development and growth within his program.
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