I don’t understand. Do you think if Rathjen is better than Parco that Brands wouldn’t start him? He will put out the team that he thinks will score the most points, regardless of how much some booster paid in NIL.
The sell is easy, and everyone in the world knows it. This is Iowa. You want a spot on the team you better be a high AA, otherwise we’re looking to improve. This is the way it is at any top program. Michael Beard was an AA and got shelved for Max Dean. Sorry top recruit Facundo, it was supposed to be your time, but we’re bringing in Messenbrink.
Shoot ISU, ditched a R12 (Kraisser) for Chittum just last year. AE transfers in and beats Casey in a wrestle off and knocks R12 Redding to the bench. Now guys with potential like Nando and Naak are probably sitting for transfers.
You want to wrestle at a top program, nothing is guaranteed.