It would be a waste to throw a 4+ million bag at Leavitt just to attempt to squeeze out 10 wins next year (especially with his added injury concerns). Take a chance on the young guys at QB, and make sure to keep Toney locked in for 2026 and 2027. It was worth risking it with Beck this year since we had a roster that could compete, but next year we return almost no production outside of RB/DB/Toney.
Starting Emory next season would be a waste though. You have to start Nickel/Coleman and see what you have there, and that will guide the portal decision for the 2027 season. Going 8-4/9-3 with Emory vs 6-6/7-5 with Nickel for example does nothing for you.
The most disappointing thing so far this portal cycle has been the failure to get Perich and Biles, we really should have went all in on those two (and maybe we did but whiffed, hard to tell). This is lining up very similar to when UM basketball made the Final 4 and then couldn't capitalize.