Lots of talk about "we squandered our opportunity" or "we arrived a year early", so wanted to take a VERY early look at next year. Obviously a lot to come with transfers (both in and possibly out) and signings and early declarations for the draft, but this should give a quick look at where we stand and where we need help for next season.  This is very rough obviously, just a very first look

So to summarize the offensive situation

• QB is pretty good with Retzlaff returning, could definitely use someone to step up as the #2 or QB of the future... but tough to get that in the transfer portal. 
• RB is good and young with solid depth and a wide spread of eligibility. Like QB, being better wouldn't hurt, but it's not the priority that other positions are
• At WR, it hurts to lose our top 2 WR (Roberts and Lassiter), but Phillips, Marion, Kingston have plenty of experience and Hagen + McKenzie have upside.  Wouldn't rule out adding an established starter here, but should be OK even if we don't. And if we manage to get Roberts back, then this is a huge strength.
• TE is a bit of a massive hole, will almost certainly need to address via the portal. It would be nice to see Bowers take a step forward but can't count on it at this point
• OL loses a LOT with three departing starters. I made the choice to move Leausa to RT and Makasini to RG, but I'd guess this is also a portal target.  Young guys behind them haven't really shown much yet, so this is a spot we could use both immediate and long-term help.  Thomason, Brown, Tupou have upside but likely aren't ready to be instant impact

So on defense and ST

• The defensive line is the biggest issue.  DE is unproven, with young guys to be excited about (Asiata and Po'uha), but we lose our top three edge rushers.  DT generally lacks ceiling, with more experienced backups moving into larger roles behind departing starters.  Like TE it would be nice to see Ice Moa take a step forward, but I don't think we can count on it.  Honestly, he's more likely to move on in the portal (same with Bowers). I'm guessing we'll be looking for immediate contributors from the portal at both DE and DT.
• LB is rock solid - realistically the biggest problem may be retaining them all.  We're at a point where Kaufusi, Esera, Moa have been around for a while and might want to go somewhere where they can get more time.  That's especially true if Kelly comes back.
• CB has young talent but lacks proven quality.  Some guys that we're excited about (see Alexander and Kabeya)... but probably a spot we'll want to bring in at least one clear starter
• I have no idea what to make of S.  I had to list two starters, so I went with the two currently at the top, but honestly wouldn't be totally surprised by any of the 7 listed there taking a starting role.  It's tempting to say we could use some portal help there, but with SO many upside names, I don't think it will be the priority. More likely to have a few move on and settle out the rotation
• Kicker and Punter are fine.  They've been strong and will continue to be