Postcard from San Diego

Happy New Year! 

This morning, the college football transfer portal opened up. Tonight, I’m sitting at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego with at least three University of Arizona players who chose not to play. I haven’t spoken to them, but I’m guessing that if I cut through the rhetoric, it would come down to a “business decision.” Making money is more important than having a college experience. The same goes for high school students who shop every six months  for what they believe is the best chance to play, rather than staying at one school and competing. 

Sam Leavitt jerseys flew off the shelves in August, but by January, they were on the clearance rack with an additional 50% off. Explain to the big cigar who put money into bringing Sam to Arizona State that he needs to step up again to pay for his replacement. I’m not being critical of Sam Leavitt; he’s just seeking more money from an SEC program, which may end up being Kentucky. Ironically, Kentucky’s quarterback may end up at Arizona State.

Coffin toss for 10K pic.twitter.com/cmgUazJRna

— Brad Cesmat (@bradcesmat) January 3, 2026

Growing up in San Diego County, I find it puzzling that this isn’t a great sports town. When I left for Phoenix in 1993 the Chargers owned the market. Now, the Padres sell out every game, but there’s no NBA, NHL, or NFL. The nickname of the next sports team here should be The San Diego Weather (because that is all there is).