After Limited Playing Time, Baylor Nose Tackle Samu Taumanupepe Plans to Transfer

Dia del DougO

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11:45a, 1/8/26

Lot of attrition there.

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool."

CaliBear00

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12:44p, 1/8/26

I don't know who is advising him, but this is not a smart move. To transfer this late in the signing period, and a guy who couldn't even crack the starting lineup on a subpar defense? Sigh... I wish him well.

Bearknuckle

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3:06p, 1/8/26

If I recall correctly, Samu was recruited under Dumbo Fisher and he wasn't a great fit for Elko's system, so he got limited snaps as a true frosh and transferred out.

At that point, he fit what Dave was wanting to do but was slated to be a long term project who wouldn't be expected to contribute much during the '25 season (per Aranda last Spring).

I'm guessing that with Klanderman coming in and running this new hybrid defense he cooked up last year in Manhattan, Samu's found himself in similar situation. Klanderman's defense had been heavy on the 3-3-5 but last year went heavier on 4-2-5. The former scheme requires a true NT, the latter does not.

Further, true NTs are not typically 'explosive'...those who are gifted with size, strength AND agility command nearly QB level NIL money. Klanderman prioritizes players who can generate havoc and chaos in the back field, and I don't think that's ever going to be Samu's game.

I wish Samu the best of luck at finding the right fit for him, and with his NIL off the books we can target another player who better fits the system - this is a win win for both parties.

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Karab

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In reply to CaliBear00 • 3:51p, 1/8/26

CaliBear00 said:
I don't know who is advising him, but this is not a smart move. To transfer this late in the signing period, and a guy who couldn't even crack the starting lineup on a subpar defense? Sigh... I wish him well.

He probably has an offer elsewhere already. They just can't say it until he enters the portal.

I think more importantly, Klanderman probably doesn't have a plan to heavily use him or the NT position is what this tells me.

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Realitybites

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In reply to Bearknuckle • 4:43a, 1/9/26

Quote:
Klanderman's defense had been heavy on the 3-3-5 but last year went heavier on 4-2-5. The former scheme requires a true NT, the latter does not.

Wonder if that is signaling the return of the 3-3-5 in 2026.

Bearknuckle

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In reply to Realitybites • 7:00a, 1/9/26

Realitybites said:
Quote:
Klanderman's defense had been heavy on the 3-3-5 but last year went heavier on 4-2-5. The former scheme requires a true NT, the latter does not.

Wonder if that is signaling the return of the 3-3-5 in 2026.

To Baylor? No. I'm saying I believe he'll lean more towards the 4-2-5 and thus its best for both parties to move on now.

Worth mentioning here that Jackson Blackwell, while thought of as an NT, has the potential to be a beast of a DT so I think we're going to want to retain him and I very much hope we do.