I used the word "upside" for a reason. I'm not saying it's likely either would out-perform Jimbo. But I would give literally anyone qualified to obtain the A&M coaching job better odds of a top 5 finish in 2025 or 2026 compared to Jimbo simply because after back-to-back disappointing seasons in years 5 and 6 he had lost all momentum, didn't have player buy in and his roster was about to become even worse. Everyone was predicting another mass portal exodus this year and his roster management has proven to be absolute shit before that even while signing top classes. Again, I don't think it's "likely" either Elko or Traylor has A&M making a deep playoff run in the near term. But it's more likely than if Jimbo were coaching. So yes, I think more upside. I would have been absolutely thrilled with 2 more seasons of Jimbo instead of competing against a new name and renewed booster enthusiasm (portal $$). I don't know how those idiots can afford it, and I certainly don't think it's going to win a risk/reward analysis with the $$ we're talking about, but making the change now did increase their odds of near term success at least some amount no matter who they hire.
Would obviously be happy to see a roster exodus and portal flop prove me wrong.