With the false promises of the transfer portal, and the impatience of players to both develop and compete, attrition of 5 scholarship players or so annually will be the norm. What needs to alarm us is not whether or not this annual churn takes place, but ultimately who is involved.
If prominent starters are departing, this is not due to lack of playing time or inability to develop, but rather a vote of "no confidence" in the current regime and plan. Consistent poor record / results will drive many prominent players out as they fail to see that a turnaround is truly underway. After 3 seasons, we have reached the point where this staff can no longer sell the theory of "re-build" or "turnaround". Playing time is great, but being a starter on a perennial underperformer is not a legacy many successful players want to be a part of.
Year 4 must produce a solid bowl and / or division crown! Otherwise, we are simply waiting for a coaching change in 2 years or so.