Lots has occurred on this planet of faculty soccer since Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines celebrated their nationwide championship win three months in the past — not the least of which was Harbaugh departing for the NFL.
Nick Saban, acknowledged as the best faculty soccer coach of all time, retired from his submit at Alabama, setting off a late teaching carousel chain response that left Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, Jedd Fisch at Washington and San José State’s Brent Brennan at Arizona.
Georgia scored the top-ranked recruiting class in February, and whereas there are extra modifications forward because the spring switch portal swings open subsequent week, there’s motion on the sector this weekend within the type of spring video games at many energy convention faculties.
To catch you up, our faculty soccer reporters provide some intriguing newcomers, breakout candidates and place battles to keep watch over.
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Place battle to observe: Cornerback — The Crimson Tide might be beginning over at cornerback in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as coach. Each starters from a 12 months in the past, Terrion Arnold and Kool-Assist McKinstry, are headed to the NFL, doubtless as first-round picks, and 4 different corners transferred. The chances-on favourite to be Alabama’s prime cornerback subsequent season is USC switch Domani Jackson. Nick Saban closely recruited Jackson out of highschool, however he selected USC. The previous five-star prospect performed just one season at USC on a protection that ranked 121st nationally in scoring.
After Jackson, who is aware of? Jahlil Hurley returns after redshirting final season and has but to play a snap in faculty. Alabama introduced in three extremely rated freshmen — Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe and Zay Mincey — and all three have elite abilities and are pushing to get on the sector straight away. Mbakwe has run a ten.47 100-meter sprint. — Chris Low
Most intriguing newcomer: Bobby Petrino — Petrino is not technically a newcomer, however he is again in a well-known place as Arkansas’ offensive coordinator. There aren’t many extra fascinating storylines in faculty soccer than Petrino’s return to Fayetteville, the place he was 21-5 in 2010 and 2011 because the Hogs’ head coach earlier than he acquired into a motorbike accident with an athletic division subordinate with whom he was having an affair, then misled his superiors to cowl it up. He was Jimbo Fisher’s offensive coordinator at Texas A&M final season, although it is up for debate how a lot of his offense he was operating. In the meantime, Sam Pittman’s future with Arkansas (4-8 final season) began to return into doubt, notably after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Dan Enos in October following a six-game dropping streak.
By now, Petrino’s high-flying offenses and his two straight seasons of 10 or extra wins at Arkansas have been sorely missed, and the 2 paths converged. It is an attention-grabbing gambit: If the Hogs do not win quick sufficient, a wildly standard interim candidate exists. But when Petrino’s offense is a difference-maker, Pittman (23-25 at Arkansas) may have a shot at getting the prepare again on the tracks. — Dave Wilson
Most intriguing newcomer: QB D.J. Lagway — After accounting for 74 touchdowns (58 passing, 16 dashing) as a senior in highschool, Lagway was the large prize of the Gators’ recruiting class. Whereas Graham Mertz remains to be in Gainesville after a season wherein he accomplished 73% of his passes for two,903 yards together with 20 touchdowns and simply three interceptions, Lagway is the long run.
After Florida’s first spring scrimmage, coach Billy Napier complimented Lagway’s potential to be taught and retain data, alongside along with his potential to take classes from conferences into follow. “He is picked it up rapidly, and now it is simply the sport administration piece is subsequent,” Napier stated. Maybe we’ll get a great pattern of that within the spring sport. — Harry Lyles Jr.
Place battle to observe: Free security — Whereas operating again Trevor Etienne, who transferred from Florida, is the flamboyant new addition in Athens, a place battle people ought to be watching is at free security. Malaki Starks returns at sturdy security, however his former operating mate, Javon Bullard, is off to the NFL. Skilled gamers, corresponding to Dan Jackson, David Daniel-Sisavanh and JaCorey Thomas, might fill the void, however there are additionally youthful choices, corresponding to Justyn Rhett or five-star KJ Bolden. The Dawgs additionally introduced in Jake Pope from Alabama.
Take it from Starks, who stated earlier this week, “That room could be very aggressive.” And do not forget about new defensive backs coach Donte Williams, who is available in from USC after Fran Brown’s departure to Syracuse. The Bulldogs will determine it out as a result of they all the time do, however it ought to be a enjoyable battle with loads of expertise. — Lyles
Most intriguing newcomer: QB Brock Vandagriff — Vandagriff got here to Kentucky as a graduate switch from Georgia, the place he was a part of back-to-back nationwide championship groups in 2021 and 2022. Vandagriff spent this spring taking many of the first-team reps and is anticipated to be the Wildcats’ starter. He has two years of eligibility remaining and has drawn some comparisons throughout the program to former quarterback Will Levis.
Vandagriff is unproven as QB1, although, as he has performed in solely 13 complete video games, finishing 12 of 21 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. There’s expertise behind Vandagriff, as Beau Allen returns to Kentucky as a graduate switch following one season at Georgia Southern and one other at Tarleton State. — Heather Dinich
Breakout candidate: WR Kyren Lacy — Lacy is LSU’s prime returning receiver and is poised to fill the holes left by the departures of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. Lacy, who has began 12 video games for LSU, was the Tigers’ No. 3 receiver final 12 months, and has caught 54 passes for 826 yards and 7 touchdowns in two seasons at Baton Rouge.
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Coach Brian Kelly stated Lacy was “simply distracted at occasions” however has performed with a newfound consistency this spring. “What has occurred right here, greater than the rest, is he has discovered the fitting zone to be in because it pertains to working towards and preparation,” Kelly stated. “He realized loads final 12 months watching Malik and BT and the best way they got here to follow every single day and carried out, and stated, ‘I can do that, too.’ I am actually happy with him and pleased for him as a result of he’ll have a breakout season due to it.” — Dinich
Most intriguing newcomer: DE Princely Umanmielen — Lane Kiffin has introduced in an assortment of intriguing newcomers on each side of the ball and has labored the switch portal in addition to anybody. The 2024 Rebels may have new faces from a number of SEC groups, and so they’re relying on Umanmielen to make a significant impression at defensive finish. Edge rushers are all the time at a premium, and the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Umanmielen has expertise and manufacturing going for him. He performed 4 seasons at Florida (25 begins) and recorded 11.5 tackles for loss, together with seven sacks, final season.
Kiffin made it a precedence to get larger, stronger and quicker this offseason, and Umanmielen matches that mildew. Kiffin stated this spring that Umanmielen has “best measurement, size and velocity to be a extremely good participant, one which you do not have to say, ‘OK, here is how we would use someone to type of disguise a number of the deficiencies,’ which we have finished loads right here.” — Low
Most intriguing newcomer: TE Holden Staes — The Vols wanted assist at tight finish with Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles gone, so that they introduced in Staes after he spent two seasons at Notre Dame. Search for the 6-4, 242-pounder to turn into a frequent goal for first-year beginning quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
One motive Staes picked Tennessee was the best way the Vols have used their tight ends below coach Josh Heupel. Staes caught 15 passes for 176 yards and 4 touchdowns final season for Notre Dame. He has actually good palms and may make performs in house, however his blocking potential jumped out to the Tennessee coaches as a lot as something. Staes remains to be adjusting to the tempo of Tennessee’s up-tempo offense, however his versatility ought to be a consider each the passing and operating video games. — Low
Most intriguing newcomer: QB Will Howard — Ohio State followers will get their first glimpse of the Kansas State switch, who entered the spring because the front-runner to take over at quarterback for Kyle McCord (now at Syracuse). Howard brings the dual-threat ingredient again to the Buckeyes’ backfield, dashing for 351 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Wildcats final season.
The strain is on Ohio State after a 3rd consecutive loss to Michigan, the reigning nationwide champions. However following an aggressive offseason within the switch portal — coupled with the hiring of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — the Buckeyes boast the gamers to pursue their very own nationwide title. Nonetheless, their hopes determine to hinge closely on Howard — or his main competitors for the job, Devin Brown — offering improved quarterback play. — Jake Trotter
Place battles to observe: Offensive deal with and broad receiver — Penn State misplaced beginning tackles Olu Fashanu, a projected first-round NFL draft decide, and Caedan Wallace from a line that confirmed some enchancment however lacked the efficiency wanted towards prime competitors. The staff added Wisconsin switch Nolan Rucci, an ESPN top-40 recruit in 2021 from the state, who joins returnees corresponding to Drew Shelton, Anthony Donkoh and J’ven Williams. Shelton is out this spring whereas recovering from surgical procedure, which has created sturdy competitors between Rucci, Donkoh and Williams, which coach James Franklin stated would proceed into fall camp.
Broad receiver additionally might be within the highlight after a tricky 2023 season. KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III each return, and Penn State added Ohio State switch Julian Fleming. Will these three or a bunch of youthful gamers present the dependable targets quarterback Drew Allar wants? — Adam Rittenberg
Most intriguing newcomer: RB Reggie Love III — Love is new to Purdue however to not a number of of the Boilermakers coaches who joined Ryan Walters from Illinois. He had 883 dashing yards and 6 touchdowns throughout the previous two seasons for the Illini, and can present a robust complement to Purdue’s lead again Devin Mockobee.
Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell has a number of gamers who can assault defenses on the bottom, as Hudson Card (203 rush yards, 5 TDs in 2023) brings extra mobility than most Air Raid quarterbacks. Though Love had solely 15 receptions at Illinois, his pass-catching potential could possibly be amplified for the Boilers. Different newcomers to observe embody defensive again transfers Nyland Inexperienced (Georgia) and Kyndrich Breedlove (Colorado), and line of defense switch CJ Madden (Georgia). — Rittenberg
Most intriguing newcomer: Head coach Invoice O’Brien — What precisely will Boston Faculty appear like this 12 months below O’Brien? It is an enchanting query. He is among the many most completed playcallers in soccer, however his historical past — at Alabama, Penn State and with the New England Patriots and Houston Texans — does not imply a man desirous to throw warning to the wind and play wide-open, yard soccer.
However have a look at BC’s 2023 season below Jeff Hafley, and that is when the Eagles have been most harmful, with quarterback Thomas Castellanos getting outdoors the pocket, winging it downfield and scrambling for yards on damaged performs. In all, 17.4% of BC’s offense got here on scrambles or throws outdoors the pocket, the third-highest price within the ACC. So will it’s extra of the identical with Castellanos, or can O’Brien assist his QB develop as a pocket passer? — David Hale
Breakout candidate: QB Haynes King — One might argue that the identical might have been stated final spring, however King remains to be a breakout candidate for the Yellow Jackets. In his first full 12 months as a starter — additionally Brent Key’s first full season as head coach — King was electrical. He accomplished 62% of his passes for two,842 yards, 27 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, and added 737 yards on the bottom with 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per rush.
King is among the greatest returning quarterbacks within the ACC, and after main Tech to its first bowl win in seven years, it is honest to count on much more in Yr 2. If he is in a position to restrict turnovers, the Yellow Jackets have a possibility to take one other step in 2024. Saturday’s spring sport is among the most anticipated in Midtown Atlanta shortly, and King is an enormous motive. — Lyles
Most intriguing newcomer: QB Cam Ward — That is a simple one. Ward’s choice to return to Miami, after initially deciding to enter the NFL draft, is fascinating as a result of it shifted the complete dialog across the Hurricanes. Earlier than Ward, who performed at Washington State the previous two seasons, shifted gears, Miami signed Albany switch Reese Poffenbarger to beef up the quarterback room. However now? Miami seems to have one of many strongest quarterbacks within the ACC headed into the season.
The spring sport might be our first likelihood to see how Ward matches into this offense below coordinator Shannon Dawson, and the way he jells along with his receivers. Miami has two veterans returning in Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, and younger expertise that could possibly be able to emerge in Isaiah Horton, JoJo Dealer, Ny Carr and Ray Ray Joseph. Miami has not had constant quarterback play since Tyler Van Dyke was a freshman in 2021. If Ward is ready to reside as much as the expectations, the Hurricanes may have a shot to be within the hunt for the ACC title. — Andrea Adelson
Place battle to observe: Quarterback — Technically, there is not any battle right here. Head coach Pat Narduzzi insists Nate Yarnell is his man, and Yarnell appears to be desirous to flex some muscle in a brand new up-tempo offense in 2024. However Yarnell has solely two video games of great work below his belt, and his function because the de facto starter was outlined totally on the again of strong performances towards BC and Duke to finish final season.
That Christian Veilleux, who began six video games final season, and Alabama switch Eli Holstein are also on the roster supposedly simply means Pitt has depth on the place. However a robust spring sport for Yarnell would assist quell any rumblings a few QB battle among the many followers this summer time, even when Narduzzi is satisfied he has his man both method. — Hale
Breakout candidate: LB Jaden Keller — A redshirt junior, Keller has grown by leaps and bounds from his arrival as an undersized playmaker in the course of the sector, and but, Virginia Tech nonetheless hasn’t seen one of the best of him. Keller has made 4 begins in his profession and had some good moments, however head coach Brent Pry stated he stays a participant the staff hopes will emerge as a real star.
This spring has most likely been the closest to that breakthrough for Keller, who figures to be the starter at center linebacker within the fall, and Pry stated Keller has been at his greatest throughout the Hokies’ scrimmages at Lane Stadium. Count on Keller to placed on one other present Saturday, this time with followers watching. — Hale
Most intriguing newcomer: QB Brendan Sorsby — Sorsby was thrown into the deep finish as a redshirt freshman at Indiana final season, and whereas he did not precisely thrive, he did produce numbers just like these of Cincinnati’s Emory Jones — Jones was 68th in Whole QBR, Sorsby 71st — solely Jones was a senior.
With a senior-heavy line and a ability corps that options not solely a 1,000-yard rusher (Corey Kiner) and go-to receiver (senior Xzavier Henderson) but in addition a wave of intriguing transfers, corresponding to Ohio State operating again Evan Pryor and explosive UTEP slot man Tyrin Smith, Cincinnati’s offense ought to enhance an honest quantity if it has a quarterback prepared to enhance with it. Sorsby confirmed hints of being that man final fall, and he might present just a few extra glimpses within the spring sport. — Invoice Connelly
Place battle to observe: Offensive line — New Cougars coach Willie Fritz, who replaces Dana Holgorsen, is kind of the intriguing newcomer, however a lot of his offensive line might be as new as he’s. The lone exception is true guard Tank Jenkins, who’s returning for his seventh collegiate season (two at Texas A&M, 4 at Houston).
Houston will look to combine three transfers (Dakota White, a 30-game starter at Lousiana Tech; Jake Wiley from UCLA; and Cedric Melton, who arrived from Ole Miss) together with 5 offensive linemen the Cougars signed this 12 months. The excellent news is each place is up for grabs after a training change, however the dangerous information is that is quite a lot of new faces at a key place after a 4-8 season in Houston’s first 12 months within the Large 12. — Wilson
Most intriguing newcomer: WR Dorian Singer — Singer additionally match this billing at USC a 12 months in the past. He was coming off a superb 2022 season at Arizona wherein he caught 66 passes for 1,105 yards with six touchdowns and was named second-team All-Pac-12. However after transferring to USC final 12 months to catch passes from the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, Singer’s manufacturing regressed. He by no means fairly acquired in sync with Williams the best way different USC receivers did and completed with simply 24 catches for 289 yards and three scores.
In hopes of regaining his 2022 type, Singer jumped again within the portal and landed at Utah, which was in determined want of some offensive playmakers after ending No. 120 within the nation in receiving yards per sport (165.8). — Kyle Bonagura