2025 Preseason Top 20 Lookahead | Page 8 | Syracusefan.com

2025 Preseason Top 20 Lookahead

is ssdm not also a question mark? and, losing jake stevens is huge...one could argue the entire middle of the field is a bit of a question mark this year...his impact was felt all over and there's no replacing that with one guy. the ssdm situation is better now than it was entering 2024 now that some younger guys have experience under their belts...but that unit was picked on pretty mercilessly last year, and while maybe it's no longer a huge detriment it will still need to take another step forward for this to be a final four team...Kohn also was electric pushing transition off faceoff wins and scored more than a handful of goals...do they lose that element with Mullen who's not as much of a threat...
 
nyclax said:
is ssdm not also a question mark? and, losing jake stevens is huge...one could argue the entire middle of the field is a bit of a question mark this year...his impact was felt all over and there's no replacing that with one guy. the ssdm situation is better now than it was entering 2024 now that some younger guys have experience under their belts...but that unit was picked on pretty mercilessly last year, and while maybe it's no longer a huge detriment it will still need to take another step forward for this to be a final four team...Kohn also was electric pushing transition off faceoff wins and scored more than a handful of goals...do they lose that element with Mullen who's not as much of a threat...
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I'm probably the biggest doubter of our SSDM unit on here. So yes, I would agree with you, that SSDM is a huge question mark.

Reasons for optimism would be:
1) They still have Carter Rice, who I maintain should be an All American for his defensive prowess. He's not going to put up a lot of points, and isn't the groundball vacuum you probably want in this position, but when it comes to squaring offensive players up, I don't think many are better.

2) Maturation of younger players: We discussed this a lot, but I guess that's what the offseason is for. Syracuse lost their projected #2 starter last year preseason when Max Rosa went down. Then his backup Landon Clary went down early in the season. They played a lot of guys last year, and I don't think many of them figured they would see a lot of minutes prior to the Spring.

I still hope that at least one of them comes back this Spring and has improved greatly (I would say this happened with Carter Rice between his sophomore and junior seasons). Nate LeVine and Wyatt Hottle (if he doesn't move to offense) showed "flashes" last year that hopefully they can improve upon. Maybe something clicks for Jake Spallina and he takes a leap. I don't know much about the new transfer from St. Johns, but he's got good size. With the roster cuts, and not taking a lot of transfers this offseason, I think the coaches must have saw something.

Losing Stevens obviously hurts. It helps to have English back, as I think he can do a lot of the same things - play the wing, play some defense, be a threat on offense. Stevens was better on groundballs no doubt. But I worry about who replaces English in those middle of the field spots, as a sort of backup - I already thought they wore down English too much last year. Now what happens when you don't have Stevens to fall back on? Who is taking face-off wings besides English? Rice had 21 groundballs last year, but no other returning SSDM had double digits (Stevens 47, English 34). Hottle and Rice would be my best guess, but those are big shoes to fill.

Also they have to replace their top three LSMs. If Grace does start down at close, I'm not sure who the top two LSMs are. Caccamo? The freshman Bolognino? Sageder? Syracuse had two really good poles in the middle of the field last year. It's not a huge concern as you've got guys with promise, and with experience, but it's a question mark for sure.

Mullen showed scoring promise last year. Not to the level of Kohn, but I don't think I've ever seen an SU fogo maneuver with the ball the way Kohn did. Mullen had four points last year, which I think is a lot more than any recent SU fogo, save Jeremy Thompson in recent memory. With his size and strength it's definitely something he could expand on.
 
Levine came into the year with no game experience and Hottle came into the year running with the offensive middies. Even English/Stevens I assume were expecting to play only limited ssdm runs at the start, but when Rosa and Clary went down we had to change things up. Also we had Trujillo not getting the job done. Having Levine Hottle and English with experience and fully preparing for their roles in the preseason should help with their quality on ssdm runs. Levine and Hottle are not perfect, but I liked their 1v1 play more as the year went on, especially Levine, who got beat pretty rarely in the later part of the season.

As far as people in the stepping up category, we have guys like Kempney and Chrishawn Hunter who may have enough under their belts where they are ready for some playing time. I think both have enough athleticism for the job and now are more used to D1 speed. Could also see some freshman mins from guys like Matt McIntee and Kolby White who are both speedy. Then I still would not rule out Jake Spallina looking better with a year of experience/fully knowing his role with the team.

I wish Gait and Co had the confidence to trust someone further down the bench with wing play. I think Rice and English are both good there, but as Powellfan mentioned, those are not guys you want worn down at the end of the season. Since we don't have a guaranteed success in Stevens, why not try a guy who has the speed and is willing to bust his asz with 110% on the wing? Again, guys like Kempney and Hunter come to mind for that. Mullen is not the offensive wiz that Kohn was, but he is an insane athlete who is equally effective on groundballs after a faceoff.
 
JeremyCuse said:
Your forgetting English who is coming off that knee injury who apparently looked good in the fall and was a big loss early for them last year. They also have a couple of incoming kids who could push for time especially at middie.

I assume most Hopkins fan expect Ayers and Chauvette to take another big step forward, Chauvette especially and that Melendez will look more like the 23 version versus the guy who struggled for most of 24. Hackler should help in transition as well, as he could easily play 1st midline on most teams.

That said there are definitely some potential pitfalls for Hop on offense. Angelus is a massive loss, he was clearly main initiator for that team and when he played well Hop usually won. With him gone they don't really a true QB type to lead the offense. Degnon again is also a major loss as he forced teams to choose whether to put their top cover guy on himself or Angelus. I suspect Hop fans hope Chauvette can step into that role but he's been mostly a catch and shoot guy who is going to need to develop more of an off ball/dodging game as he struggled once teams eventually just started shadowing him and his defender not sliding.

The other issue fo HOp is what does Melendez give them. If he's more like the 23 version that's a big boon. If he's more like the 24 version that went MIA at times and looked off for most of the year, that's gonna be a major problem. Collison is also key for them. He had another very good year but will need to carry more of the load with Angelus and Degnon gone.


Defensively is where Hop will likely excel, Staudt should be good in goal and while they won't have near the SSDM depth they had last year their close defense will be very good especially after they somehow got Scott Smith another year miraculously.


FOGO and overall offense are definitely their biggest question marks.
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In the end, I sort of feel there are too many question marks and not enough options on offense for Hopkins to be in the top 10. Probably more like an 11-15 team.
Unfortunately, this probably means I will have to put Duke at #10.
 
Powellfan said:
I'm probably the biggest doubter of our SSDM unit on here. So yes, I would agree with you, that SSDM is a huge question mark.

Reasons for optimism would be:
1) They still have Carter Rice, who I maintain should be an All American for his defensive prowess. He's not going to put up a lot of points, and isn't the groundball vacuum you probably want in this position, but when it comes to squaring offensive players up, I don't think many are better.

2) Maturation of younger players: We discussed this a lot, but I guess that's what the offseason is for. Syracuse lost their projected #2 starter last year preseason when Max Rosa went down. Then his backup Landon Clary went down early in the season. They played a lot of guys last year, and I don't think many of them figured they would see a lot of minutes prior to the Spring.

I still hope that at least one of them comes back this Spring and has improved greatly (I would say this happened with Carter Rice between his sophomore and junior seasons). Nate LeVine and Wyatt Hottle (if he doesn't move to offense) showed "flashes" last year that hopefully they can improve upon. Maybe something clicks for Jake Spallina and he takes a leap. I don't know much about the new transfer from St. Johns, but he's got good size. With the roster cuts, and not taking a lot of transfers this offseason, I think the coaches must have saw something.

Losing Stevens obviously hurts. It helps to have English back, as I think he can do a lot of the same things - play the wing, play some defense, be a threat on offense. Stevens was better on groundballs no doubt. But I worry about who replaces English in those middle of the field spots, as a sort of backup - I already thought they wore down English too much last year. Now what happens when you don't have Stevens to fall back on? Who is taking face-off wings besides English? Rice had 21 groundballs last year, but no other returning SSDM had double digits (Stevens 47, English 34). Hottle and Rice would be my best guess, but those are big shoes to fill.

Also they have to replace their top three LSMs. If Grace does start down at close, I'm not sure who the top two LSMs are. Caccamo? The freshman Bolognino? Sageder? Syracuse had two really good poles in the middle of the field last year. It's not a huge concern as you've got guys with promise, and with experience, but it's a question mark for sure.

Mullen showed scoring promise last year. Not to the level of Kohn, but I don't think I've ever seen an SU fogo maneuver with the ball the way Kohn did. Mullen had four points last year, which I think is a lot more than any recent SU fogo, save Jeremy Thompson in recent memory. With his size and strength it's definitely something he could expand on.
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Think you pretty much hit on all of the spots. I remain concerned about SSDM but also cautiously optimistic. Rice is a stud there, wish he had another year beyond 25 but i'll take him remaining injury free this coming season.

Levine had some good moments but got betrayed by his lack of foot speed at times. He is a guy who I think can matchup well with certain middies but SU needs to avoid him on shifty jitter bug types, he's going to struggle with that kind of matchup. .

Spallina had to play before he was ready but I think he likely got some valuable minutes and should be improved from last year. I heard some rumblings Hottle moving back to midfield but I wouldn't be surprised if he played a two way role as he really played well at times at SSDM last year. However, much like Levine SU has to be careful with the matchups and for teams looking to force slides to get him stuck on attackmen or a big dodging middie ala Collision and Schutz.

I believe Hunter, one of the frosh and Kempney will also be playing SSDM along with Ochoa who I suspect will end up seeing a lot of time, SU likes his size and he played a lot last year for a bad but slightly improved St. Johns team. I believe SU experimented with some bigger middies this fall playing SSDM which included Blake Borges before his transfer.

LSM is interesting to say the least. I was under the impression that was going to be Grace. That said I know there has been some rumblings about him playing that 3rd close spot which was up in the air most of the year. My suspicion is that Grace and an unknown will be the LSM combo with Donny Scott as a potential wild card if SU does move Grace to close as I believe Scott has played LSM previously. Sageder is interesting, played a lot as a frosh but the staff didn't seem as keen on him with when they brought in two highly regarded LSM's last year. Keep an eye on Bolognino and Stephens, two frosh who could really push for PT early at the third close spot (Stephens) or LSM (Bolognino) and fill in if injuries creep in. Caccamo and Kol are still there but I wonder if after last years musical chairs between the two SU tries to go with a more permanent option. Caccamo can play LSM as well. Lots of question marks to be honest and lots of options for very few open spots with Riley and Dwan clearly entrenched.

FOGO I think is in real good shape. Between Mullen and the frosh Angelo SU should have a nice 1-2 punch. Now Mullen doesn't have the same O background as Kohn did but he's no Danny Brennan, he can push it and score and that part of his game should evolve. The one aspect that could be an issue is if Mullen gets hurt. Asking Angelo to be the top guy as a frosh is a lot especially with what he will see against fellow ACC FOGO's even with Naso finally graduating. Now Fine and Richiusa are still on the roster but between them they took 1 faceoff each last year. Still they are at least a veteran presence who could hopefully fill in for a few games and not have the situation completely fall part. If I were Gait I'd probably talk with the one I liked more about a RS this year as SU currently has no FOGOs in the 25 class. Yes both Mullen and Angelo will be back but your one injury away from being in major trouble (ask Yale about last season).

I do share your concern about the faceoff wing. Stevens was excellent their last year, and really didn't get the credit he should have. Watch that Cornell game again and he absolutely vacuums up the last like 3 gbs of the draw and put SU in every position to win. I assume SU will turn to Rice to be the short stick guy which is fine but as you noted isn't ideal for keeping him rested and out of harms way. I am not a big fan of English on the wing, as you noted he really seemed to tire in the 2nd half of games last year (Army is a perfect example) and he struggled with turnovers at times. I would prefer Rice and a younger guy out there. Who that is exactly I am not sure, maybe Hottle as you noted, maybe a guy like Hunter, maybe Ochoa maybe someone else. As or the long pole out there I assume whoever wins the LSM spot will be out there the most. I am guessing some combo of Grace and Donny Scott or maybe Bolognino or even Sageder.
 
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I’m not sure how others feel but I am anticipating and hoping that the close defense unit in year 2 of Odierna is better. They had some really good flashes and Fig seemed to play great down the stretch.

I gotta be honest, I can’t stomach another year of Kol playing close. I’d like to see Dwan, Grace, Fig and close… on paper that is an elite unit I feel.
 
Jake Spallina got a lot of experience last Summer playing D in the box game for the Orangeville Northmen. I don't know how well that experience translates to the field game but I'd guess it doesn't hurt. He took most of their faceoffs also.
 
grace is a better fit at LSM if u ask me (no one did)...he is good off the ground, good in transition, and can use his giant wingspan to extend out on the perimeter and clog up passing lanes...not saying he wont be effective as a d1 close defenseman but i would worry a tad about his short area quickness in tight if he has to match up with smaller quicker attackmen...you will prob see a situation where the orange dont have a traditional #1 cover guy and instead guard based on size...figueiras taking the quicker guys and dwan or grace the bigger stronger types no matter who is considered the other team's best player...

the other thing is these canadian defensemen are typically not known for being solid, fundamental stay at home close D guys...they are risk takers and play with an edge and thats best utilized in the middle of the field and at LSM...we'll see...
 
nyclax said:
grace is a better fit at LSM if u ask me (no one did)...he is good off the ground, good in transition, and can use his giant wingspan to extend out on the perimeter and clog up passing lanes...not saying he wont be effective as a d1 close defenseman but i would worry a tad about his short area quickness in tight if he has to match up with smaller quicker attackmen...you will prob see a situation where the orange dont have a traditional #1 cover guy and instead guard based on size...figueiras taking the quicker guys and dwan or grace the bigger stronger types no matter who is considered the other team's best player...

the other thing is these canadian defensemen are typically not known for being solid, fundamental stay at home close D guys...they are risk takers and play with an edge and thats best utilized in the middle of the field and at LSM...we'll see...
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My understanding is Grace might play close due to his knee injury he suffered last year? I could be wrong, but taking less full field runs might lessen the impact of his recently repaired knee. Personally I feel more comfortable with him playing LSM, and someone like Scott taking the third close position.
 
what bout beck ? he’s a tall guy and has played on man down for last two years? Also hoping to see chuck kazynski (sorry for spelling ) as he is from pa (much love) and was a solid recruit but been injured mostly from what i know. Like to see what kid can do if stays healthy.
 
cuselaxss26 said:
what bout beck ? he’s a tall guy and has played on man down for last two years? Also hoping to see chuck kazynski (sorry for spelling ) as he is from pa (much love) and was a solid recruit but been injured mostly from what i know. Like to see what kid can do if stays healthy.
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Both could be on the man down this year but I don't believe either is in the run for starting spot.
 
I finished up with my Preseason top 10
1) Notre Dame
2) Syracuse
3) Cornell
4) Maryland
5) Virginia
6) Princeton
7) Penn State
8) Yale
9) Duke
10) Penn
Teams like Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Denver, Army come in the next group.
Perhaps UNC will finally put all their talent together.
 
Zack80 said:
and yet still managed to beat Cornell twice and beat Duke.
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theyre not a bad team but its just interesting u took out hop because they have a shaky offense (i agree) with a team that has a significantly worse offense...dont think that makes very much sense now does it

penn has missed the tourney two years in a row now...i buy top 15 but top 10 is a stretch...meanwhile all georgetown does is keep making quarterfinals, it would seem theyre prob a top 10 team
 
nyclax said:
theyre not a bad team but its just interesting u took out hop because they have a shaky offense (i agree) with a team that has a significantly worse offense...dont think that makes very much sense now does it

penn has missed the tourney two years in a row now...i buy top 15 but top 10 is a stretch...meanwhile all georgetown does is keep making quarterfinals, it would seem theyre prob a top 10 team
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Last year was last year. Penn returns 5 of their top 6 scorers, while not big scorers they are established scorers. The also return IL's #5 recruit in 2023, Leo Hoffman, who was getting his feet wet last year (13 pts). They have 2 other good sophomores who might move up: Ben Beacham and Davis Provost. They bring in IL's #28 midfield recruit Paul Van Bastelaar. They also bring in a transfer, Chris Patterson, who scored 32 for Hobart as a freshman.

Georgetown does return their top scorer, Carroll (60pts), but loses their next 3: Haley, Bundy and Vardaro. They have 2 midfielders: Crogan (23 pts) and Wray (22 pts) returning. Georgetown brings in Ben Firlie, M, IL's #21 recruit and IL's #52 recruit Jack Ransom, A. Looks more iffy to me.
Georgetown looks like they should be good, but I'll stay with Penn at #10.
 
Zack80 said:
I finished up with my Preseason top 10
1) Notre Dame
2) Syracuse
3) Cornell
4) Maryland
5) Virginia
6) Princeton
7) Penn State
8) Yale
9) Duke
10) Penn
Teams like Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Denver, Army come in the next group.
Perhaps UNC will finally put all their talent together.
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I think I would have hop at around 8 or 9. At least above Duke and Penn. Think they still have enough weapons for their offense to stay afloat on that end. Of course they also barely got above 10 goals in all of April and May, so they really need to take a step forward on that end rather than stay afloat. Still think losing all of 4 of their main ssdms along with McDermott on the wing will be a major loss, even with the 2 Yale guys. Close D/Goalie should still be song.

Curious to see if the young offensive talent on Penn State can replace a guy like Malone. They were inconsistent last season overall, but had some quality wins. Defense should still be good. Don't entirely hate them at 7 but would probably put them a little lower too.
 
inside yalecrosse conveniently leaves out that the bulldogs lose a tewaaraton finalist in matt brandau...like yes i know getting lyons and johnson back are good but it's not like they are adding them to last year's team...they are losing their best player and THEN adding two guys back in. so it's really only a "net add" of one guy if u think about it...

they will have a good attack again but scoring goals has never been the problem...the problem is the defense doesnt know how to rotate...they slide and recover worse than a club team
 
Zack80 said:
Another InsideLacrosse article ranking the top 5 attack units:

Syracuse is at #5. You guys aren't getting a lot of respect from InsideLacrosse.
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That seems fair. You might be able to argue they should be in over Yale given that the Bulldogs lost their leading scorer and Johnson and Lyons are coming back from injury, but certainly nothing to be upset by. A lot of people just assume that Princeton will be gangbusters, but I'm not sure. Burns wasn't at the level of Kabiri last year (57 pts vs 35). So perhaps Syracuse could make an argument, but again, nothing to freak out over.

Syracuse should have the #1 ranked midfield. Their close defense should also be top 5 with Figueiras and Dwan.
 
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