2025 Strategy Shift?

[bnoro]

I would be stunned if we won 8 games next year. If we win 7 games I would be so thrilled., I am hoping for a solid 6. And don't you dare say it about me!!

How the tables have turned...

 

[RMH44]

SMU has picked up a really nice looking portal haul on the OL and DL to go with Jennings. The other 4 should be consensus top 10 programs. Plus, i’m comparing our 2025 team to our 2024 team. I see a bunch of significant losses that weren’t replaced.

Replaced by whom? Maybe the staff is comfortable with younger players on the roster and don't deem it necessary to use the portal in every case.

 

[hoopsupstate]

SU arguably lost 10 of their top 11 players including McCord who is the only reason we won ten games. This roster has major holes in it. Fran may think he can coach guys up, but this roster next year is not coming close to six wins. Good chance they whiff on all their road games and SU is not going to win every game against BC, PITT, NC or Duke. Not happening.

 

[baggerbob]

I will be extremely surprised if we win more than 6 games. Compared to last year there are numerous more question marks and a much harder schedule, as in potentially 4 teams in the top 10, and SMU who should be top 15-20. All on road. Let’s be a little realistic. Last year there was a path with a loaded team and people were still hedging with 7-8 wins. Now we lost numerous impact players and we should expect 6-8 wins? Sky isn’t falling but next year doesn’t look promising.

I'm definitely waiting for that, you should at least wait until the fall before starting to be discouraged. Neither you or I have any idea who will be here in the fall.
We also have no idea how good the second year players are going to be.
We also have no idea of possible late additions coming in.

 

[anomander]

Replaced by whom? Maybe the staff is comfortable with younger players on the roster and don't deem it necessary to use the portal in every case.

That’s certainly wishful thinking. We have the whole country improving their rosters by picking up plug and plays from the portal but we should assume that we just have back ups waiting in the wings?

 

[SuFTW]

That’s certainly wishful thinking. We have the whole country improving their rosters by picking up plug and plays from the portal but we should assume that we just have back ups waiting in the wings?

A bit of hyperbole. Teams are also losing players to the portal and are having younger players mature into starting roles.

 

[bnoro]

That’s certainly wishful thinking. We have the whole country improving their rosters by picking up plug and plays from the portal but we should assume that we just have back ups waiting in the wings?

Can't believe there were so many plug and play guys in the portal! There's a reason why most of these guys are transferring and it's not because they're plug and play sure-fire starters.

Nothing is a sure thing, and you're looking at SU through a microscope while you look at who every other school is bringing in at a macro level.

 

[AZOrange]

Why would any team/punt on an entire season before the season? That’s insane

 

[vegasnick]

SU arguably lost 10 of their top 11 players including McCord who is the only reason we won ten games. This roster has major holes in it. Fran may think he can coach guys up, but this roster next year is not coming close to six wins. Good chance they whiff on all their road games and SU is not going to win every game against BC, PITT, NC or Duke. Not happening.

This might be the worst post I’ve seen on this forum. The ONLY player that is a MAJOR question in replacing is MCCord. The staff is very high on JW and brought in a transfer (Collins) and a stud freshman (carney) to have a competition to win the job. Meeks was a stud but we have amazing depth and talent at WR also Zeed is back who originally beat out Meeks last year! OG was also a stud but his blocking was avg at best. Jamie Trimble is a 4 star recruit who has a year of experience under his belt, and is a better run blocker. He will be more that suitable to replace OG. We may not throw as much to the TE, but WRs can make up for it while Tremble gets better over time. Allen was a work horse but we have the luxury to replace him with Willis (4star) and Nixon. Combined they can absolutely replace LA’s production.

On the defensive side of the ball, Diggs was a leader and made some big plays- he also missed a bunch of tackles and statistically was avg. KJE had a year under him and will be primed to replace him. The secondary is the DEEPEST and most talented room on the team- not too mention Fran was the 2023 DB coach of the year. I think he knows more than any of us on the forum- just my opinion!
The biggest hole left is LB. Deslauriers is going to play as a freshman and should- he’s ready from a physical standpoint. We still need to add one. This team is 2-3 transfers away from being just fine! Running the table at home is very doable and I’d go as far to say I’d be surprised if they don’t!

Jeff Nixon is an offensive guru- he will design the play calls to help the QB succeed. This team isn’t “Punting” on anything. There’s a lot of depth which creates competition- competition makes players better!

 

[W'boro'Cuse315]

I watched the game. We won a lot of games last year with a close score. We don't have an amazing qb this year. I hope for the best. But we also lost a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Going 6-0 at home is going to be a struggle. Far greater it seems than people here want to admit.

Then I guess it’s a matter of perspective. You say 6-0 at home will be “a struggle”. I say it’s “an ambitious goal”. We’re saying the same thing but coming from two different places.

 

[anomander]

A bit of hyperbole. Teams are also losing players to the portal and are having younger players mature into starting roles

A bit of hyperbole. Teams are also losing players to the portal and are having younger players mature into starting roles.

What type of programs are we talking about? Schools who consistently recruit at the top 20 level, or programs closer to where we typically are? Right now Syracuse is just ahead of Clemson from last place in portal recruiting rankings. We’ve had 1 decent recruiting class in the last few decades (last season). I guess i’m not as confident in our depth as others.

Can't believe there were so many plug and play guys in the portal! There's a reason why most of these guys are transferring and it's not because they're plug and play sure-fire starters.

Nothing is a sure thing, and you're looking at SU through a microscope while you look at who every other school is bringing in at a macro level.

huh? There are countless plug and plays in the portal. Kids are leaving for any reason you can think of. Carson Beck just left Georgia for Miami. Just like the last few seasons there are numerous FCS all-americans that moved up that will be starting for major P4 programs next season. I’m not just looking at Syracuse through a microscope. If you’re into college football you can get information anywhere you look. I’ve noticed that many more programs are now willing to pay portal transfers that are likely to fill in as starters next season.

You make it seem that portal transfers are a negative? They’ve literally changed the landscape of college football? I can’t even begin to name impact players like Cam Ward that started at the FCS level and became stars. Indiana made the playoffs basically on the back of transfers and the top programs added star QB’s and other key positions players like it was free agency. I really don’t get your point?

 

[Kalima45]

This might be the worst post I’ve seen on this forum. The ONLY player that is a MAJOR question in replacing is MCCord. The staff is very high on JW and brought in a transfer (Collins) and a stud freshman (carney) to have a competition to win the job. Meeks was a stud but we have amazing depth and talent at WR also Zeed is back who originally beat out Meeks last year! OG was also a stud but is blocking was avg at best. Jamie Trimble is a 4 star recruit who has a year of experience under his belt, and is a better run blocker. He will be more that suitable to replace OG. We may not throw as much to the TE, but WRs can make up for it while Tremble gets better over time. Allen was a work horse but we have the luxury to replace him with Willis (4star) and Nixon. Combined they can absolutely replace LA’s production.

On the defensive side of the ball, Diggs was a leader and made some big plays- he also missed a bunch of tackles and statistically was avg. KJE had a year under him and will be primed to replace him. The secondary is the DEEPEST and most talented room on the team- not too mention Fran was the 2023 DB coach of the year. I think he knows more than any of us on the forum- just my opinion!
The biggest hole left is LB. Deslauriers is going to play as a freshman and should- he’s ready from a physical standpoint. We still need to add one. This team is 2-3 transfers away from being just fine! Running the table at home is very doable and I’d go as far to say I’d be surprised if they don’t!

Jeff Nixon is an offensive guru- he will design the play calls to help the QB succeed. This team isn’t “Punting” on anything. There’s a lot of depth which creates competition- competition makes players better!

Every single player you listed has very limited if any playing time. You can’t just replace experience with freshman and rs freshman and expect the same results. I do think that the future will be good, I just don’t think that it’s gonna be this upcoming season where we see that.

 

[anomander]

This might be the worst post I’ve seen on this forum. The ONLY player that is a MAJOR question in replacing is MCCord. The staff is very high on JW and brought in a transfer (Collins) and a stud freshman (carney) to have a competition to win the job. Meeks was a stud but we have amazing depth and talent at WR also Zeed is back who originally beat out Meeks last year! OG was also a stud but his blocking was avg at best. Jamie Trimble is a 4 star recruit who has a year of experience under his belt, and is a better run blocker. He will be more that suitable to replace OG. We may not throw as much to the TE, but WRs can make up for it while Tremble gets better over time. Allen was a work horse but we have the luxury to replace him with Willis (4star) and Nixon. Combined they can absolutely replace LA’s production.

On the defensive side of the ball, Diggs was a leader and made some big plays- he also missed a bunch of tackles and statistically was avg. KJE had a year under him and will be primed to replace him. The secondary is the DEEPEST and most talented room on the team- not too mention Fran was the 2023 DB coach of the year. I think he knows more than any of us on the forum- just my opinion!
The biggest hole left is LB. Deslauriers is going to play as a freshman and should- he’s ready from a physical standpoint. We still need to add one. This team is 2-3 transfers away from being just fine! Running the table at home is very doable and I’d go as far to say I’d be surprised if they don’t!

Jeff Nixon is an offensive guru- he will design the play calls to help the QB succeed. This team isn’t “Punting” on anything. There’s a lot of depth which creates competition- competition makes players better!

You’re talking about guys who have yet to even make an impact at the college level. Personally, I think Willis will be fine, but Quint had that heart that was infectious. Don’t get me wrong. I hope the rest works out, but at this point it’s nothing but wishful thinking.

 

[vegasnick]

Every single player you listed has very limited if any playing time. You can’t just replace experience with freshman and rs freshman and expect the same results. I do think that the future will be good, I just don’t think that it’s gonna be this upcoming season where we see that.

The only players I mentioned who are limited or have no experience are Tremble, KJE, Deslauriers and whoever the QB is. Everyone one else played and has experience.

 

[vegasnick]

You’re talking about guys who have yet to even make an impact at the college level. Personally, I think Willis will be fine, but Quint had that heart that was infectious. Don’t get me wrong. I hope the rest works out, but at this point it’s nothing but wishful thinking.

I agree about LeQuint. Aside from a few players everyone else has a taste of what competing is about. The bowl game practices were and spring ball are going to be very important. I have faith in the strength coaches and position coaches to get this team ready to compete.

 

[Kalima45]

The only players I mentioned who are limited or have no experience are Tremble, KJE, Deslauriers and whoever the QB is. Everyone one else played and has experience.

Zeed has 9 career catches and the deep DB room is filled with lots of guys with limited to no starts.

 

[phil77]

Its OK to say we have a ton of question marks next year because we do...

Offense outside of WR we have question marks at every position
Defense we have question marks at every position
Coaching staff has a big question as well and a lot to prove. How much was Kyle and how much was them? What did they learn? Are they going to change things? Dino had a 10 win year as well.

So many questions with a very tough schedule on paper. Should be an interesting season. Would have liked Fran to be more aggressive in the portal to grab some plug-and-play players but Fran wants the youth so show us what you can do with it.

 

[David321]

I expect Fran to be fairly active in the spring portal in April.

 

[vegasnick]

Zeed has 9 career catches and the deep DB room is filled with lots of guys with limited to no starts.

Zeed also had praise from everyone on the team, especially Kyle McCord and every DB who tried to cover him at practice. You do realize, everyone has to have their first “start” at some point, right? You make it sound like they haven’t played a down of football in their lives. Also, incase you didn’t know- at the collegiate level, practice is like a game EVERYDAY. If you listen to recruits and both players and coaches - the intensity of the teams practices is incredible, and what attracts many of them. Meeks even said, the workouts and practices at Syracuse were far harder than UGA. That’s how you develop talent to get them ready to “start”.

 

[Nahson]

This might be the worst post I’ve seen on this forum. The ONLY player that is a MAJOR question in replacing is MCCord. The staff is very high on JW and brought in a transfer (Collins) and a stud freshman (carney) to have a competition to win the job. Meeks was a stud but we have amazing depth and talent at WR also Zeed is back who originally beat out Meeks last year! OG was also a stud but his blocking was avg at best. Jamie Trimble is a 4 star recruit who has a year of experience under his belt, and is a better run blocker. He will be more that suitable to replace OG. We may not throw as much to the TE, but WRs can make up for it while Tremble gets better over time. Allen was a work horse but we have the luxury to replace him with Willis (4star) and Nixon. Combined they can absolutely replace LA’s production.

On the defensive side of the ball, Diggs was a leader and made some big plays- he also missed a bunch of tackles and statistically was avg. KJE had a year under him and will be primed to replace him. The secondary is the DEEPEST and most talented room on the team- not too mention Fran was the 2023 DB coach of the year. I think he knows more than any of us on the forum- just my opinion!
The biggest hole left is LB. Deslauriers is going to play as a freshman and should- he’s ready from a physical standpoint. We still need to add one. This team is 2-3 transfers away from being just fine! Running the table at home is very doable and I’d go as far to say I’d be surprised if they don’t!

Jeff Nixon is an offensive guru- he will design the play calls to help the QB succeed. This team isn’t “Punting” on anything. There’s a lot of depth which creates competition- competition makes players better!

Lmao. Whoa, I thought the Kool-aide I drank was Orange, give me some of what you’re drinking. I appreciate the optimism but there was nothing their post that was completely out of bounds.

1.) The staff may high on JW but he’s never taken a snap of College ball and didn’t crack the depth chart last year. Throwing him into the fire against a stacked schedule is… tough. Lots of growing pains. Then there’s Rickie. Is he good? Maybe. No clue. But banking off an SEC transfer with a strong high school pedigree, hasn’t exactly worked out for us recently. Carney is a true freshman. Either way, curbing expectations is extremely justified.

2.) WR depth is good. No clue if Zeed is actually going to play for SU again… but still good squad.

3.) Down playing losing OG in any way, shape, or form, is wild. Good blocker, not a good blocker, whatever. Huge loss. Can Tremble fill those choose? Lofty expectations. I’m more relaxed about this because I’m high on Villari, if he’s healthy.

4.) Willis will be fine.

5.) Defense as a whole got dogged a lot this year and we lost a lot of talent. Don’t agree the CB room is somehow stronger now than it was last year? I’d be interested to see what mental gymnastics you did to land there. KJE should be a good one. He flashed. Hopefully he can gain weight and be an every down player. Banking on a freshman LB to step in a lead the defense is tough, despite being physically ready.

6.) I disagree we’re 2-3 transfers away from being great.

I think we’re going to be a young team, who is above average, with a very difficult schedule. I think Bnoro is pretty spot on. I will watch 2025 and support the boys but look to 2026 with excitement. I hope I’m wrong but with how great Fran is building and recruiting, this cycle has been strange.

 

[vegasnick]

Lmao. Whoa, I thought the Kool-aide I drank was Orange, give me some of what you’re drinking. I appreciate the optimism but there was nothing their post that was completely out of bounds.

1.) The staff may high on JW but he’s never taken a snap of College ball and didn’t crack the depth chart last year. Throwing him into the fire against a stacked schedule is… tough. Lots of growing pains. Then there’s Rickie. Is he good? Maybe. No clue. But banking off an SEC transfer with a strong high school pedigree, hasn’t exactly worked out for us recently. Carney is a true freshman. Either way, curbing expectations is extremely justified.

2.) WR depth is good. No clue if Zeed is actually going to play for SU again… but still good squad.

3.) Down playing losing OG in any way, shape, or form, is wild. Good blocker, not a good blocker, whatever. Huge loss. Can Tremble fill those choose? Lofty expectations. I’m more relaxed about this because I’m high on Villari, if he’s healthy.

4.) Willis will be fine.

5.) Defense as a whole got dogged a lot this year and we lost a lot of talent. Don’t agree the CB room is somehow stronger now than it was last year? I’d be interested to see what mental gymnastics you did to land there. KJE should be a good one. He flashed. Hopefully he can gain weight and be an every down player. Banking on a freshman LB to step in a lead the defense is tough, despite being physically ready.

6.) I disagree we’re 2-3 transfers away from being great.

I think we’re going to be a young team, who is above average, with a very difficult schedule. I think Bnoro is pretty spot on. I will watch 2025 and support the boys but look to 2026 with excitement. I hope I’m wrong but with how great Fran is building and recruiting, this cycle has been strange.

Lmao. Whoa, I thought the Kool-aide I drank was Orange, give me some of what you’re drinking. I appreciate the optimism but there was nothing their post that was completely out of bounds.

1.) The staff may high on JW but he’s never taken a snap of College ball and didn’t crack the depth chart last year. Throwing him into the fire against a stacked schedule is… tough. Lots of growing pains. Then there’s Rickie. Is he good? Maybe. No clue. But banking off an SEC transfer with a strong high school pedigree, hasn’t exactly worked out for us recently. Carney is a true freshman. Either way, curbing expectations is extremely justified.

I have said repeatedly that you’re not going to replace McCord. It’s actually asinine to think we will. It’s not fair to the players, coaches, or fans to think that. He had a legendary season. JW Redshirted last year but practiced everyday and Kyle mentored him. The QB spot is for grabs, with JW having a slight advantage because of last year. Either way,the best one will win. I’ve also said, sometimes the system makes the QB. Yes, McCord was great, but the system definitely helped mask his inefficiencies. The same can happen this year. Nixon is one of the best play callers I’ve seen.

2.) WR depth is good. No clue if Zeed is actually going to play for SU again… but still good squad.

We Agree here

3.) Down playing losing OG in any way, shape, or form, is wild. Good blocker, not a good blocker, whatever. Huge loss. Can Tremble fill those choose? Lofty expectations. I’m more relaxed about this because I’m high on Villari, if he’s healthy.

Villari is one of my favorite players on the team. He’s an athlete and a tough competitor. He’s not a great TE, but will play a similar role as this past season. Hopefully he will be able to be slightly more productive as a pass catcher. I never said replacing OG was easy. Tremble and Villari will be fine, we may not use the TE as much as we did in the pass game, that could open up for more production for the WR group.
men
4.) Willis will be fine.

Again, we agree. And Will Nixon was very good before he got hurt. He should be just as good this year and split time with Willis.

5.) Defense as a whole got dogged a lot this year and we lost a lot of talent. Don’t agree the CB room is somehow stronger now than it was last year? I’d be interested to see what mental gymnastics you did to land there. KJE should be a good one. He flashed. Hopefully he can gain weight and be an every down player. Banking on a freshman LB to step in a lead the defense is tough, despite being physically ready.

Mental Gymnastics? The dline returns almost everyone with another year of experience. Plus they added a bunch of depth from the recruiting class and Chris Thomas via the portal. Eric Thomas, Quante Gillians, Jalen Pray, and Nathan Nyandoro should all see time. They added tremendous size and athleticism. Nyandoro was the number one player in Canada. They are deeper and bigger! I’ve also said, they should add a LB via the portal. I think they will. Deslauriers is a freakish player who is rare to find - there’s a reason he had offers from over 17 schools including the likes of ND, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State etc. He will play. He’s 6’1 235lbs benches over 400lbs and runs a 4.6 40yd dash. He’s ready. Now, onto DB. Marcus Washington the recruit we landed from Louisville and UGA was hurt last season and medically redshirted. He’s a 4 star that can play. The staff loves Kerr. Grant and Duce are back. That leaves one spot to fill- Martin and McDaniel both improved as the season went on. It’s also a position that Fran has prioritized. He works directly with them had has the confidence in them, why shouldn’t we? Not too mention Demetres Samuels and Kalib Singleton are both highly touted recruits that the staff loves!

6.) I disagree we’re 2-3 transfers away from being great.

Depending on Petry and Bradford, we may need an OL that can play immediately. We can use a LB (already mentioned) and Fran may want to add an interior DL OR S.

I think we’re going to be a young team, who is above average, with a very difficult schedule. I think Bnoro is pretty spot on. I will watch 2025 and support the boys but look to 2026 with excitement. I hope I’m wrong but with how great Fran is building and recruiting, this cycle has been strange.

We are going to be young in spots, but the talent level is there. I believe in this staff and they’ve done nothing to make anyone feel different. Is the schedule tough, yes. Do I think we will be a playoff team- NO. I think 7-8 wins is a good prediction as of today. As we get closer to August, we will see how things develop. The doom and gloom from some people is unwarranted. All I’m doing is trying to put things into perspective and be a realist. When you look deep into the roster they really don’t fall off as much as some think!

 

[Nahson]

Lmao. Whoa, I thought the Kool-aide I drank was Orange, give me some of what you’re drinking. I appreciate the optimism but there was nothing their post that was completely out of bounds.

1.) The staff may high on JW but he’s never taken a snap of College ball and didn’t crack the depth chart last year. Throwing him into the fire against a stacked schedule is… tough. Lots of growing pains. Then there’s Rickie. Is he good? Maybe. No clue. But banking off an SEC transfer with a strong high school pedigree, hasn’t exactly worked out for us recently. Carney is a true freshman. Either way, curbing expectations is extremely justified.

I have said repeatedly that you’re not going to replace McCord. It’s actually asinine to think we will. It’s not fair to the players, coaches, or fans to think that. He had a legendary season. JW Redshirted last year but practiced everyday and Kyle mentored him. The QB spot is for grabs, with JW having a slight advantage because of last year. Either way,the best one will win. I’ve also said, sometimes the system makes the QB. Yes, McCord was great, but the system definitely helped mask his inefficiencies. The same can happen this year. Nixon is one of the best play callers I’ve seen.

2.) WR depth is good. No clue if Zeed is actually going to play for SU again… but still good squad.

We Agree here

3.) Down playing losing OG in any way, shape, or form, is wild. Good blocker, not a good blocker, whatever. Huge loss. Can Tremble fill those choose? Lofty expectations. I’m more relaxed about this because I’m high on Villari, if he’s healthy.

Villari is one of my favorite players on the team. He’s an athlete and a tough competitor. He’s not a great TE, but will play a similar role as this past season. Hopefully he will be able to be slightly more productive as a pass catcher. I never said replacing OG was easy. Tremble and Villari will be fine, we may not use the TE as much as we did in the pass game, that could open up for more production for the WR group.
men
4.) Willis will be fine.

Again, we agree. And Will Nixon was very good before he got hurt. He should be just as good this year and split time with Willis.

5.) Defense as a whole got dogged a lot this year and we lost a lot of talent. Don’t agree the CB room is somehow stronger now than it was last year? I’d be interested to see what mental gymnastics you did to land there. KJE should be a good one. He flashed. Hopefully he can gain weight and be an every down player. Banking on a freshman LB to step in a lead the defense is tough, despite being physically ready.

Mental Gymnastics? The dline returns almost everyone with another year of experience. Plus they added a bunch of depth from the recruiting class and Chris Thomas via the portal. Eric Thomas, Quante Gillians, Jalen Pray, and Nathan Nyandoro should all see time. They added tremendous size and athleticism. Nyandoro was the number one player in Canada. They are deeper and bigger! I’ve also said, they should add a LB via the portal. I think they will. Deslauriers is a freakish player who is rare to find - there’s a reason he had offers from over 17 schools including the likes of ND, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State etc. He will play. He’s 6’1 235lbs benches over 400lbs and runs a 4.6 40yd dash. He’s ready. Now, onto DB. Marcus Washington the recruit we landed from Louisville and UGA was hurt last season and medically redshirted. He’s a 4 star that can play. The staff loves Kerr. Grant and Duce are back. That leaves one spot to fill- Martin and McDaniel both improved as the season went on. It’s also a position that Fran has prioritized. He works directly with them had has the confidence in them, why shouldn’t we? Not too mention Demetres Samuels and Kalib Singleton are both highly touted recruits that the staff loves!

6.) I disagree we’re 2-3 transfers away from being great.

Depending on Petry and Bradford, we may need an OL that can play immediately. We can use a LB (already mentioned) and Fran may want to add an interior DL OR S.

I think we’re going to be a young team, who is above average, with a very difficult schedule. I think Bnoro is pretty spot on. I will watch 2025 and support the boys but look to 2026 with excitement. I hope I’m wrong but with how great Fran is building and recruiting, this cycle has been strange.

We are going to be young in spots, but the talent level is there. I believe in this staff and they’ve done nothing to make anyone feel different. Is the schedule tough, yes. Do I think we will be a playoff team- NO. I think 7-8 wins is a good prediction as of today. As we get closer to August, we will see how things develop. The doom and gloom from some people is unwarranted. All I’m doing is trying to put things into perspective and be a realist. When you look deep into the roster they really don’t fall off as much as some think!

I’m not trying to piss in your cheerios, but the defense was bad last year. But, love the attitude! Will gladly eat crow.

 

[anomander]

Lmao. Whoa, I thought the Kool-aide I drank was Orange, give me some of what you’re drinking. I appreciate the optimism but there was nothing their post that was completely out of bounds.

1.) The staff may high on JW but he’s never taken a snap of College ball and didn’t crack the depth chart last year. Throwing him into the fire against a stacked schedule is… tough. Lots of growing pains. Then there’s Rickie. Is he good? Maybe. No clue. But banking off an SEC transfer with a strong high school pedigree, hasn’t exactly worked out for us recently. Carney is a true freshman. Either way, curbing expectations is extremely justified.

I have said repeatedly that you’re not going to replace McCord. It’s actually asinine to think we will. It’s not fair to the players, coaches, or fans to think that. He had a legendary season. JW Redshirted last year but practiced everyday and Kyle mentored him. The QB spot is for grabs, with JW having a slight advantage because of last year. Either way,the best one will win. I’ve also said, sometimes the system makes the QB. Yes, McCord was great, but the system definitely helped mask his inefficiencies. The same can happen this year. Nixon is one of the best play callers I’ve seen.

2.) WR depth is good. No clue if Zeed is actually going to play for SU again… but still good squad.

We Agree here

3.) Down playing losing OG in any way, shape, or form, is wild. Good blocker, not a good blocker, whatever. Huge loss. Can Tremble fill those choose? Lofty expectations. I’m more relaxed about this because I’m high on Villari, if he’s healthy.

Villari is one of my favorite players on the team. He’s an athlete and a tough competitor. He’s not a great TE, but will play a similar role as this past season. Hopefully he will be able to be slightly more productive as a pass catcher. I never said replacing OG was easy. Tremble and Villari will be fine, we may not use the TE as much as we did in the pass game, that could open up for more production for the WR group.
men
4.) Willis will be fine.

Again, we agree. And Will Nixon was very good before he got hurt. He should be just as good this year and split time with Willis.

5.) Defense as a whole got dogged a lot this year and we lost a lot of talent. Don’t agree the CB room is somehow stronger now than it was last year? I’d be interested to see what mental gymnastics you did to land there. KJE should be a good one. He flashed. Hopefully he can gain weight and be an every down player. Banking on a freshman LB to step in a lead the defense is tough, despite being physically ready.

Mental Gymnastics? The dline returns almost everyone with another year of experience. Plus they added a bunch of depth from the recruiting class and Chris Thomas via the portal. Eric Thomas, Quante Gillians, Jalen Pray, and Nathan Nyandoro should all see time. They added tremendous size and athleticism. Nyandoro was the number one player in Canada. They are deeper and bigger! I’ve also said, they should add a LB via the portal. I think they will. Deslauriers is a freakish player who is rare to find - there’s a reason he had offers from over 17 schools including the likes of ND, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State etc. He will play. He’s 6’1 235lbs benches over 400lbs and runs a 4.6 40yd dash. He’s ready. Now, onto DB. Marcus Washington the recruit we landed from Louisville and UGA was hurt last season and medically redshirted. He’s a 4 star that can play. The staff loves Kerr. Grant and Duce are back. That leaves one spot to fill- Martin and McDaniel both improved as the season went on. It’s also a position that Fran has prioritized. He works directly with them had has the confidence in them, why shouldn’t we? Not too mention Demetres Samuels and Kalib Singleton are both highly touted recruits that the staff loves!

6.) I disagree we’re 2-3 transfers away from being great.

Depending on Petry and Bradford, we may need an OL that can play immediately. We can use a LB (already mentioned) and Fran may want to add an interior DL OR S.

I think we’re going to be a young team, who is above average, with a very difficult schedule. I think Bnoro is pretty spot on. I will watch 2025 and support the boys but look to 2026 with excitement. I hope I’m wrong but with how great Fran is building and recruiting, this cycle has been strange.

We are going to be young in spots, but the talent level is there. I believe in this staff and they’ve done nothing to make anyone feel different. Is the schedule tough, yes. Do I think we will be a playoff team- NO. I think 7-8 wins is a good prediction as of today. As we get closer to August, we will see how things develop. The doom and gloom from some people is unwarranted. All I’m doing is trying to put things into perspective and be a realist. When you look deep into the roster they really don’t fall off as much as some think!

You’re naming kids that haven’t even taken a step on campus yet? It took OG 2 years in the S&C program to become OG. It’s unfair to expect 17-18 year old kids to come in, adjust to living away from home, learn a playbook, go to school, and then contribute in a positive way as a true freshman. You have to pump the brakes with some of those guys until we at least see them workout with the team.