Faculty soccer 2024 – What we’re most excited to see

Whereas Michigan followers are nonetheless basking within the glory of the Wolverines’ nationwide championship, the remainder of the school soccer world is left to look forward to subsequent season.

We have already gazed right into a crystal ball for our Approach-Too-Early Prime 25 and Approach-Too-Early All-America staff. Now we’re wanting extra particularly at what we’re most excited to see as soon as the groups take the sector in 2024.

ESPN’s faculty soccer reporters weigh in on the video games they’re most excited to see, the freshmen or transfers who may make a significant impression and the groups they suppose could be able to take a major step ahead.

What sport on subsequent season’s schedule are you most wanting ahead to?

Miami at Florida, Aug. 31

Although this in-state rivalry sport could not have nationwide championship implications proper out of the gate, this can be a big sport for each packages and head coaches. Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier every head into essential Yr 3 seasons with fan bases which might be anticipating outcomes. Curiously sufficient, they’ve almost an identical information of their first two seasons — Cristobal 12-13 because the hometown hero tasked with bringing Miami again, Napier 11-14 going through the toughest schedule within the nation. What occurs on this sport will set the narrative and tone for what’s to return at each faculties. — Andrea Adelson

Texas at Michigan, Sept. 7

Whereas the defending nationwide champions shall be present process a major transition — most notably with Jim Harbaugh off to the NFL — Texas needs to be rocking and rolling heading into 2024 with a visit to Ann Arbor on the docket in Week 2, the packages’ first assembly for the reason that 2005 Rose Bowl. Together with his staff a play away from taking part in for the nationwide title final season, Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers certainly shall be on many preseason Heisman lists, and the Wolverines get the early-season litmus check they have not handled up to now. — Blake Baumgartner

Georgia at Alabama, Sept. 28

Kalen DeBoer was already on the clock the minute the Alabama airplane touched down in Tuscaloosa after he was introduced as Nick Saban’s substitute. Because the late Keith Jackson would say, “Whoa Nellie!” DeBoer understands precisely what he is strolling into, however it’ll get actual (virtually surreal) when Kirby Sensible and Georgia come to city in Week 4. Will probably be solely the fifth time up to now 20 years the 2 SEC powerhouses have performed within the common season. 5 of their previous six conferences have are available both the SEC championship sport or the CFP Nationwide Championship sport. Saban was 5-1 in these video games, however shall be watching from the stands on this one. — Chris Low

Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12

It is most likely no coincidence that the Buckeyes determined to go all in on the switch portal shortly after rival Michigan ended its 26-year drought with no nationwide title. By including Alabama security Caleb Downs, Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss tailback Quinshon Judkins and different impression gamers, the Buckeyes could be the staff to beat within the newly expanded Large Ten. The Geese could have one thing to say about it, nevertheless, after including former Oklahoma starter Dillon Gabriel to switch record-setting quarterback Bo Nix. An extended journey to Eugene will not be simple for the Buckeyes, particularly after going through Iowa’s stout protection the week earlier than. — Mark Schlabach

Georgia at Texas, Oct. 19

Georgia probably will enter the season at No. 1 with a superb opportunity to win its third nationwide title in 4 seasons after claiming none between 1980 and 2021. A midseason journey to Austin will inform so much, although, particularly if Texas can construct on its breakthrough 2023 season with quarterback Quinn Ewers again alongside a number of key switch portal additions. The groups have met within the common season solely as soon as, at a impartial web site in 1958 at Texas’ Memorial Stadium, however most of these clashes shall be extra frequent within the new-look SEC. — Adam Rittenberg

Florida State at Notre Dame, Nov. 9

This sport could have playoff implications for each packages, however significantly Notre Dame, which may solely earn a spot within the 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff by means of an at-large bid. (Solely the 5 highest-ranked convention champions are assured a spot.) The Irish may get a major enhance to their résumé if they’ll declare a win in opposition to the potential ACC champs. If FSU finishes as a one-loss or undefeated convention champion, a street win in opposition to a ranked Notre Dame staff may enhance its seeding within the 12-team area. — Heather Dinich

Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 30

Nobody is aware of what this sport will seem like by the point it comes round. With Harbaugh gone, will offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who was the interim coach in opposition to Ohio State this previous season for the Wolverines, be the top coach? We do not know who Michigan’s substitute at quarterback shall be for the outgoing J.J. McCarthy. We do know that Ohio State has loaded up within the switch portal and added numerous expertise. This sport is all the time attention-grabbing, however this season could have new storylines to look at and will have a ton of ramifications. — Tom VanHaaren

Utah at Oklahoma State, date TBD

Take into account this one a placeholder. The Large 12 has lengthy been a convention of tight video games and wild finishes — I all the time joke that each sport is set by three factors, and it is solely a lot of a joke — and it simply traded its two blue-blood packages for 4 groups that, with the fitting breaks this 12 months, might be equal to everybody else, no higher or worse. We may get even nearer to “each sport is set by three factors” changing into a actuality, in different phrases. There won’t be a nationwide title contender on this convention, however it’ll be a nonstop experience of enjoyable video games. — Invoice Connelly

Which true freshman or switch are you most excited to see?

Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State

With Marvin Harrison Jr. probably a top-five NFL draft choice come April after three very profitable seasons in Columbus, there is a vital void to fill on the large receiver manufacturing facility that exists at Ohio State. Enter five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith, the second-best receiver within the recruiting cycle. Smith (No. 7 general in 2024) caught 90 passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior for Florida highschool energy Chaminade-Madonna Prep, and he ought to present a direct impression for Ryan Day and Kansas State import Will Howard. — Baumgartner

Dylan Raiola at Nebraska

The five-star quarterback from Buford, Georgia, surprised numerous people when he flipped from his longtime dedication to Georgia to signal with Nebraska, his father Dominic’s alma mater, shortly earlier than nationwide signing day. There’s a sturdy household connection to the Cornhuskers; Raiola’s uncle Donovan is the staff’s offensive line coach. Raiola was on the lookout for speedy taking part in time as a freshman, and he would possibly be capable of discover it with the Cornhuskers. In 2023, Nebraska ranked next-to-last within the Large Ten in passing (solely Iowa was worse) with 135.9 yards per sport. — Schlabach

Dillon Gabriel at Oregon

Quarterback free company in faculty soccer has by no means been hotter. Oregon hit it good with Bo Nix the previous two seasons, and now it is Gabriel’s flip to take his shot at piloting the Geese’ offense. This shall be Gabriel’s third cease after beginning his profession at UCF and taking part in the previous two seasons at Oklahoma. There’s not a lot Gabriel hasn’t seen. He is getting into his sixth season of faculty soccer and has thrown 25 or extra landing passes in 4 of his earlier 5 seasons. He additionally rushed for 12 touchdowns a 12 months in the past. He has been tutored by Josh Heupel and Jeff Lebby and is the form of skilled playmaker the Geese want at quarterback as they transition to the Large Ten. — Low

DJ Uiagalelei at Florida State

It feels unusual even typing DJU and Florida State in the identical sentence, contemplating the trail he has traveled to get to Tallahassee. One of the crucial extremely touted quarterbacks within the nation out of highschool, Uiagalelei began his profession at Clemson, the place he struggled for 2 seasons because the starter, then sought a recent begin at Oregon State. After a stable 2023 season, Uiagalelei determined to switch as soon as once more — this time to Clemson’s ACC nemesis. Will he deal with the strain that comes with the highlight at Florida State any higher than he did at Clemson? Time will inform. Mark an X on Oct. 5 in your calendar; that is the date Clemson involves Doak Campbell Stadium. — Adelson

Caleb Downs at Ohio State

The Buckeyes had been in a position to get Downs, who was arguably the very best switch participant this offseason. He was the primary true freshman at Alabama to steer the staff in whole tackles with 107. Coordinator Jim Knowles has improved this Ohio State protection in two seasons, however including Downs will push the group up one other stage. Downs needs to be an on the spot impression participant who may assist Ohio State compete for a nationwide championship when mixed with everybody else the Buckeyes have returning on protection for the 2024 season. — VanHaaren

Malachi Nelson at Boise State

Nelson’s scenario stands out for quite a lot of causes. Most No. 1 general recruits, particularly quarterbacks, would seem in a couple of sport and log greater than three go makes an attempt of their freshman season. Ought to they select to switch, they usually would choose an identical sort of program or at the least one in an influence convention. However Nelson is headed to Boise State, which comes off a shock Mountain West title run, returns key gamers similar to working again Ashton Jeanty, and could also be poised to reclaim its place because the nation’s elite Group of 5 program — simply in time for the expanded CFP. Nelson’s evolution on the blue turf shall be fascinating to look at. — Rittenberg

Cam Ward at Miami

I feel I am most excited in regards to the uncertainty right here — I’ve completely no concept what to anticipate from Ward, who was superbly prolific at Incarnate Phrase, then tantalizing however inconsistent in two years at Washington State. Ward appeared to need to go professional, declaring for the draft however apparently not getting the draft grade he was on the lookout for, and that might make him significantly hungry for an enormous 12 months. He is a fairly correct passer with a scrambling streak. Can he unlock what has been a really irritating Miami offense? Or will he frustrate too? — Connelly

What staff are you most focused on seeing if it could possibly take an enormous step ahead?

Ole Miss

The Rebels completed 11-2 with losses to Georgia and Alabama in 2023. So the large step right here is attempting to compete with these two and attempting to get to the SEC championship sport. The offense returns a ton of manufacturing, together with quarterback Jaxson Dart. However the coaches have fully retooled the protection, which was the world that wanted enchancment. Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding added Texas A&M defensive deal with Walter Nolen, Florida edge Princely Umanmielen, Oklahoma security Key Lawrence, Arkansas linebacker Chris Paul Jr., Indiana security Louis Moore, Tennessee nook Brandon Turnage, Michigan nook Amorion Walker and Alabama nook Trey Amos. That staff, with these additions, needs to be in line for an additional nice season as one of many elite groups within the nation. — VanHaaren

Syracuse

The Orange have gained 10 video games in a season precisely as soon as up to now 22 years, going 10-3 below Dino Babers in 2018. Babers could not maintain that success and was fired after his groups produced one successful season up to now 5. The Orange took of venture on former Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown, who’s a top-notch recruiter however has by no means been a head coach. He landed former Ohio State starter Kyle McCord out of the switch portal. The Orange do not play ACC foes Clemson, Florida State or North Carolina in the course of the common season, they usually play Virginia Tech, Miami, Stanford and Georgia Tech at residence. There’s an opportunity for enchancment in Brown’s first season. — Schlabach

Michigan State

Given what Jonathan Smith did at Oregon State and the choice to go away his alma mater to teach within the newly loaded Large Ten, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if he can get Michigan State again on monitor after the Mel Tucker period resulted in shame. The complete quarterback room transferred out following a tumultuous 4-8 marketing campaign. Aidan Chiles joined Smith from Corvallis and needs to be given the keys to the Spartans’ offense after seeing restricted time as DJ Uiagalelei’s backup (309 passing yards, 79 dashing yards and 7 whole TDs in 9 video games). The Spartans’ offense wants a jolt within the worst manner after ending one hundred and twenty fifth in FBS in whole offense (289.3 YPG) and 96th nationally in passing (199.8 YPG). With in-state rival Michigan nonetheless reveling in its first nationwide title since 1997, Michigan State cannot fall too far behind. Smith’s monitor report suggests he could also be up for the duty. — Baumgartner

Utah

It is a credit score to Kyle Whittingham and his complete Utah program that an 8-5 report is seen as a “down” season. However the Utes misplaced 4 convention video games for the primary time since 2017 and misplaced 4 of their final six video games to finish the season. That is after successful back-to-back Pac-12 championships. As they transition to the Large 12 in 2024, do not be stunned if the Utes are proper there on the high difficult for the title. That is vital, too, as a result of the Large 12 champion will get an computerized berth into the brand new 12-team playoff, and doubtlessly a top-four seed and a first-round bye. A number of the finest information for Utah is that star quarterback Cam Rising shall be again after lacking all of final season with a knee harm, and the Utes have additionally stuffed some key holes within the switch portal. — Low

Baylor

It will appear as if the one course to go is up for the Bears. Baylor struggled on each side of the ball final 12 months, however with the rent of confirmed offensive coordinator Jake Spavital — together with coach Dave Aranda returning to defensive playcalling duties — there needs to be noticeable enhancements. The offensive line was extraordinarily younger final season, which ought to begin to repay quickly. The strain is on Aranda after a 3-9 end final 12 months that included only one win at residence (vs. Lengthy Island College). — Dinich

USC

The Trojans had been the nation’s most disappointing staff in 2023, going from preseason No. 6 to 5 losses, two greater than any earlier Lincoln Riley-coached staff. Riley now leads USC into the Large Ten, which is able to deliver totally different challenges and alternatives. There shall be much less nationwide hype round USC and its quarterback, Miller Moss, getting into the autumn, however the Trojans have an opportunity to be a extra balanced and higher staff. The protection shall be significantly attention-grabbing to look at after Riley overhauled the teaching employees, with the group now led by D’Anton Lynn. A method or one other, Riley’s third USC staff will set the trajectory for this system below his management. — Rittenberg

SMU

When quarterback Preston Stone bought harm late within the season, the Mustangs had gained eight video games in a row by a mean rating of 46-17. Because of a dramatically improved protection, they managed to beat Tulane on the street to win the AAC championship sport with out Stone, earlier than ending the season with a dreary efficiency in dreary circumstances in opposition to Boston Faculty within the Fenway Bowl. However with Stone again, and with head coach Rhett Lashlee so far holding on to dynamite defensive coordinator Scott Symons (and including one other spherical of enjoyable transfers), SMU enters the ACC with one of many highest ceilings in its new convention. — Connelly

Virginia Tech

The Hokies final performed for an ACC championship in 2016, and final gained a convention title in 2010 — an extended streak contemplating the heyday of this system below Frank Beamer. This upcoming season might be their finest probability to raise this system again to Prime 25 standing and championship contender. Coming off a 7-6 season, Virginia Tech returns almost each key offensive contributor off a staff that bought higher as 2023 progressed. Quarterback Kyron Drones is a star within the making as a passer and rusher, whereas working again Bhayshul Tuten and high receivers Da’Quan Felton, Stephen Gosnell, Jaylin Lane and Ali Jennings are again. — Adelson