University of Delaware Blue Hens
Head Coach: Ryan Carty – At School and Overall: (26-11) 3 yrs
OC : Terence Archer; DC: Manny Rojas
2024 Record: 9-2 (FCS)
Impact Players: QB Nick Miniucci, QB Zack Marker, WR Jake Thaw, WR Max Patterson, RB Jo’Nathan Sliver, DT Keyshawn Hunter, DT Noel Matthews, LB Gavin Maul, LB Dillon Trainer, S KT Seay, S Jason Scott, S Hassan Manning, DE Jack Hull
Offense:
Delaware went into the spring without naming a starting QB and it appears as though that may remain the case into the fall. Instead, the Blue Hens will most likely utilize both Jr. Nick Minicucci and Sr. Zach Marker, who redshirted last season after 3 games, behind center this season like they did for much of last season. Wide receivers Jake Thaw, coming off an FCS All-American season as a returner, and Max Patterson will look to be the go to targets for both Blue Hen’s QBs. Sr. Jo’Nathan Silver will get the chance to establish himself as the Blue Hen’s primary back after averaging 6.6 YPC in a reserve role. 3 starters return on the o-line. The balanced attract should allow Delaware to be competitive as it maneuvers an FBS schedule.
Defense:
The Blue Hens return 7 starters for a defense that ranked in the top 25 of many major categories in the FCS. Delaware returns its four top tacklers from last year; two of which, LB Gavin Maul and LB Dillon Trainer will anchor the middle of the defense. The other leading tacklers, S Jason Scott and S KT Seay, will help fill out the secondary. Up front, DT Keyshawn Hunter is the returning sack leader and will look to help improve a passing defense that finished outside the top 50. The returning production on defense is promising with many of the team’s leading statistical leaders back in Newark for another season. However, this isn’t the FCS anymore. Facing FBS talent week in and week out will test just how capable this unit can be.
Analysis:
Historically, teams making the jump from FCS to FBS struggle in their first full season. However, recently teams like Jacksonville St. and JMU have found immediate success at the bowl level. Delaware had a history of playoff football before the move and should be set up nicely to make a relatively smooth transition to the next level. They have the ground work and funding in place to be competitive right away in the CUSA. As always there will always be growing pains with moving up a division. A .500 season would be viewed as a successful first campaign for the Blue Hens.
2025 Record Floor: 4-8
2025 Record Ceiling: 8-4
2025 Record Prediction: 6-6
