Toledo Rockets:
The Rockets went 8-0 in the MAC regular season before losing to Miami in the MAC Championship Game and then losing in the Arizona Bowl. Nevertheless, Toledo won double-digit games for the first time since 2017. In order to repeat that feat, Jason Candle has to replace his starting QB (Dequan Finn – Baylor), 1,400-yard rusher (MAC Offensive POY Peny Boone – Louisville), and the entire offensive line. Nevertheless, there is plenty of skill position talent remaining and a solid defense for what still may be the most talented roster in the MAC.
Offense
Quarterback Tucker Gleason takes over for Finn after throwing 177 passes the last two years as a backup, and Jacquez Stuart, an All-MAC kick returner, will be the primary back after rushing for 574 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
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Five of the top six pass-catchers return, led by 1st Team All-MAC WR Jerjuan Newton (52 catches, 696 yards, 9 TD) and Junior Vandeross III (47 catches, 664 yards, 4 TD). At tight end, Lenny Kühl was a projected starter last season but missed the year with an injury. He is back, along with Anthony Torres (26 catches, 464 yards 3 TD).
Jakob James transfers in from Ohio State and will be one of five new starters on a rebuilt offensive line.
Defense
The defensive line has plenty of depth and experience led by tackle Darius Alexander (36 tackles, 4 sacks). The two edges are Jeremiah Peters (22 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and D’Andre Ragin (41 tackles, 5 sacks).
At linebacker, Daniel Bolden, who missed two full seasons with injuries prior to 2023, returns after finishing second on the team in tackles with 94. Jackson Barrow and West Virginia transfer Lance Dixon are competing for the other starting position.
Toledo was nationally elite (16th) against the pass which will happen when you have a first-round draft pick manning one of the corner spots like Quinyon Mitchell did last season. First Team All-MAC strong safety Maven Hook (69 tackles, 3 INT) and free safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (69 tackles, 2 INT) return for a group with a great deal of talent but can only take a step back losing an elite talent like Mitchell.
Outlook
The Rockets blew a late lead at Illinois, and then proceeded to win 11 games in a row before their defeat in the MAC Championship Game. The non-conference slate is manageable despite trips to Mississippi State and Western Kentucky. They draw Miami in the Glass Bowl for the revenge game and the only conference road game vs. a team with a winning record is at Northern Illinois. Despite the talent loss at highly key positions, the Rockets have continuity on the coaching staff and depth on the roster and should return to the MAC Championship Game for the third consecutive year.
Pick: Over 8.5 Wins
