The primary true preseason ballot has been launched, giving us our first have a look at how coaches view the school soccer panorama heading into 2025.
Traditionally, the Coaches Ballot hasn’t precisely been essentially the most correct measure of how good groups really are. Nonetheless, it’s at all times attention-grabbing to see the place the hype lands going into a brand new season.
With that in thoughts, listed here are a number of selections from the coaches that I’m not completely bought on simply but:
No. 8 Alabama: Yr Two of DeBoer
Yr one of many Kalen DeBoer expertise left me with some considerations heading into this 12 months. Alabama didn’t have the identical form of power because the Nick Saban–led groups of years previous.
That mentioned, fading the best powerhouse in faculty soccer historical past based mostly on vibes alone most likely isn’t the neatest transfer.
The most important concern for the Tide is the quarterback place. Ty Simpson appears to be like just like the front-runner, but when he struggles early, will DeBoer lose endurance and switch to the extremely rated Keelon Russell?
I’m additionally not satisfied Alabama can preserve its typical dominance on this present NIL panorama. DeBoer was way more aggressive within the portal final 12 months, and if issues go south, I’m unsure he will get the identical unwavering help from the Alabama trustworthy that Saban as soon as had.
No. 11 Arizona State: Playoff Hangover
Nov 2, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Arizona State Solar Devils working again Cam Skattebo (4) runs the ball throughout the first quarter towards the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: William Purnell-Imagn Photos Out of the three coaches listed right here, I’ve essentially the most religion in Kenny Dillingham. I’d like to see a powerful workforce again in Tempe, however I simply don’t assume the expertise is there.
Sam Leavitt is getting a ton of preseason hype, and I don’t get it. He doesn’t flip the ball over a lot, however with former standout working again Cam Skattebo now within the NFL, Leavitt will probably be requested to be much more aggressive this season.
Leavitt’s in-state rival, Khalil Tate at Arizona, ought to actually be getting extra preseason consideration than Leavitt.
Right here’s the actual problem with the Solar Devils: they simply don’t have the dudes. Dillingham is likely to be a scheming mastermind, however except he begins touchdown bigger-time recruits, the ceiling right here feels fairly restricted.
One of the best factor going for ASU? They play within the Huge 12. If they will hold stacking wins out west, they might sneak into the Playoff once more.
No. 14 Michigan: Is Bryce Underwood Sufficient?
Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood watches the final seconds of the sport towards Southfield A&T on the Division 1 state remaining at Ford Area in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Michigan made a giant offseason splash by signing five-star recruit Bryce Underwood. He is likely to be nice. However he’s inexperienced and strolling right into a weak vast receiver room.
Donaven McCulley seems to be WR1 to start out the 12 months, however nothing in his three seasons at Indiana screams elite. Semaj Morgan looks as if the second possibility, and except he makes a giant leap ahead, this passing assault goes to be tough.
The Wolverines additionally didn’t have a powerful exhibiting within the portal, even with a powerful freshman class.
Add within the still-pending NCAA violations looming over this system, an absence of skilled expertise, and a first-year head coach, and I’m unsure how this workforce avoids one other 7-5 or 8-4 sort season.
(Additionally, I mentioned I don’t imagine in DeBoer. However I REALLY have my doubts about Sherrone Moore.)