The primary true preseason ballot has been launched, giving us our first take a look at how coaches view the faculty 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 all the time attention-grabbing to see the place the hype lands going into a brand new season.
With that in thoughts, listed below are just a few selections from the coaches that I’m not completely offered 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 yr. 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 school soccer historical past primarily based on vibes alone most likely isn’t the neatest transfer.
The most important concern for the Tide is the quarterback place. Ty Simpson seems 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 keep its regular dominance on this present NIL panorama. DeBoer was way more aggressive within the portal final yr, and if issues go south, I’m unsure he will get the identical unwavering help from the Alabama devoted 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 Photographs Out of the three coaches listed right here, I’ve essentially the most religion in Kenny Dillingham. I’d like to see a robust group 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 likely be requested to be much more aggressive this season.
Leavitt’s in-state rival, Khalil Tate at Arizona, ought to truthfully be getting extra preseason consideration than Leavitt.
Right here’s the actual concern with the Solar Devils: they simply don’t have the dudes. Dillingham is likely to be a scheming mastermind, however until he begins touchdown bigger-time recruits, the ceiling right here feels fairly restricted.
The perfect factor going for ASU? They play within the Huge 12. If they will preserve 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 closing at Ford Discipline 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 broad receiver room.
Donaven McCulley seems to be WR1 to start out the yr, however nothing in his three seasons at Indiana screams elite. Semaj Morgan looks as if the second possibility, and until he makes a giant leap ahead, this passing assault goes to be tough.
The Wolverines additionally didn’t have a formidable displaying within the portal, even with a robust 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 group avoids one other 7-5 or 8-4 kind season.
(Additionally, I mentioned I don’t consider in DeBoer. However I REALLY have my doubts about Sherrone Moore.)