Re: From The Shadows | The Rise Of "Nitro" Nash Savage (CFB25)
Syracuse Orange 2032 Season Preview
Syracuse, NY. - The Syracuse Orange enter the 2032 season with an opportunity to make history—chasing an unprecedented fourth straight national championship.
“We’re not thinking about it as a fourth straight title,” said head coach Nash Savage. “It’s cliché, but our mindset is one game at a time. The only goal is winning a championship for this season, not focusing on what came before.”
The challenge of sustaining dominance isn’t lost on analysts.
“You look at the short list of teams that have won back-to-back titles, let alone three in a row—it’s incredibly rare,” said ESPN’s Desmond Howard. “The longer you stay on top, the more teams prepare specifically for YOU. Every game becomes a benchmark game for your opponents.”
Despite the pressure, Syracuse is well-equipped for another run, returning 14 of 22 starters from last year’s championship squad. Leading the charge is the electrifying offensive trio of quarterback “Himmanuel” Hendrix, running back Lee Browner, and wide receiver Dalton Wear.
One of the biggest changes this season is in the coaching staff, as former Heisman-winning quarterback Kadin Semonza takes over as offensive coordinator. Promoted from passing game coordinator after Tommy Rees departed for Michigan, Semonza is expected to bring continuity to the offense.
“We’re essentially running the same system he thrived in at Ball State, with a few extra wrinkles,” said Savage. “I expect a seamless transition.”
Savage did, however, joke about needing to keep Semonza and Hendrix in check.
“My biggest concern is reminding them we also have one of the best rushing attacks in the country,” he said with a laugh.
Hendrix, a two-time national champion and Syracuse’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, dodged questions about his future throughout spring camp. While speculation swirls that he could forgo his senior season, he remains focused on the present, echoing Savage’s mantra of “one game at a time.”
One key addition to the offense will be junior tight end Ryan Magoolaghan, stepping into a starting role.
“Jeffrey Franz and Mateo Chickillo were huge for us at tight end, but Magoo brings a level of athleticism we haven’t had at the position,” said Savage. “We’re really excited to see how he fits into this offense.”
On defense, the Orange must replace two generational talents—two-time Heisman-winning pass rusher Jason Veasy, who graduated with a staggering 99.5 career sacks, and standout linebacker Demetrious Vilma, who surprised many by leaving early for the NFL.
To fill the void, former defensive end Maurice Lokombo is shifting to outside linebacker as a pass-rushing specialist.
“It’s no secret we’ve heavily recruited both linebackers and defensive linemen over the past few years,” Savage said. “That depth played a role in Maurice’s position change, but it also gives more guys opportunities to get on the field.”
Savage also noted that while there are set starters along the defensive front, the depth chart remains fluid.
“If a guy steps up and produces, he’ll earn more snaps,” he said. “That’s exactly what happened last year with Timmy [Vernon]. He got his shot as a situational pass rusher, and that turned into a full-time role.”
For the fourth straight season, Syracuse will open against a top-tier SEC opponent. The Orange will once again headline the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, facing off against No. 4 Texas to begin their title defense.
From there, the schedule remains brutal. ACC play kicks off early with a visit from No. 15 Florida State, a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game. The non-conference slate only adds to the challenge, featuring home matchups with archrival Penn State and No. 9 Ole Miss.
With a loaded roster and a proven system, Syracuse has all the pieces in place for another championship run. But as history has shown, staying on top is the hardest challenge of all.
*Denotes Starter
2032 Ball State Cardinals Season Preview
Muncie, IN. - The Ball State Cardinals enter the 2032 season boasting arguably the most talented roster in the Big 12. However, uncertainty looms over the most critical position in football: quarterback.
“We open against our rival, Miami University, and honestly, that game will determine who our starting quarterback will be moving forward,” said head coach Mark Stoops, now in his third season in Muncie.
Former four-star recruit Taylor Beckner is the presumed frontrunner after backing up Anthony Elam last year, but two freshmen are making a strong push for the job, according to new offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith.
“Both Juan [Franco] and Emeka [Kikaha] have looked phenomenal this spring—truly impressive,” Smith said. “That’s not to take anything away from Taylor, but I’m really excited about the future of this position.”
Whoever wins the quarterback battle will have the benefit of playing behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines, anchored by All-American senior guard Noah Meeks. The skill positions are equally loaded, featuring last year’s Biletnikoff and Mackey Award winners, wide receiver Robby Van Maanen and tight end Spencer McElmurry.
In addition to their dynamic receiving corps, the Cardinals will introduce a new weapon in the backfield—former wide receiver Daryl Pope. The explosive playmaker is making the transition to running back and is already generating early Heisman buzz.
“Daryl was a game-changer for Coach [Mike] Bloomgren, but with the rise of RVM and Spence, he kind of got lost in the shuffle,” Stoops admitted. “When I approached him about a switch to running back, he was all in.”
For Pope, the move presents an opportunity to showcase his versatility.
“Getting back on the field and making plays consistently is exciting,” Pope said. “You see hybrid WR/RB guys thriving in both college and the NFL. Expanding my skill set can only boost my draft stock.”
As a sophomore, Pope flashed his big-play ability with 22 receptions for 573 yards and seven touchdowns. However, with limited opportunities the past few seasons, he’s eager to make his mark again.
The position switch was necessitated by another surprising roster development—former five-star recruit Tavon Jones, originally projected as a future star at running back, is instead making the move to safety.
“Tavon was expected to be a key piece in the backfield rotation, but with our depth concerns at safety, we had to reevaluate,” Stoops explained. “He played safety in high school and showed great instincts during early spring drills. When I pitched the idea, he was excited to showcase his skills on defense.”
The Cardinals’ 2032 campaign begins with a rivalry showdown against former MAC foe Miami University before ramping up quickly with a challenging non-conference slate. Week 2 brings a highly anticipated matchup against No. 14 Notre Dame in Muncie, followed by a trip to Norman to face third-ranked Oklahoma.
Ball State has made significant strides in recent years, but after an 0-4 record in the postseason since their national championship run, expectations are clear—anything less than a playoff win in 2032 will be considered a disappointment.
Syracuse Orange 2032 Season Preview
Syracuse, NY. - The Syracuse Orange enter the 2032 season with an opportunity to make history—chasing an unprecedented fourth straight national championship.
“We’re not thinking about it as a fourth straight title,” said head coach Nash Savage. “It’s cliché, but our mindset is one game at a time. The only goal is winning a championship for this season, not focusing on what came before.”
The challenge of sustaining dominance isn’t lost on analysts.
“You look at the short list of teams that have won back-to-back titles, let alone three in a row—it’s incredibly rare,” said ESPN’s Desmond Howard. “The longer you stay on top, the more teams prepare specifically for YOU. Every game becomes a benchmark game for your opponents.”
Despite the pressure, Syracuse is well-equipped for another run, returning 14 of 22 starters from last year’s championship squad. Leading the charge is the electrifying offensive trio of quarterback “Himmanuel” Hendrix, running back Lee Browner, and wide receiver Dalton Wear.
One of the biggest changes this season is in the coaching staff, as former Heisman-winning quarterback Kadin Semonza takes over as offensive coordinator. Promoted from passing game coordinator after Tommy Rees departed for Michigan, Semonza is expected to bring continuity to the offense.
“We’re essentially running the same system he thrived in at Ball State, with a few extra wrinkles,” said Savage. “I expect a seamless transition.”
Savage did, however, joke about needing to keep Semonza and Hendrix in check.
“My biggest concern is reminding them we also have one of the best rushing attacks in the country,” he said with a laugh.
Hendrix, a two-time national champion and Syracuse’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, dodged questions about his future throughout spring camp. While speculation swirls that he could forgo his senior season, he remains focused on the present, echoing Savage’s mantra of “one game at a time.”
One key addition to the offense will be junior tight end Ryan Magoolaghan, stepping into a starting role.
“Jeffrey Franz and Mateo Chickillo were huge for us at tight end, but Magoo brings a level of athleticism we haven’t had at the position,” said Savage. “We’re really excited to see how he fits into this offense.”
On defense, the Orange must replace two generational talents—two-time Heisman-winning pass rusher Jason Veasy, who graduated with a staggering 99.5 career sacks, and standout linebacker Demetrious Vilma, who surprised many by leaving early for the NFL.
To fill the void, former defensive end Maurice Lokombo is shifting to outside linebacker as a pass-rushing specialist.
“It’s no secret we’ve heavily recruited both linebackers and defensive linemen over the past few years,” Savage said. “That depth played a role in Maurice’s position change, but it also gives more guys opportunities to get on the field.”
Savage also noted that while there are set starters along the defensive front, the depth chart remains fluid.
“If a guy steps up and produces, he’ll earn more snaps,” he said. “That’s exactly what happened last year with Timmy [Vernon]. He got his shot as a situational pass rusher, and that turned into a full-time role.”
For the fourth straight season, Syracuse will open against a top-tier SEC opponent. The Orange will once again headline the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, facing off against No. 4 Texas to begin their title defense.
From there, the schedule remains brutal. ACC play kicks off early with a visit from No. 15 Florida State, a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game. The non-conference slate only adds to the challenge, featuring home matchups with archrival Penn State and No. 9 Ole Miss.
With a loaded roster and a proven system, Syracuse has all the pieces in place for another championship run. But as history has shown, staying on top is the hardest challenge of all.
| Syracuse Orange 2032 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Aug 28 | at #4 Texas (14-3) | |||
| Sep 4 | vs #15 Florida State (9-5) | |||
| Sep 11 | vs BYE | |||
| Sep 18 | vs Penn State (7-6) | |||
| Sep 25 | vs BYE | |||
| Oct 2 | vs #9 Ole Miss (9-4) | |||
| Oct 9 | at Wake Forest (9-4) | |||
| Oct 16 | at Boston College (1-11) | |||
| Oct 23 | vs West Virginia (3-9) | |||
| Oct 30 | at Maryland (7-6) | |||
| Nov 6 | vs Pittsburgh (7-6) | |||
| Nov 13 | at Virginia (4-8) | |||
| Nov 20 | at #10 Virginia Tech (9-4) | |||
| Nov 30 | vs #8 Miami (10-3) | |||
| Position | Name | Class | Original OVR | Current OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Immanuel Hendrix* | JR | 80 | 92 |
| QB | Brenton Deablo | FR | 81 | 81 |
| QB | Channing DIllard | FR(RS) | 75 | 78 |
| QB | Troy McKinney | SR(RS) | 68 | 76 |
| HB | Lee Browner* | JR(RS) | 74 | 92 |
| HB | Nolan McKay | JR | 84 | 84 |
| HB | Larry Pettis | JR(RS) | 70 | 81 |
| HB | JD Durate | FR | 74 | 74 |
| HB | Keke Udeze | FR | 74 | 74 |
| HB | DeSean Brahms | FR | 70 | 70 |
| WR | Dalton Wear* | JR | 74 | 91 |
| WR | Roy McCleon* | JR(RS) | 75 | 90 |
| WR | Cam Darr | SO | 79 | 86 |
| WR | James Alba | SR(RS) | 67 | 83 |
| WR | Spencer Everett | JR(RS) | 74 | 82 |
| WR | Max Magnum | SO | 76 | 82 |
| WR | Nolan Drake | SO(RS) | 73 | 77 |
| TE | Ryan Magoolaghan* | JR(RS) | 75 | 88 |
| TE | Pat McGarigle | JR(RS) | 72 | 82 |
| TE | Benji Wicks | FR | 75 | 75 |
| T | Antwan Calmelat* | SR(RS) | 76 | 94 |
| T | Tim Cleveland | JR(RS) | 76 | 85 |
| T | Ronald Russo | FR | 77 | 78 |
| T | Ross Whitted | FR | 77 | 77 |
| T | Deontay Tonyan* | SO(RS) | 77 | 89 |
| T | Jon Droughns | SO(RS) | 76 | 85 |
| T | Anthony Alford | FR(RS) | 78 | 80 |
| T | Graham Cano | FR | 77 | 77 |
| G | Bruce Wheat* | JR(RS) | 77 | 93 |
| G | Brian Hall | JR(RS) | 71 | 86 |
| G | Jahlil Canady | SO(RS) | 76 | 85 |
| G | Dallas Eulls* | SR(RS) | 61 | 90 |
| G | Sam Yates | JR(RS) | 75 | 87 |
| G | Joey Hyde | FR | 79 | 79 |
| G | Greg Meyers | FR | 78 | 78 |
| C | Matthew Durant* | SO(RS) | 75 | 92 |
| C | Derek Metzger | SR(RS) | 85 | 85 |
| DE | Manu Good* | SR(RS) | 89 | 89 |
| DE | Dawand Ijalana | SR(RS) | 65 | 87 |
| DE | Jake Hager | FR(RS) | 77 | 82 |
| DE | Jamie Stein | FR | 69 | 69 |
| DE | Nelson Stephen* | SR(RS) | 74 | 87 |
| DE | Isaiah Largent | FR(RS) | 76 | 87 |
| DE | Amani Little | JR(RS) | 76 | 86 |
| DE | Nate Pitoitua | FR(RS) | 80 | 84 |
| DT | Terrell Sturm* | JR(RS) | 79 | 87 |
| DT | Matt Clay | SO(RS) | 76 | 86 |
| DT | James Weinsteen | SO(RS) | 76 | 84 |
| DT | Taylor McCleskey | FR(RS) | 77 | 81 |
| DT | Ian McCurdy | FR | 76 | 76 |
| LB | Maurice Lokombo* | SO(RS) | 78 | 86 |
| LB | Rob McBurrows | SO | 77 | 85 |
| LB | Isaac Dickens | FR | 80 | 80 |
| LB | Jason Roth* | SO(RS) | 76 | 85 |
| LB | Demar Smythe | FR(RS) | 77 | 82 |
| LB | Craig Pettis | FR | 81 | 81 |
| LB | David Ojukwu | FR | 69 | 69 |
| MLB | Deontae Mare | JR(RS) | 91 | 91 |
| MLB | Cam McQuaide | SR(RS) | 70 | 90 |
| MLB | Timmy Vernon* | SO(RS) | 79 | 90 |
| MLB | Everett Wegher | SO | 78 | 85 |
| MLB | Mike Spears | FR(RS) | 75 | 83 |
| MLB | Tyler Klopfenstein | FR(RS) | 75 | 81 |
| MLB | JP Stuvaints | FR | 78 | 78 |
| MLB | Dillon Hooker | FR | 78 | 78 |
| CB | Kevin Schweitzer* | SR(RS) | 75 | 88 |
| CB | Jeremiah Paris* | JR(RS) | 71 | 85 |
| CB | DJ Booker | SO(RS) | 76 | 83 |
| CB | Jermaine Boutte | SO(RS) | 77 | 83 |
| CB | Vonn Thomas | SO(RS) | 75 | 82 |
| CB | Patrick Rimpf | FR(RS) | 78 | 81 |
| CB | Ian Shaw | SO(RS) | 73 | 80 |
| CB | Shariff Williams | FR(RS) | 78 | 80 |
| CB | Mailau Okada | FR | 80 | 80 |
| CB | Antoine Jarwin | FR | 78 | 78 |
| FS | Max McGlockton* | SO(RS) | 75 | 87 |
| FS | Corbin Houghtaling | SR(RS) | 72 | 84 |
| FS | Conor Gladstone | SO(RS) | 75 | 82 |
| FS | Alex Greisen | FR | 79 | 79 |
| SS | Layne Smith* | SR(RS) | 73 | 85 |
| SS | Nick Azumah | JR | 74 | 83 |
| SS | Marco Bitonio | FR(RS) | 75 | 78 |
| K | Devon Heaps | FR(RS) | 66 | 76 |
| P | Mohammad Ha | JR | 69 | 79 |
*Denotes Starter
2032 Ball State Cardinals Season Preview
Muncie, IN. - The Ball State Cardinals enter the 2032 season boasting arguably the most talented roster in the Big 12. However, uncertainty looms over the most critical position in football: quarterback.
“We open against our rival, Miami University, and honestly, that game will determine who our starting quarterback will be moving forward,” said head coach Mark Stoops, now in his third season in Muncie.
Former four-star recruit Taylor Beckner is the presumed frontrunner after backing up Anthony Elam last year, but two freshmen are making a strong push for the job, according to new offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith.
“Both Juan [Franco] and Emeka [Kikaha] have looked phenomenal this spring—truly impressive,” Smith said. “That’s not to take anything away from Taylor, but I’m really excited about the future of this position.”
Whoever wins the quarterback battle will have the benefit of playing behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines, anchored by All-American senior guard Noah Meeks. The skill positions are equally loaded, featuring last year’s Biletnikoff and Mackey Award winners, wide receiver Robby Van Maanen and tight end Spencer McElmurry.
In addition to their dynamic receiving corps, the Cardinals will introduce a new weapon in the backfield—former wide receiver Daryl Pope. The explosive playmaker is making the transition to running back and is already generating early Heisman buzz.
“Daryl was a game-changer for Coach [Mike] Bloomgren, but with the rise of RVM and Spence, he kind of got lost in the shuffle,” Stoops admitted. “When I approached him about a switch to running back, he was all in.”
For Pope, the move presents an opportunity to showcase his versatility.
“Getting back on the field and making plays consistently is exciting,” Pope said. “You see hybrid WR/RB guys thriving in both college and the NFL. Expanding my skill set can only boost my draft stock.”
As a sophomore, Pope flashed his big-play ability with 22 receptions for 573 yards and seven touchdowns. However, with limited opportunities the past few seasons, he’s eager to make his mark again.
The position switch was necessitated by another surprising roster development—former five-star recruit Tavon Jones, originally projected as a future star at running back, is instead making the move to safety.
“Tavon was expected to be a key piece in the backfield rotation, but with our depth concerns at safety, we had to reevaluate,” Stoops explained. “He played safety in high school and showed great instincts during early spring drills. When I pitched the idea, he was excited to showcase his skills on defense.”
The Cardinals’ 2032 campaign begins with a rivalry showdown against former MAC foe Miami University before ramping up quickly with a challenging non-conference slate. Week 2 brings a highly anticipated matchup against No. 14 Notre Dame in Muncie, followed by a trip to Norman to face third-ranked Oklahoma.
Ball State has made significant strides in recent years, but after an 0-4 record in the postseason since their national championship run, expectations are clear—anything less than a playoff win in 2032 will be considered a disappointment.
| Ball State Cardinals 2032 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Aug 27 | vs Miami (OH) (10-3) | |||
| Sep 4 | vs #14 Notre Dame (12-2) | |||
| Sep 11 | at #3 Oklahoma (13-2) | |||
| Sep 18 | vs BYE | |||
| Sep 25 | at #17 Tulane (9-4) | |||
| Oct 2 | at #22 Boise State (9-4) | |||
| Oct 9 | vs BYE | |||
| Oct 16 | vs Baylor (4-8) | |||
| Oct 23 | vs Nebraska (7-6) | |||
| Oct 30 | at Missouri (5-7) | |||
| Nov 6 | vs Kansas State (8-5) | |||
| Nov 13 | at Kansas (5-7) | |||
| Nov 20 | at #19 Arkansas (9-4) | |||
| Nov 27 | vs Iowa State (2-10) | |||
| Ball State Cardinals 91/94/90 Depth Chart - 2032 | ||||
| Regular Offense | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| WR | JR(RS) Robby Van Maneen (86) | SO(RS) Jeremy McMillon (78) | FR Miguel Estrella (74) | |
| TE | JR Spencer McElmurry (87) | SO Jay Rugamba (86) | SR Zac Byham (85) | JR(RS) Terrence Hester (71) |
| LT | SR(RS) Scott Landry (85) | SR(RS) Tyreke Rhodes (84) | FR Montra Riggs (78) | |
| LG | SR(RS) Noah Meeks (95) | SO(RS) James Nicholson (86) | FR(RS) Terrence Madu (85) | |
| C | SR(RS) Morgan Ervin (92) | SO(RS) Vai Smoot (85) | SO(RS) Kelvin Boyett (84) | FR(RS) Doug Calmelat (81) |
| RG | JR(RS) Garrett Scherff (90) | SR De'Andre Meyers (89) | SR(RS) Marcus Layne (88) | JR(RS) Miles Hart (84) |
| RT | JR(RS) Rico Stingley (90) | SO Josh Boone (85) | SR(RS) Austin McSorley (84) | JR(RS) Calvin Rogan (81) |
| WR | SR(RS) Spencer Lewis (89) | JR(RS) Lionel Merrick (85) | FR Dominick Blonko (78) | SO(RS) Noah Lampkin (69) |
| QB | JR(RS) Taylor Beckner (82) | FR(RS) Juan Franco (78) | FR Emeka Kikaha (78) | FR Alfonso Paye (75) |
| HB | SR(RS) Daryl Pope (96) | FR(RS) Brendan Eisen (79) | JR(RS) Floyd Gallimore (78) | |
| Base 3-4 Defense | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| LDE | SO Matthew Dawkins (86) | SO Fetu Sopoaga (86) | JR(RS) Zac York (83) | FR James Tye (81) |
| NT | SO(RS) Addison Grossman (86) | SO Rico Maijeh (85) | FR(RS) Byron Griggs (84) | FR(RS) Leati Tahi (82) |
| RDE | JR Melvin Casher (88) | SO Connor Kasay (87) | FR(RS) James Dunham (83) | FR Theo Romanowski (75) |
| LOLB | JR Josh Ogle (85) | FR(RS) Darrius Bostic (73) | ||
| LILB | SR(RS) Bart Blackstock (89) | FR(RS) Gage Connor (73) | ||
| RILB | SR(RS) David Ojabo (88) | FR(RS) Gage Connor (73) | ||
| ROLB | JR(RS) Jermaine Mahoney (87) | SO Bob Buzbee (85) | FR Aries Hakim (69) | |
| CB | JR(RS) Prince Beach (89) | SO(RS) Garrett Vohasek (85) | FR(RS) Lorenzo Gainwell (80) | FR Raheem Akbar (70) |
| SS | FR Tavon Jones (77) | FR Quentin Wooleyhand (77) | SO Nate Johnson (71) | FR Rashard De Beer (68) |
| FS | SO(RS) Cam Gesicki (77) | FR Paul Keizer (77) | FR Ron Mauch (65) | |
| CB | JR(RS) Joshua Fenderson (89) | SO(RS) Bo Forrest (82) | SR(RS) Graham Body (79) | FR(RS) Marcus Hatchett (73) |
| Special Teams | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| K | SO Ezekiel Allen (80) | |||
| P | JR De'Angelo Woodside (77) | |||
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