The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens have officially made the transition to FBS football in 2025, as the program moves from the FCS to Conference USA. This has been in the works for a while. However, you’re never truly sure how things will work out until it happens. And, with their first year in the G5, it’ll be interesting to see where Delaware stands within the conference going forward. With their spring game on Friday, we’ll highlight some of the more important things to watch if you’re a Delaware football fan.
Delaware Football: What to watch for ahead of 2025 Spring Game
What happens at quarterback?
At the end of the 2024 season, former Hens quarterback Ryan O’Connor announced he was retiring from football. While O’Connor suggested he wanted to explore other life opportunities, a large reason could be due to health concerns.
The Blue Hens quarterback was sidelined multiple times within the last two years. This includes last season, where O’Connor suffered a season-ending injury after just three games. Yet in his absence, remains the biggest question. What happens at quarterback?
At the moment, the only players with starting experience are Zach Marker and Nick Minicucci. Braden Streeter, who threw a touchdown on his first collegiate pass attempt, Austin Troyer, and freshman E.J. Archield Jr. make up the rest of the quarterback room.
Marker has had injury concerns of his own. With that said, the battle for the starting gig is likely between him and Minicucci. Yet, ironically enough, Minicucci has missed spring practices with a non-throwing shoulder injury. However, those are the two upperclassmen of the group.
With that said, it will be interesting to see how the position battle plays out entering the spring game; and, if Streeter makes the most of his opportunity as the likely other “starter” in the team’s spring game.
Who steps up as WR1?
With Phil Lutz gone, the Hens need a player to step up as the team’s go-to option in the passing attack. He was the only player on the offense to amass over 350 receiving yards, and his touchdown production will be missed. Yet at the moment, Jake Thaw may be the answer for the Delaware offense.
Thaw ranked second on the Hens last season in receiving with 334 yards and five touchdowns. He also appeared in all 15 games and was a returner in special teams. The Michigan graduate transfer will likely be the leader of the unit, and will need to step up in a big way as the team enters FBS play.
Wide receiver Max Patterson, who transferred from Rutgers in 2023, could be another option. The 6-foot graduate student hauled in 25 catches for 286 yards but was held scoreless on the year.
Or perhaps the responsibility will go to freshman wide receiver Calvin Thomas. Originally committed to Air Force, the Gainesville product flipped his commitment to the Blue Hens. In high school, Thomas was a player used in multiple facets, so his receiving numbers probably aren’t as impressive as they should have been. Regardless, he finished his senior year with 640 yards and nine touchdowns.
There’s a multitude of other options on the roster. Yet for now, the spring game will be the biggest proving ground in a live setting with added pressure. The positions are truly up for grabs, and it’ll be interesting to see who steps up and takes them.
Trenches will be important in Delaware spring game
Fans may not know it, but the biggest difference in talent throughout every division and subdivision in college football is in the trenches. That’s because it’s where football games are won and lost. Delaware had success in the FCS, but the question is will their crew in the trenches hold up against FBS football opponents?
Last season, the offensive line averaged a respectable 81.5 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. However, their run-blocking grade is a stark contrast, sitting with a 63.24 average. With questions concerning the quarterback position to start the season, setting up the run to create a successful passing attack needs to occur. On top of that, the team will be replacing two starters on the line this season. The key in this game is for the offensive line to protect the quarterback, hit their assignments within their blocking concepts, and create holes in the running game. If there’s multiple pressures and negative run plays, it may spell trouble for Delaware.
On the flip side, the defensive line also needs to showcase that they can be a strength for the team entering 2025. Last year’s unit showed an ability to stop the run, and force teams to be one-dimensional at times. However, they were inconsistent as a pass-rushing unit. It’s a problem that’s only gotten worse after losing Melkart Abou-Jaoude’s team-high 11 sacks to UNC in the transfer portal.
One player who hopes to step up is interior defensive lineman, Dom Brogna. The senior told me that he thinks he can get better, and that hand placement, quickness as a pass-rusher, and finishing is where he wants to improve this season.
Outside of Brogna, Keyshawn Hunter, Nick Karika, and Q’yaeir Price will look to improve as leaders along the defense.
Unfortunately, it’ll be hard to gauge whether or not these units will be “good” or “bad” in the Delaware spring game. However, looking for production is key, nonetheless.
Other thoughts
- Can Jo’Nathan Silver step up as the RB1, or will it be a true committee approach?
- Freshman cornerback Azir Lee’s progress will be worth watching.
- Gauging the coaching tempo during this event will be critical to seeing the preparedness of the team for FBS play.
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