By Ryan Barry
NEFJ Correspondent
The UMass Minutemen enter the season with one of its most well rounded rosters since their first FBS campaign back in 2012.
Had the Minutemen not hopped on the liferaft of the Mid-American Conference’s invitation to join for all sports this offseason, the duress to succeed in 2024 would’ve been at an all-time high.
Pressure rightfully still exists, with the Minutemen having yet to amass more than four wins in a season as an FBS member. These long tortured results were an added stressor to fans who not only had to endure the results on the field, but know the negative impact it had publicly as far as trying to join a conference.
If anything, the safety of knowing they have a home in the MAC in 2025 may actually free up the added pressure that Minutemen teams may have felt over the years, and allow them to play a little more freely on the field.
2023 Recap
The Minutemen opened 2023 with a massively impressive win at New Mexico State, which was the first win on the road in an opening week fixture since 2011 at Holy Cross.
A buy-game against SEC powerhouse Auburn the following week would arguably sink the Minutemen’s season before it really got going. An injury to promising transfer quarterback Taisun Phommachanh held him out over the course of the next month, and limited his mobility for much of the season when he returned.
Fellow transfer quarterback Carlos Davis, who filled in well in his absence, was lost for the season just weeks later, adding to a laundry list of other important injuries that held the team back.
It wasn’t until late October when they picked up their second win of the season, which again came on the road against a tough Army team, helping to propel them to another win the following week over Merrimack.
A disappointing loss in the final week at home to rivals UConn made for an incredibly bitter end to a 3-9 season.
Offensive Preview
Quarterbacks
Redshirt senior Taisun Phommachanh enters the season as the number one option for the Minutemen offense.
When “Puma,” as he’s often called, transferred from Georgia Tech in the 2023 offseason, after spending his first three seasons at Clemson, expectations were insanely high, especially after his week zero performance against New Mexico State.
An injury plagued season ultimately slowed him down, throwing for just 1,507 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Despite being held out for most of the spring, he practiced in full this summer and appears good to go. His health is certainly important, but the need to keep throws on target and be able to run the ball will be the biggest key to his success in 2024.
Behind him is redshirt freshman Ahmad Haston. While not expected to play last season, he was thrust into the fold after injuries to Phommachanh and Davis.
He nearly led the Minutemen in a comeback loss to New Mexico, but otherwise was limited on the season to just three appearances with 176 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
His strong arm and running ability give him all the tools needed to be a successful collegiate quarterback, and should Phommachanh struggle or catch the injury bug again, he could make an impact right away. Another year from the sidelines could benefit him in the long term though.
Akron transfer Ryan Jankowski and true freshman AJ Hairston have battled throughout camp for the third spot on the depth chart. While at Akron, Jankowski (who throws left-handed), threw just one pass attempt. Hairston could have a promising future with the Minutemen, but figures to redshirt this season.
Running back
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams’ initial departure for the NFL draft made sense after a career season, but his announcement to return, then subsequent transfer to Michigan State was a tough pill to swallow.
The last minute departure of promising second string back Greg Desroisiers to Memphis, however, really complicated matters for the Minutemen.
Redshirt junior Jalen John is the lone back returning for the Minutemen who had any carries in 2023 (10 carries, 31 yards). Don Brown has been very complementary of the former Arizona Wildcat who is a powerful runner that can get through the tackles.
The other back who could presumably lead the group is redshirt sophomore Jackson Paradis. If not for injuries last season, the former Buffalo Bull figured to be in the mix at back, but was never able to find his feet. He has great size and speed should he reach his potential coming out of high school.
The most buzz worthy back is one that only just arrived to camp in mid-August. Brandon Campbell, a former three star recruit who began his freshman year at USC in 2021, spent the last two years at Houston. A productive first year with the Cougars saw a drop in usage in 2023 where he appeared in five games. Despite arriving late in camp, there’s no doubt his impressive pedigree and skills will throw him into the mix to start.
Redshirt freshman Cookie Desiderio transferred from Tulsa and got plenty of reps at the spring game, impressing everyone with his big frame and barrelling running style. Sophomore CJ Hester transferred in late this spring from Western Michigan and saw limited action in his lone year in Kalamazoo, which is still more than most of this returning group can say.
With no shortage of options, an open competition can only help Head Coach Don Brown find his number one guy.
Wide Receivers
Outside of Phommachanh, the most exciting returning player for the Minutemen this season is at wide receiver.
Senior Anthony Simpson returns to anchor the group after a stellar 2023 season that saw him notch 57 receptions for 792 yards and three touchdowns. With steady quarterback play, there’s no reason why Simpson can’t eclipse at least 1,000 yards this season.
Outside of Simpson, the Minutemen had to replace every receiver that had at least one catch or more in 2023 with the graduation of Mark Pope, and the transfers of George Johnson III, Christian Wells, and Shawn Harris Jr.
Redshirt sophomore returnees Jacquon Gibson will hope to bounce back from an injury that cut his season short last year, while fellow redshirt sophomore T.Y. Harding hopes to have a bigger impact after spending last year largely on special teams.
Their transfer portal additions offer the Minutemen some intriguing options to pair alongside leading receiver Simpson, with former Miami/Clemson transfer Frank Ladson Jr. being the most exciting of the bunch. The 6’3 wideout gives them a big body who can contest for balls and be a threat in the red zone.
Graduate transfer Sterling Galban, who spent the first three years of his career at Texas Tech, is a speedy receiver from Jacksonville State who amassed 559 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons.
Graduate transfer Jakobie Keeney-James from Eastern Washington and Duquesne transfer Keshawn Brown had solid careers at the FCS level and will provide additional depth.
While the group itself hasn’t been together for very long, the years of transfer experience and explosive capability make this one of the more exciting units to watch this season.
Tight Ends
The Minutemen hit the portal hard looking to increase production at the tight end position.
Converted quarterback Gino Campiotti filled in admirably at the position in 2023, but a position that has longed for an established threat since the days of Adam Breneman was a priority this offseason.
San Jose State graduate transfer Dominick Mazotti figures to start day one for the Minutemen. His five years in the Bay Area saw him total 747 yards on 57 receptions and five touchdowns. At 6’4 and 250 pounds, the tight end surprisingly isn’t the biggest guy at his position.
Alabama State transfer Jaelyn Lay comes to Amherst at 6’6 and 265 pounds, a monster of a player that adds pass catching and blocking to the line of scrimmage. Lay had a quiet first two years at Clemson before transferring to the Hornets and tallying seven receptions for 75 yards in 17 games.
Brown also brought in Illinois transfer Owen Anderson and College of the Canyons transfer Noah Staples, who’ll provide much needed depth. With more time on the field and plenty of opportunities to play, Mazotti and Lay could be the key to really making this offense trick.
Offensive Line
The group that UMass fans aren’t talking enough about entering the 2024 season is the offensive line, but that’s probably a good thing.
For too long the Minutemen have struggled to find consistency within the trenches, so this year’s group having depth and legitimate FBS-caliber players at the position means it may be less of a headache than in the past.
Massachusetts natives Josh Atwood and Ethan Mottinger return to anchor the center and right guard position, with redshirt junior Wyatt Terlaak set to anchor left guard.
California transfer tackle Brayden Rohme and his massive 6’6, 300 pound frame, will lock down the left tackle position. Columbia transfer Luke Painton, standing at 6’7 and 320 pounds, should handle the right side.
Cincinnati transfer Mao Glynn II and Grambling State transfer William Jones Jr. will provide depth at interior guard, while fellow former Grambling teammate Jaxon King will be depth out wide at right tackle.
Redshirt junior Ryan Mosesso, a native of Marshfield, Mass, will be an important reserve left tackle for Rohme.
They also added Georgia Tech/Clemson transfer Paul Tchio and UCLA transfer Benjamin Roy Jr. to factor into the mix as well.
What the Minutemen have for the first time possibly ever in the FBS-era is depth at one of the most important position groups in football. Outside of Phommachanh, this group living up to their potential is key to a successful 2024 season.
Defensive Preview
Defensive Line
The Minutemen didn’t only lose important pieces on offense this offseason. Billy Wooden and Cletus Mathurin, two big figures on the defensive line, were lost to graduation.
Finding their replacements was a priority for Brown, which is exactly what he did in the transfers of Jaylen Hudson from Wake Forest and Tim Grant-Randall from Eastern Michigan.
Etinosa Reuben, another Georgia Tech/Clemson transfer, should also be in the mix along the defensive line, along with Fullerton College transfer Erik Hehl.
At defensive tackle, redshirt junior Aaron Beckwith returns after a solid 2023 that saw him named to the College Football Network’s All-Independent Defense Team as an Honorable Mention. If Shambre Jackson, a former Florida State player, can build off his 2023 season in a reserve role with the Minutemen, they should be formidable at the defensive tackle position.
At defensive end, health and consistency will be key to their success. Redshirt senior Zukudo Igwenagu has dealt with a lingering injury, but if he can return to the field and build off his 2023 performance they will have a strong player who can set the edge.
Redshirt junior Louce Julien improved as the season went on in 2023 and will be an important player at defensive end, as will former Michigan State transfer Tyson Watson who has yet to make an impact since arriving to Amherst.
The Minutemen were tied for 117th in the FBS with 1.4 sacks per game last season, and finished 127th in the nation in rushing defense. This unit as a whole needs to get more pressure on the quarterback and make it more difficult at the line of scrimmage for offensive lines to create running lanes.
Linebacker
Losing leading tackler Nahji Logan to Indiana was certainly a hit to the Minutemen this offseason, but this linebacking crew features a talented group that if improved from 2023 can make an immediate impact.
Senior Gerrell Johnson has been at UMass since 2020 and has been a key member of the group. His veteran leadership alongside Dartmouth graduate transfer Macklin Ayers should pair well for a core that has a lot of depth.
Redshirt junior RJ Edwards and redshirt sophomore Tyler Martin, both of whom were former Arizona transfers, have plenty of talent and should make a bigger impact in year two. The Minutemen also have senior Jalen Stewart, junior Derrieon Craig, and redshirt junior Myles Turner to throw into the mix as well.
At the viper position, redshirt junior Jalen Harrell should pair alongside Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer Jadrian Gibbs and look to have an impact at one of Brown’s staple positions. This is an experienced core that barring major injury will be an important cog in the UMass defense.
Defensive Backs
One area the Minutemen defense excelled in 2023 was the defensive backfield.
Much to the pleasure of UMass fans, many of that unit who finished 36th in the nation in passing yards allowed returns this season.
Redshirt senior Tyler Rudolph will anchor the safety position after a 2023 season that saw him make 40 tackles, four pass break-ups, and one interception. Redshirt sophomore Jeremiah McGill will feature with Rudolph and hope to grow after a solid first full year of action in Amherst. Redshirt senior Isaiah Rutherford and senior Te’Rai Powell also return and have plenty of experience within the UMass secondary.
Local graduate transfers Lake Ellis (Bryant), Leonard St. Gourdin (Dartmouth), and Arsheen Giles (Sacred Heart) bring years of experience to the group and should make impacts right away, with Ellis in particular having an impressive spring camp.
If the UMass front seven can grow from their 2023 season, and this group can continue to be a formidable opponent for opposing quarterbacks, this defense has the ability to keep themselves in most games this season.
Special Teams Preview
The special teams unit struggled as a whole in 2023. Nationally, the Minutemen were 126th in kickoff return defense and 129th in punt return defense. Without a doubt, these two units simply must do a better job to put their defense in a better starting position in 2024.
At kicker, the Minutemen brought in Vanderbilt graduate transfer Jacob Lurie to replace Cameron Carson who transferred to Buffalo for his final year of eligibility. Lurie didn’t see the field in Nashville, but has been impressive in Amherst thus far
Senior CJ Kolodziey should continue handling punting duties, but should he struggle with consistency it won’t be surprising to see redshirt junior Riley Moore also get a chance.
Game-by-Game Prediction
Home vs. Eastern Michigan
Date: Saturday, August 31st
SP+ Rating: 118
2023 Record: 6-7
Prediction: Win
The Minutemen avenge their 2023 heartbreaking loss in Ypsilanti and get the season started on the right foot.
Away @ Toledo
Date: Saturday, September 7th
SP+ Rating: 87
2023 Record: 11-3
Prediction: Loss
Even with the loss of talented quarterback Dequan Finn, the Rockets roll in Ohio. If this game was in Amherst, I’d lean towards a closer outcome.
Away @ Buffalo
Date: Saturday, September 14th
SP+ Rating: 123
2023 Record: 3-9
Prediction: Win
The Bulls are just five spots ahead of the Minutemen in the SP+ preseason ranking. This is a game Buffalo will be favored in being at home, but UMass absolutely has the talent to win this one.
Home vs. Central Connecticut State
Date: Saturday, September 21st
SP+ Rating: N/A for FCS
2023 Record: 3-8
Prediction: Win
The Blue Devils feature former Minutemen quarterback Brady Olson who’ll be looking to exert revenge on his old team, but there’s no chance that happens on an earlier than usual homecoming weekend in Amherst.
Away @ Miami (OH)
Date: Saturday, September 28th
SP+ Rating: 80
2023 Record: 11-3
Prediction: Loss
The Redhawks were picked to finish first in the MAC Preseason Poll. While this year’s edition hopefully features less weather, Miami’s talent at home may be too much for the Minutemen to overcome.
Away @ Northern Illinois
Date: Saturday, October 5th
SP+ Rating: 98
2023 Record: 7-6
Prediction: Loss
It’s been a few years since the Minutemen took on the Huskies, who were picked third in the MAC Preseason Poll. This isn’t necessarily a game that UMass should automatically lose, but the game being away certainly doesn’t favor them.
Home vs. Missouri
Date: Saturday, October 12th
SP+ Rating: 11
2023 Record: 11-2
Prediction: Loss
Arguably the biggest home game in UMass football history arrives on Columbus Day weekend when they welcome the Tigers of the SEC to Amherst. Everything about the game will be a spectacle, aside from the likely lopsided scoreline.
Home vs. Wagner
Date: Saturday, October 26th
SP+ Rating: N/A for FCS
2023 Record: 4-7
Prediction: Win
The Minutemen will have a soft landing after their bye week and roll past the Seahawks before the real gauntlet of their season sets in.
Away @ Mississippi State
Date: Saturday, November 2nd
SP+ Rating: 55
2023 Record: 5-7
Prediction: Loss
It sounds crazy, but given the Minutemen’s odd history of giving SEC programs a hard time, should everyone be healthy and the team in a good place, I wouldn’t be shocked if they give the Bulldogs a game. MSU was picked second last in the SEC Preseason Poll, have a brand new coach, and get the Minutemen after consecutive weeks of Texas, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.
Away @ Liberty
Date: Saturday, November 16th
SP+ Rating: 48
2023 Record: 13-1
Prediction: Loss
Liberty have won five straight contests over the Minutemen and have scored 42 or more points in each game. While the bye week helps UMass rest up before their trip to Virginia, the Flames figure to roll once more.
Away @ Georgia
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
SP+ Rating: 1
2023 Record: 13-1
Prediction: Loss
The 2024 Georgia Bulldogs may end up being the best team that the UMass football program has ever played. Depending where the team is at with bowl eligibility, it may be best to outright sit important starters for this game entirely.
Home vs. UConn
Date: Saturday, November 30th
SP+ Rating: 125
2023 Record: 3-9
Prediction: Win
Last season UConn entered this game after a brutal second half similar to the Minutemen and got the job done. I think the 2024 edition of this game flips to UMass, but it’s a toss-up really of where the team’s head will be at. The biggest disappointment of this game is it not being held at Gillette Stadium or Fenway Park like it was initially rumored to be.
Final Season Record Prediction: 5-7
A lot can go wrong in a college football season. Players can get hurt, hit the transfer portal, have a game delayed up to three hours because of thunderstorms, so predicting anything can be damn near impossible. This is especially the case for a program who at times has been a national punchline for pundits and fans alike. With their best roster in 13 years of FBS play, I have no choice but to firmly stick my neck out there and think this is the season that turns it all around. I chose to believe that the Minutemen give one big middle finger to Independent football on their way out the door to the MAC and finally silence the doubters. It sounds silly to say a 5-7 season is an accomplishment, where the likes of that could get you fired at other programs, but for the Minutemen this would be a feat that fans would’ve dreamt of when going 1-11 under Walt Bell. While I typically undersell the Minutemen and hope to end up surprised, I chose to emphatically take the over 4.5 wins even if it means my nonexistent reputation as a pundit gets raked over the flames. It’s not “put up or shut up” time in Amherst, it’s “shut up and let’s win some damn games.”