It’s game week Wildcat fans and we are more excited than “a single woman sitting in the front row at an Usher concert”. To say that there is a sense of renewed optimism in Daytona Beach headed into the 2024 season is an understatement. Bethune-Cookman enjoyed a successful offseason bringing in a highly rated recruiting class to go along with key returners from last year’s squad. This, along with several other intriguing storylines, has fans believing the Wildcats can turn things around this season.
A Quick Look Back: The 2023 Season
The 2023 season was one of rebuilding and recalibrating for Bethune-Cookman. Despite flashes of promise, the Wildcats struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense. The team averaged just 18.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the SWAC in most offensive categories. Defensively, the unit showed promise but often found itself on the field too long due to the offense’s inability to sustain drives.
Nonetheless, the silver lining came in the form of BCU’s competitiveness and emergence of young talent. One possession losses against Alabama State and Jackson State on the road; and Preseason 2nd Team All -SWAC honors for guys like Dearis Thomas attest to these facts.
A Strong 2024 Recruiting Class
Coach Raymond Woodie and his staff had a heck of an offseason and did an amazing job of upgrading the talent on this roster. The Wildcats secured a top-tier 2024 recruiting class, featuring several players who are expected to contribute right away. One late addition to the squad is that of transfer quarterback Micah Bowens from Oklahoma/Charlotte, who brings a dual-threat skillset with him, and has fans excited about the potential for a more dynamic offense. Other notable additions include the likes of Raymond Woodie III, Orin Patu, Dallaz Corbitt, and Trey Mejia-Paster, all of whom add playmaking ability to a defense that showed flashes of potential last year.
Top 5 Storylines for the 2024 Season
1. Quarterback Play: Who Will Take the Helm?
Bethune-Cookman enters the 2024 season with a crowded quarterback room. Luke Sprague, Walt Simmons, Tylik Bethea, and Cam Ransom all return from last year’s squad. Simmons, however, has switched positions to wide receiver, adding versatility to the offense. The big addition to the QB room is Bowens, a transfer who brings experience from Power 5 programs. The battle for the starting job will be one of the most closely watched through the first four games as BCU tune up for SWAC play. We expect that the job is Luke Sprague’s unless someone else can wrestle it away. Sprague is a capable starter who returns for year two in this offense. Sprague’s 2023 season was derailed and ultimately ended prematurely after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Miami game and then re-aggravating the injury in the Southern game. Whoever wins the job will need to improve upon last year’s offensive struggles but there certainly are options at the QB position this time around.
2. More Offensive Woes 🫣 or New Offensive Whoas 🙌?
The Wildcats’ offense was their Achilles’ heel in 2023. Ranking near the bottom of the SWAC in total yards and points per game, improvement is critical if Bethune-Cookman is to compete this year. The good news is that the offensive line returns four starters, providing stability up front. Additionally, the running back room has been bolstered by transfers Courtney Reese (UNLV) and Cross Patton (Nevada); as well as the return of JoJo Bazil from an early season injury which caused him to miss the bulk of the 2023 campaign. If the line can gel and the running game can take off, it could open up opportunities for the rest of the offense. The bad news is last year’s struggles are still fresh in mind so the offense will need to prove early that it can consistently move the ball and score points to eliminate doubt from creeping in.
3. Newcomers on Offense and Defense: Immediate Impact?
In addition to some of the names mentioned earlier, guys like Surafel Seyfu and Cameron Vaughn will look to strengthen the offensive line. Caleb Blake (Missouri State) and Andrew Volmer (Louisiana Monroe) were starters at the Group of Five level before transferring to BCU and both will look to help fortify the defensive secondary.
Wide receiver is perhaps the position group that is most in need of an emerging star. Quite a few guys showed flashes in Fall Camp, including a couple of true freshmen. However, we still don’t have a good handle on who will emerge as the top pass catcher or playmaker among the receivers.
4. 7 Wins in 3 Years: Could This Year’s Team Match That Total?
BCU has won just seven games over the last three seasons. (Ouch!) However, there’s a growing belief that this year’s squad could perhaps match that win total in one season alone. The combination of returning talent, impact transfers, and a full offseason under the leadership of Coach Woodie gives the Wildcats a realistic shot at a winning season. If the team can stay healthy and the newcomers contribute as expected, the Wildcats could be in for a significant turnaround.
5. New Excitement: A Buzz Around the Program
There’s a renewed excitement around Bethune-Cookman football heading into 2024. From the energy of the new recruits to the potential of a retooled offense, fans have reason to be optimistic. Head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. has emphasized a culture of competition and accountability, and it’s clear that this year’s team has bought in. The Wildcats will have opportunities early in the season to prove they’re a different team from last year. After the season opener against South Florida, BCU hosts Mercer in Daytona Stadium. Mercer not only made the FCS playoffs a season ago; they also won a playoff game. If Cookman can find a way to beat Mercer and prove to themselves that they can win games against quality opponents, the boost in confidence could translate into the type of season that fans have been longing for since joining the SWAC. Two weeks after the Mercer contest, BCU face DII Clark Atlanta before entering conference play against Alabama State. It is not realistic to believe BCU could enter SWAC play at 2-2 on the season.
Conclusion
Simply put, the 2024 Wildcats have the potential to exceed expectations and make a statement in the league. While challenges remain, the pieces are in place for a successful campaign. In a few short days, we will get our first glimpse into what this year’s version of Bethune-Cookman football has in store.
HailWildcats.com 