Since taking over the Delaware program in December 2021, head coach Ryan Carty and the Blue Hens have had a lot of success. He’s guided them to a 26-11 record and had the first back-to-back nine-win seasons since 2003-04 when KC Keeler was at the helm. The Blue Hens won the Division I-AA (FCS) national title in 2003. Carty was a member of that squad as a backup quarterback.
The Blue Hens went 9-2 last fall but were ineligible for the FCS playoffs because of NCAA transition rules. Now, they’re preparing for their first season in the FBS and Conference USA.
We’ve seen other CUSA members transition into the league recently and immediately be competitive. Two years ago, Jacksonville State went 9-4 in its first season after transitioning from the FCS, and — despite its 3-9 record — Sam Houston wasn’t a pushover in its first year and had five conference losses by seven points or less.
Delaware could be the next team that finds immediate success in the ever-changing league that is Conference USA.
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Delaware Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Delaware’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Over 4.5 at -135 and Under 4.5 at +110, via BetMGM.
Delaware Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 28 vs. Delaware State
Sept. 6 at Colorado
Sept. 13 vs. UConn
Sept. 20 at FIU
Oct. 3 vs. Western Kentucky
Oct. 15 at Jacksonville State
Oct. 22 vs MTSU
Nov. 1 at Liberty
Nov. 8 vs. Louisiana Tech
Nov. 15 at Sam Houston
Nov. 22 at Wake Forest
Nov. 29 vs. UTEP
Bold indicates CUSA contests
Key Delaware Football Returners
RB Jo’Nathan Silver
S KT Seay
OL Anwar O’neal
LB Gavin Moul
Delaware Football Season Preview
Zach Marker Expected To Be Delaware’s QB1
Along with Liberty, the Blue Hens are bringing back the most production in the league. That production would be even more significant if former starting quarterback Ryan O’Connor was still with the program. He announced his departure from the team in February. His 2024 campaign was cut short due to injury.
The Blue Hens still have some experience at QB, however, with graduate student Zach Marker and junior Nick Minicucci as the next guys up. Marker started three games and appeared in four last year before dealing with his own injuries that cost him the season and Minicucci started the final five games.
Marker passed for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions while Minicucci finished with 825 yards, 10 TDs, and three picks. Marker is believed to be QB1 entering the fall.
Delaware Returns Plenty Of Firepower On Offense
UD will also need to replace the production lost from electric running back Marcus Yarns, who is now with the New Orleans Saints. Silver should have no problem stepping into the role as the lead back. He made the most of his opportunities last year and finished with 462 rushing yards and four TDs on 6.6 yards per carry.
The receiving corps shouldn’t skip a beat from last season either with five of last year’s top eight pass catchers returning. Jake Thaw was second on the team with 41 receptions and 334 yards. He hauled in five TDs and was named second-team all-conference as a punt returner.
Max Patterson (25 receptions, 286 yards), Ja’Carree Kelly (17 catches, 171 yards) and Nicholas Laboy (15 receptions, 164 yards) also return after starting a combined 17 games last year. Six-foot-5, 240-pound tight end Caleb Fauria was a third-team all-conference selection and grabbed 12 catches for 134 yards.
The offensive line will also feature plenty of experience. Patrick Shupp and O’neal started all 11 games last season and Steven Dembowski started two at center. Fintan Brose returns after redshirting last season and is a two-time all-conference honoree.
Delaware Defense Should Remain Stout
Despite moving up to the FBS, I don’t anticipate UD’s defense to take that much of a step back. Led by the linebackers, this unit should remain a consistent one under sixth-year defensive coordinator Manny Rojas.
Four players return at the second level of the defense who started at least three games last season. Moul had 11 starts and paced the team with 70 total tackles while Dillon Trainer started seven games at the other linebacker spot and was second with 44 tackles. Hasson Manning Jr. started nine games (33 tackles) and Marje Mulumba started five games (35 tackles).
Led by Seay, the Blue Hens’ secondary should also be solid. The junior had 38 tackles and five passes defended in 11 starts while fellow junior safety Jason Scott also had 38 tackles in 10 starts.
A’Khoury Lyde (nine starts) and Nate Evans (two starts) should be back at the starting cornerback spots.
Keyshawn Hunter and Jack Hall will continue to be a force on the defensive line after starting a combined 14 games last season. Hall finished with 27 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss while Hunter registered 4.5 sacks and 4.5 TFLs.
Delaware Football Season Prediction
I predict Delaware will win at least five games and won’t struggle much in its transition to the FBS.
If they were eligible, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blue Hens reached a bowl game.
