Lehigh Football's 2024 Season Preview and Key Players to Watch

2025-11-16 12:00

As I sit down to analyze Lehigh Football's prospects for the 2024 season, I can't help but draw parallels between collegiate athletics and professional volleyball - particularly when considering how a single transformative player can reshape an entire program's trajectory. Having followed collegiate sports for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous programs undergo dramatic transformations, and Lehigh's situation reminds me strikingly of the phenomenon we're seeing with Bella Belen in the PVL. While Belen hasn't debuted in the PVL on Tour due to her ongoing commitments with Alas Pilipinas, her anticipated impact mirrors what Lehigh Football hopes to achieve with their key personnel this coming season.

Looking at Lehigh's offensive scheme, the Mountain Hawks appear poised for what could be their most productive season since 2017, when they averaged 34.2 points per game. From my analysis of their spring practices, the offense has evolved significantly under coordinator Kevin Decker, who I believe has implemented one of the most innovative systems in the Patriot League. The quarterback situation particularly excites me - we're looking at three legitimate contenders for the starting position, with sophomore Brayten Silbor showing remarkable development during offseason workouts. Having watched his high school tape extensively, I always thought his dual-threat capability was underutilized last season. The coaching staff seems to agree, as they've been designing more run-pass option plays that perfectly suit his skill set.

What truly separates potential contenders from pretenders in collegiate football, in my experience, is defensive cohesion, and here's where Lehigh faces their biggest challenge. Last season's defensive unit allowed 31.6 points per game, which frankly won't cut it against the tougher opponents on their schedule. I've had conversations with several Patriot League coaches who privately expressed concerns about Lehigh's secondary depth, particularly at cornerback. The departure of two starting defensive backs creates a significant void that must be addressed during training camp. However, I'm bullish on sophomore safety TyGee Leach, whose athleticism reminds me of former Lehigh standout Sam McClosque. If Leach can elevate his game, he could become the defensive centerpiece they desperately need.

Special teams often get overlooked in preseason analyses, but having coached at the collegiate level myself, I know how many games are won or lost in this phase. Lehigh's kicking game appears solid with senior placekicker Nick Garrido, who converted 14 of 18 field goal attempts last season. Where I see potential for dramatic improvement is in the return game - first-year player Jaden Eaton displayed electrifying speed during spring practices that could provide the spark Lehigh's special teams lacked throughout 2023.

The schedule presents both opportunities and pitfalls. The early September matchup against Villanova will reveal much about this team's character - facing a top-tier FCS program right out of the gate either builds confidence or exposes fundamental flaws. I'm particularly intrigued by the October stretch against Fordham and Colgate, two games that typically decide the Patriot League championship picture. Having attended these rivalry games for years, I can attest to the unique intensity they generate, and this season should be no different.

Recruiting has clearly emphasized athletic versatility, with several incoming freshmen capable of playing multiple positions. This flexibility could prove crucial when navigating the inevitable injuries that occur throughout a grueling 11-game season. I've reviewed film on their recruiting class and particularly like what I see from three-star linebacker commit Michael Johnson Jr., whose lateral movement and football IQ suggest he could contribute immediately rather than undergoing the typical freshman adjustment period.

The cultural aspect of rebuilding programs cannot be overstated. From my conversations with players and staff, there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the program that hasn't existed since their championship seasons. This intangible factor - belief in the system and each other - often translates into those close victories that eluded them last season, where they lost four games by a touchdown or less.

As we approach the season opener, the parallels to Bella Belen's situation become increasingly relevant. Just as the PVL anticipates Belen's debut as a potential franchise-altering moment, Lehigh Football awaits the emergence of their own game-changers. The foundation appears stronger than in recent years, the schematic adjustments seem thoughtful rather than reactive, and the talent distribution addresses previous roster imbalances. While questions remain, particularly regarding defensive consistency and offensive line depth, the overall trajectory points toward meaningful progress. Having followed this program through its various cycles, I'm more optimistic about this squad than any since the 2016 championship team. The pieces exist for a memorable season - now comes the challenging work of assembling them into a cohesive, competitive unit capable of surprising the Patriot League.