What’s next for Boston College football? Four storylines to watch entering the offseason
NEW YORK — Perched on the dais at Yankee Stadium following Saturday’s 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl loss to Nebraska, Boston College juniors Grayson James and Daveon Crouch spoke with a sense of optimism.
While short-term disappointment was inevitable, James and Crouch felt the game was a springboard for what’s to come. They know there’s plenty of work to be done, but they’re encouraged by the program’s trajectory.
“There’s a lot to look forward to,” said James. “Potential can be a dangerous word, but I like where this team looks like we’re going.”
The Eagles will miss a standout senior class, yet they have a healthy blend of veterans, up-and-comers, transfers, and incoming freshmen eager to fill the void.
Here are four story lines to follow as they transition from 2024 to 2025:
The season was a success
This season had its ups and downs, but it should be viewed in a largely positive light.
The Eagles beat No. 10 Florida State, nearly upset No. 6 Missouri and No. 14 Southern Methodist, earned a thrilling Red Bandanna Game win over Michigan State, and outlasted a Syracuse team that ended up with 10 wins. They were ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2018, won six games at home for the first time since 2009, and posted a 3-1 record in November to secure their first seven-win regular season since 2018.
BC’s opponents had a combined record of 94-71. The Eagles faced three teams that finished with 10-plus wins and eight that finished with winning records.
While a bowl win would have been a fitting exclamation point, the reality is that BC was shorthanded, as many of its top players elected to opt out. It was just Year 1 of the Bill O’Brien era, and the Eagles have made strides.
“We feel like we’re there with any team, no matter the conference, no matter the team,” said Crouch, a linebacker.
The flip side, of course, is that the Eagles didn’t win those games against Missouri or SMU. They lost three straight, to Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Louisville, in a winless October, and couldn’t finish what they started against the Cornhuskers.
So, moving forward, the changes don’t have to be drastic. It’s about playing complete games and cleaning up in critical spots.
“We’ll be back,” O’Brien said. “BC will be back.”
Could there be a quarterback battle?
In his first season with the Eagles, James finished with a completion percentage of 63.9 and threw six touchdown passes to two interceptions over six games. He racked up 301 passing yards against the Cornhuskers and continued to look confident and in command.
James deserves to go into spring ball as the projected starter. But Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan will likely push him and make him earn the starting job.
O’Brien first met Lonergan and his family when he recruited him to play for the Crimson Tide. At the end of this season, Lonergan entered the transfer portal, visited BC, and liked what he saw.
O’Brien made a point to say that James is the starter, but it’s clear he thinks highly of Lonergan, as well. Having multiple polished and poised quarterbacks is a good problem to have.
With Jacobe Robinson making strides, and freshman Shaker Reisig already on campus, the position is the deepest it’s been in some time.
“We’ve really upgraded our quarterback room, no doubt about it,” O’Brien said.
Who will step up on the offensive and defensive lines?
While the Eagles will arguably be stronger in many areas next season, the offensive and defensive lines are question marks.
It’s not that they don’t have talented players returning; it’s that they’re losing immensely valuable players.
Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Donovan Ezeiruaku, who led the nation in sacks in the regular season, is irreplaceable at defensive end. Cam Horsley, who also has a chance to make the NFL, will be missed at defensive tackle.
George Rooks, Quintayvious Hutchins, Neto Okpala, Ty Clemons, Owen Stoudmire, and Kwan Williams are on track to return and contribute.
On the offensive line, they’ll miss right tackle Ozzy Trapilo and right guard Jack Conley. Center Drew Kendall appears to be departing as well, after accepting an invite to the East West Shrine Bowl.
“They laid the foundation of discipline and toughness,” O’Brien said of the departing players. “Most players just want to be coached, want to be led. These guys were very coachable.”
Logan Taylor and Jude Bowry are back for more, and Dwayne Allick has one more year of eligibility. Others, such as Eryx Daugherty and Ryan Mickow, will need to step up.
Running back, wide receiver, and the secondary are promising
Running back Kye Robichaux recently declared for the NFL Draft. He was one of the Eagles’ most dependable players, finishing the season with 744 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
He’ll be missed, but Turbo Richard, Jordan McDonald, and Datrell Jones bring back lots of talent. Alex Broome, who missed the season with an ACL, is on track to return, as well.
At receiver, Lewis Bond (67 catches, 689 yards, 3 TDs), Reed Harris, and Jaedn Skeete are back, plus tight end Jeremiah Franklin. BC should be set at the skill positions for the foreseeable future.
In the secondary, the return of Amari Jackson (ACL) will be critical. Ashton McShane, KP Price, Omar Thornton, and Max Tucker gained valuable experience that should pay dividends moving forward.
“I do think there’s a bright future,” O’Brien said. “I really enjoy the job. I think there’s a lot of good players in that locker room coming back for 2025.”
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