As Western Michigan gears up for the 2024 football season, expectations are cautiously optimistic. After a tumultuous two-year stretch marked by inconsistency and coaching changes, the Broncos are aiming for a bounce-back year. With a stable quarterback situation, a wealth of returning talent, and renewed coaching stability, the Broncos are well-positioned to achieve a .500 record in MAC play and secure a bowl game berth after a two-year absence.
Quarterback Stability: Hayden Wolff Takes the Helm
One of the most significant improvements for Western Michigan this season is the stability at the quarterback position. Fifth-year senior Hayden Wolff, who transferred from Old Dominion, will be the starter. Wolff’s experience and performance in the latter part of last season, including a standout 333-yard game against Central Michigan, provide a solid foundation for the offense. His familiarity with the system and the ability to make plays under pressure will be crucial for the Broncos.
Skill Position Depth: Playmakers Across the Board
The Broncos boast a talented roster of skill position players. Jalen Buckley, the MAC Freshman of the Year, is poised to be a key contributor in the running game. Buckley’s 1,003 rushing yards from his debut season demonstrate his potential to be a dominant force. Complementing him will be Zahir Abdus-Salaam, known for his pass protection and third-down capabilities, and Virginia Tech transfer Keshawn King, who, despite an injury-plagued first season, has the potential to make a significant impact.
At wide receiver, Western Michigan returns three of its top four pass-catchers. Kenneth Womack, who led the MAC with 76 receptions, will be a focal point of the passing game. Anthony Sambucci, who led the team with five touchdowns, and incoming transfers Devaughn “Bugs” Mortimer from ULM and Jordin Parker from New Mexico State, bring additional speed and playmaking ability to the receiving corps.
Offensive Line: Experience and Strength
The offensive line returns three starters from last season, including two All-MAC performers. Center Jacob Gideon, a first-team All-MAC selection, and guard Addison West, a third-team All-MAC honoree, anchor a line that should provide ample protection for Wolff and open lanes for the running game. The line’s experience and cohesion will be crucial in executing a balanced offensive attack.
Previewing Western Michigan’s Defense for 2024
Defensive Line: Rebuilding with New Additions
The Broncos’ defense, which ranked 10th in the MAC last season, will see some changes but also benefits from several returning contributors. Although the team lost standout defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, key players like Corey Walker, who had a breakout season at defensive end, and returning players Mason Nelson and Isaiah Green, will be instrumental in the defensive line’s performance. Transfers Popeye Williams from Louisville and Anterio Thompson from Iowa are expected to make an immediate impact, bolstering the defensive front.
Linebackers: Leadership and Experience
The linebacker unit will be led by Jacob Wahlberg, a former Purdue transfer who made 65 tackles last season. Alongside Wahlberg, seniors Donald Willis, Boone Bonnema, and Damari Roberson will play vital roles in the new defensive scheme implemented by coordinator Scott Power. The linebackers will need to step up their game to improve a defense that struggled in 2023.
Secondary: Returning Talent and New Faces
In the secondary, Western Michigan returns key players including Tate Hallock, the team’s leading tackler, and Aaron Wofford, who was second in tackles. Bilhal Kone is expected to secure one cornerback position, with the other spot to be determined in preseason camp. The secondary’s performance will be crucial in improving the overall defensive statistics and containing opposing passing attacks.
Previewing Western Michigan’s Specialists for 2024
Kicking and Punting: Areas of Focus
Kicker Palmer Domschke returns after a mixed season in 2023, making 9-of-15 field goals but struggling beyond 40 yards. The Broncos will need Domschke to improve his consistency, particularly on longer attempts. The punting duties will be handled by Australian Cameron Peasley, who averaged 38.9 yards per punt last season. Peasley’s ability to flip the field will be an important factor in the team’s special teams performance.
Coaching and Organizational Changes
Coaching Staff Stability and New Additions
After a season of significant coaching turnover, Western Michigan enters 2024 with a more stable coaching staff. New offensive coordinator Walt Bell, formerly of Indiana and UMass, brings experience and a fresh perspective to the Broncos’ offense. On the defensive side, Scott Power, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, takes over from Lou Esposito. Power’s track record at various levels of college football gives hope for an improved defensive performance.
Roster Additions and Changes
The Broncos have focused on bolstering their defense through the transfer portal and recruiting. With 11 new transfers, including highly touted edge rusher Popeye Williams, and a strong recruiting class featuring players like Carlos Mitchell Jr., Western Michigan has added depth and talent to address their defensive shortcomings.
Support Staff Adjustments
Western Michigan has also made adjustments to its support staff, adding new roles and personnel to enhance the program’s operations. These changes, while less visible, are aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the team’s preparations and support systems.
Western Michigan 2024 Season Prediction
With a stable quarterback situation, experienced skill position players, and a strengthened defensive roster, Western Michigan has the potential to make significant strides in the 2024 season. Achieving a .500 record in MAC play and securing a bowl game are realistic goals for second-year head coach Lance Taylor. The Broncos will need to leverage their returning experience, adapt to new coaching strategies, and execute consistently to meet these objectives.
Record Prediction: 6-5
Likely Wins: Central Connecticut, Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, San Diego State, Western Michigan
50/50 Games: Akron, Ohio, at Northern Illinois, at Toledo
Likely Losses: at Illinois, at Miami University
2024 Western Michigan Football Schedule
- Aug 29: Central Connecticut
- Sept 7: at FIU
- Sept 14: at Illinois
- Sept 21: Ball State
- Sept 28: San Diego State
- Oct 5: OPEN DATE
- Oct 12: Ohio
- Oct 19: at Eastern Michigan
- Oct 26: at Miami University
- Nov 2: OPEN DATE
- Nov 5: Bowling Green
- Nov 12: at Toledo
- Nov 19: Western Michigan
- Nov 30: at Northern Illinois
As the 2024 season unfolds, Western Michigan will look to capitalize on its returning talent and new additions to navigate a challenging schedule and reclaim its place in postseason play. If the Broncos can achieve consistency and capitalize on their strengths, they have the potential to exceed expectations and make a strong push in the MAC.