Louisiana College football teams are preparing for an upcoming season filled with promise and potential. As fall camps kick off, the teams are eager to prove themselves and bounce back from a tough previous season.
Last year was challenging for Louisiana’s college football teams along I-20 and in Natchitoches, with each team facing its own struggles. Louisiana Tech had a disappointing 3-9 record in Sonny Cumbie’s first season as head coach. Grambling State, under Hue Cleveland, also struggled with a 3-8 record. ULM went 4-8 in Terry Bowden’s second season, while Northwestern State had a 4-7 record in Brad Laird’s fifth season.
However, with a new season on the horizon, optimism is running high. All four teams have the potential to perform better this year and make significant improvements.
Louisiana Tech came close to being a .500 club last season. The Bulldogs lost back-to-back Conference USA games in overtime and double overtime, showing their competitiveness. The team’s quarterback position remains a question mark, but Boise State transfer Hank Bachmeier is a top contender. If he develops well, the Bulldogs could become CUSA title contenders. Tech also boasts one of the conference’s most dynamic offensive players in wide receiver and return specialist Smoke Harris. The defense will need to step up to improve the team’s overall performance.
Grambling State, like many other teams, hit the transfer portal in search of new talent. The Tigers struggled with offensive production last season, averaging only 22.6 points per game. To compete in the SWAC, they will need to significantly improve their offensive output. Alabama State quarterback Myles Crawley is expected to be the team’s starter, bringing new energy and potential.
ULM is also entering the season with a new starting quarterback, Jiya Wright. He missed most of last year’s games due to a rib injury. The departure of 2022 starter Chandler Rodgers left the QB position wide open. Wright, who has transferred between three different colleges previously, will play a crucial role in determining ULM’s fate this season. The team can rely on the return of Tyrone Hill, their leading receiver from last year.
As for Northwestern State, they had a decent run in the Southland Conference last season, going 4-2. However, this year they will be looking for improvements on both offense and defense. The team has added numerous new players, including Idaho State transfer Tyler Vander Waal as a potential starting quarterback. With new assistant coaches and changes to the roster, it’s difficult to predict the team’s performance accurately.
The season opener for each team is just around the corner. Louisiana Tech will face FIU on August 26 at Joe Aillet Stadium, Grambling State will take on Hampton in Harrison, N.J. on September 2, ULM will host Army on September 2, and Northwestern State will travel to Lafayette to face Louisiana on September 2.
Fans and players alike are eager to see how their favorite teams will fare this season. With the promise of improvement and the potential for success, Louisiana’s college football teams are ready to hit the field and showcase their skills.
