Jordan Stevens, the team’s offensive coordinator, recently described the returning line as a "great group" capable of powering the Black Bears toward a turnaround. After a 6-6 season that left the program without a winning record since 2021, the focus has shifted to the trenches, where experience and cohesion are expected to drive the offense forward.
A Line Built for Power
The projected starting unit features left tackle Andrew Kocan, left guard Noah Stanley, center Jack Boutaugh, right guard Ian Erickson or Tyler Williams, and right tackle Anthony Illiano. Boutaugh, who previously manned the guard position, will slide to center, a move many analysts believe will showcase his mechanical engineering instincts and leadership on the line.
Among the group, Anthony Illiano stands out as the most decorated player, earning preseason All‑American honors as a 6‑foot‑3, 320‑pound redshirt junior. His presence provides both stability and a rallying point for younger teammates, while the addition of Ian Erickson and Tyler Williams adds depth and versatility to the right side of the line.
Expectations on the Ground Game
Last season the Black Bears averaged 163.8 rushing yards per game, a figure the coaching staff hopes to exceed. With returning backs Rashawn Marshall, who posted a 5.3‑yard average per carry, and Nick Laughlin, who is recovering from a torn ACL, the running attack should benefit from the line’s improved ability to create space. The new starting quarterback, redshirt sophomore Eddie Buehler, will rely heavily on this front wall to develop timing with a relatively inexperienced receiving corps.
A Competitive Opener
The season opens with a Coastal Athletic Association showdown at Towson, a venue that promises early tests for the revamped line. The matchup will serve as a barometer for whether the unit can translate preseason optimism into on‑field production. If the Black Bears can harness the experience of Illiano and the chemistry built during the offseason, the early test could set the tone for a campaign aimed at reclaiming a winning tradition.