Talented Rockets have sights set on MAC title
SEASON PREVIEW: TOLEDO
2024 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 1st
MRO STAFF
After reaching the MAC Championship game in 2023, Toledo fizzled last year.
It wasn't a complete flame-out as UT reached -- and won -- a bowl game. However, overall it was a rocky trip that was particularly shaky in the final weeks. Toledo dropped a crucial home game to eventual champ Ohio (24-7) Nov. 20, effectively eliminating the Rockets from title contention.
A 21-14 overtime at Akron . . .
2024 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 1st
MRO STAFF
After reaching the MAC Championship game in 2023, Toledo fizzled last year.
It wasn't a complete flame-out as UT reached -- and won -- a bowl game. However, overall it was a rocky trip that was particularly shaky in the final weeks. Toledo dropped a crucial home game to eventual champ Ohio (24-7) Nov. 20, effectively eliminating the Rockets from title contention.
A 21-14 overtime at Akron . . .
. . . the following week closed the regular season.
Perhaps a six-overtime win over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl helped salve the wounds, but 2025 is the ultimate chance to "make things right."
OFFENSE:
• Last year's bowl game might have offered some preview moments for 2025 as quarterback Tucker Gleason completed 26 of 50 attempts for 351 yards with two TDs. Junior Vandeross III was on the receiving end of 12 Gleason passes, contributing 194 yards and a TD on the day. Jerjuan Newton, meanwhile, caught eight passes for 99 yards.
All three players should be key cogs for the 2025 Rockets. Last year, Newton led UT receivers with 72 receptions totaling 1,033 yards with 11 touchdowns. Vandeross III had 85 catches for a total of 957 yards and five scores. Gleason finished fourth among MAC passers, throwing for 268.4 ypg. and helping UT rank first among MAC teams in passing yards per game.
It was a little different with the run game as Toledo ranked ninth (117.2 ypg) in the MAC and 108th natonally.
• There are reasons to believe the ground game will improve this year. Among them is RB Chip Trayanum, who has been at Ohio State, Arizona State and Kentucky in previous stops.
• Ethan Spoth (Third Team All-MAC) is back along the line, along with Carter Fouty and Cole Rhett.
Perhaps a six-overtime win over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl helped salve the wounds, but 2025 is the ultimate chance to "make things right."
OFFENSE:
• Last year's bowl game might have offered some preview moments for 2025 as quarterback Tucker Gleason completed 26 of 50 attempts for 351 yards with two TDs. Junior Vandeross III was on the receiving end of 12 Gleason passes, contributing 194 yards and a TD on the day. Jerjuan Newton, meanwhile, caught eight passes for 99 yards.
All three players should be key cogs for the 2025 Rockets. Last year, Newton led UT receivers with 72 receptions totaling 1,033 yards with 11 touchdowns. Vandeross III had 85 catches for a total of 957 yards and five scores. Gleason finished fourth among MAC passers, throwing for 268.4 ypg. and helping UT rank first among MAC teams in passing yards per game.
It was a little different with the run game as Toledo ranked ninth (117.2 ypg) in the MAC and 108th natonally.
• There are reasons to believe the ground game will improve this year. Among them is RB Chip Trayanum, who has been at Ohio State, Arizona State and Kentucky in previous stops.
• Ethan Spoth (Third Team All-MAC) is back along the line, along with Carter Fouty and Cole Rhett.
DEFENSE:
• The Rockets also have outstanding talent on the defensive side, and it's hoped UT can move up in several defensive categories. The secondary is a particularly strong area. Jaden Dottin, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Nasir Bowers and Avery Smith (Second Team All-MAC) have starting experience. Braden Awls led the team with four interceptions and was third in tackles (72). However, leading UT tackler (S) Maxen Hook (Philadelphia Eagles) and LB Daniel Bolden are gone after combining for 204 stops in 2024.
• There are some questions along the D-line, but several seniors with playing experience are moving into starting roles. Louce Julien (UMass) is an addition who could help at a defensive end spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Sophomore Dylan Cunanan booted a 54-yard field goal last year while hitting 15-of-21 attempts overall. Punter Bryson Hammer was a Second Team All-MAC selection.
• The Rockets also have outstanding talent on the defensive side, and it's hoped UT can move up in several defensive categories. The secondary is a particularly strong area. Jaden Dottin, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Nasir Bowers and Avery Smith (Second Team All-MAC) have starting experience. Braden Awls led the team with four interceptions and was third in tackles (72). However, leading UT tackler (S) Maxen Hook (Philadelphia Eagles) and LB Daniel Bolden are gone after combining for 204 stops in 2024.
• There are some questions along the D-line, but several seniors with playing experience are moving into starting roles. Louce Julien (UMass) is an addition who could help at a defensive end spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Sophomore Dylan Cunanan booted a 54-yard field goal last year while hitting 15-of-21 attempts overall. Punter Bryson Hammer was a Second Team All-MAC selection.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Despite losing several excellent players, UT is still rich in game-changing talent. With 15 incoming transfers, the Rockets were picked to win the league. Injuries could be a factor, but Toledo must also guard against those occasional "let-down" games.
After opening at Kentucky, UT hosts Western Kentucky and Morgan State. The final non-conference tilt comes on Oct. 25 at Washington State.
Toledo begins MAC play Sept. 20 at Western Michigan and gets a rematch against Akron at the Glass Bowl a week later. Rival Bowling Green hosts Toledo Oct.11. The first two games of November could be the toughest challenges as UT hosts Northern Illinois (Nov. 5) and then visits Miami (Nov. 12).
Despite losing several excellent players, UT is still rich in game-changing talent. With 15 incoming transfers, the Rockets were picked to win the league. Injuries could be a factor, but Toledo must also guard against those occasional "let-down" games.
After opening at Kentucky, UT hosts Western Kentucky and Morgan State. The final non-conference tilt comes on Oct. 25 at Washington State.
Toledo begins MAC play Sept. 20 at Western Michigan and gets a rematch against Akron at the Glass Bowl a week later. Rival Bowling Green hosts Toledo Oct.11. The first two games of November could be the toughest challenges as UT hosts Northern Illinois (Nov. 5) and then visits Miami (Nov. 12).
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