Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, Ga, USA; College of Alabama Head Coach Kalen Deboer Talks to the Media in the course of the Sec Media Days at Omni Atlanta Lodge. Necessary credit score: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Pictures
The primary true preseason ballot has been launched, giving us our first take a look at how coaches view the school soccer panorama heading into 2025.
Traditionally, the Coaches Ballot hasn’t precisely been essentially the most correct measure of how good groups really are. Nonetheless, it’s at all times fascinating to see the place the hype lands going into a brand new season.
With that in thoughts, listed here are a couple of choices from the coaches that I’m not completely bought on simply but:
No. 8 Alabama: Yr Two of DeBoer
Yr one of many Kalen DeBoer expertise left me with some issues heading into this 12 months. Alabama didn’t have the identical type of power because the Nick Saban–led groups of years previous.
That stated, fading the best powerhouse in faculty soccer historical past primarily based on vibes alone in all probability isn’t the neatest transfer.
The largest concern for the Tide is the quarterback place. Ty Simpson appears to be like just like the front-runner, but when he struggles early, will DeBoer lose endurance and switch to the extremely rated Keelon Russell?
I’m additionally not satisfied Alabama can preserve its standard dominance on this present NIL panorama. DeBoer was far more aggressive within the portal final 12 months, and if issues go south, I’m unsure he will get the identical unwavering assist from the Alabama trustworthy that Saban as soon as had.
No. 11 Arizona State: Playoff Hangover
Out of the three coaches listed right here, I’ve essentially the most religion in Kenny Dillingham. I’d like to see a powerful staff again in Tempe, however I simply don’t suppose the expertise is there.
Sam Leavitt is getting a ton of preseason hype, and I don’t get it. He doesn’t flip the ball over a lot, however with former standout working again Cam Skattebo now within the NFLLeavitt can be requested to be much more aggressive this season.
Leavitt’s in-state rival, Khalil Tate at Arizona, ought to actually be getting extra preseason consideration than Leavitt.
Right here’s the actual subject with the Solar Devils: they simply don’t have the dudes. Dillingham is perhaps a scheming mastermind, however except he begins touchdown bigger-time recruits, the ceiling right here feels fairly restricted.
The perfect factor going for ASU? They play within the Massive 12. If they’ll preserve stacking wins out west, they might sneak into the Playoff once more.
No. 14 Michigan: Is Bryce Underwood Sufficient?
Michigan made an enormous offseason splash by signing five-star recruit Bryce Underwood. He is perhaps nice. However he’s inexperienced and strolling right into a weak vast receiver room.
Donaven McCulley seems to be WR1 to begin the 12 months, however nothing in his three seasons at Indiana screams elite. Semaj Morgan looks as if the second possibility, and except he makes an enormous leap ahead, this passing assault goes to be tough.
The Wolverines additionally didn’t have a formidable displaying within the portal, even with a powerful freshman class.
Add within the still-pending NCAA violations looming over this system, a scarcity of skilled expertise, and a first-year head coach, and I’m unsure how this staff avoids one other 7-5 or 8-4 sort season.
(Additionally, I stated I don’t consider in DeBoer. However I REALLY have my doubts about Sherrone Moore.)
