2023 Record: 2-9 (1-7 CAA)
Returning starters: 12 (5 off, 7 defended)
2023 Offensive Ranking (YPP): No.60
2023 Defensive Ranks (YPP Allowed): No.115
Returning All-Conference players: none
Notable transfers: Mason Gilbert (Lafayette; TE), Carter Peavy (Mercer; QB), Isaiah Watson (Samford; DB), John Olmstead (Lafayette; OL), Kenneth Cooper (Merrimack; DB), Zephron Lester (Stanford; DL), Jaeden Curry (USF; DB), Dorian Blackwell (Nevada; DB), Kesean Dyson (Saint Francis; LB)
The 2024 season will be a critical one for the Black Bears after two straight losing seasons. Maine has not made the FCS playoffs since reaching the semifinals in 2018. With conference changes due to realignment, Maine is expected to rise to the top of the CAA over the next few seasons. With question marks at the top of the conference, Maine has a chance to make an impression in head coach Jordan Stevens' third year.
Any discussion of this team has to start at the quarterback position, where all-conference quarterback Derek Robertson transferred to Monmouth, leaving a big hole for the Black Bears, and Maine signed former Mercer quarterback Derek Robertson. Carter PeavyWho He led the Bears to the second round of the FCS playoffs. It's still up for debate whether Maine has improved his quarterback position. Peavy is the more dynamic quarterback, rushing for over 300 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He's more efficient, but struggled to generate explosive plays even with two of the best wide receivers in the country.
Despite Peavy's addition, Stevens made it clear that several other quarterbacks will be competing for the starting spot. Anthony Harris Although he has no track record, he has been participating in the program since 2021. Kaden Drezek He was also considered a potential starter this offseason.
Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Maine will be led by a talented group of wide receivers. Jamie Lamson and Montigo Moss The former Lafayette tight end had over 400 receiving yards last season and led the team with six receiving touchdowns. Mason Gilbert After earning all-conference honors three straight years, the Black Bears added the former Lafayette guard to their offensive line. John OlmstedHe played more than 700 times last season. He will join two starters at guard. Nicholas Kurji and Center Joe Horn.
If Maine wants to keep winning next season, the Black Bears must improve their defense. Last season, they ranked 115th in yards per play allowed and allowed 35 or more points in five games. Xavier Holmes Defensive tackle Isaiah HendersonBoth brought plenty of experience. Henderson led the team with 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, while Holmes also recorded 7.5 tackles for loss.
Linebacker Tyshawn Stewart He returns after ranking second on the team in tackles with 58. Maine has rebuilt its defense for next season by adding seven Division I defensive transfers, with safety John F. Kennedy from South Florida standing out among the transfers. Jaden CurryIn three seasons with the Bulls, he recorded 79 total tackles and three pass breakups. Former St. Francis linebacker Kesean Dyson He recorded 59 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks with the Red Flash and will be competing for a starting spot.
