Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

[YaBoyRobRoy]

C-USA has a lot of fun matchups, should be a fun dynasty!

[Captain Canada]

Djp going crazy. Delaware a great choice, let’s build

[djp73]

We locked in for that LaTech game

I’d imagine we would get walked if it was Caesar’s version

[djp73]

Coach returning to Sam Houston late in the season

Maybe a bit heated about getting passed over?

[djp73]

C-USA has a lot of fun matchups, should be a fun dynasty!

Yeah liking the conference, good variety of teams and play styles. Should be a fun place to kick things off.

[djp73]

Djp going crazy. Delaware a great choice, let’s build

[djp73]

2025 Conference USA Football Preview: Flames, New Faces, and a Chaotic Race Ahead
February 25, 2025 10:28 AM EST
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With Delaware and Missouri State stepping into the spotlight and a flurry of coaching changes across the league, Conference USA enters 2025 as one of college football’s most unpredictable battlegrounds. The conference’s identity as the “Ellis Island of FBS” is more evident than ever, welcoming fresh programs while losing UTEP to the Mountain West after this year. Add in massive roster churn across nearly every team, and it’s clear the CUSA title race is wide open — and wide weird.

The Favorites: Liberty and WKU Lead a Volatile Pack

Liberty looks like the team to beat. Jamey Chadwell’s Flames fell short in 2024 despite a star-studded roster but still boast the league’s deepest team, with continuity at key spots like the offensive line and secondary. While they must replace dynamic quarterback Kaidon Salter, Chadwell’s system and proven run game have Liberty projected by SP+ to win over nine games. Transfers like QB Ethan Vasko and a pair of FSU defensive linemen should solidify the two-deep, positioning Liberty for a return to CUSA’s summit.

Western Kentucky, meanwhile, is a mystery box with sky-high upside. Head coach Tyson Helton will be breaking in his fourth OC in five years, but the Hilltoppers reloaded through the portal, headlined by explosive QB Maverick McIvor. WKU’s defense has steadily improved under Helton, and though only two starters return, an influx of FBS transfers brings a boom-or-bust feel. If new offensive coordinator Rick Bowie’s Air Raid revival clicks, WKU could challenge Liberty deep into November.

Intriguing Contenders: Sam Houston, Jacksonville State, and Louisiana Tech

Sam Houston is a fascinating study. New head coach Phil Longo inherits a Bearkats squad that surprised with a 10-3 finish last year but benefited from good fortune — including a perfect 6-0 record in one-score games. Longo’s high-tempo offense could shine with returning QB Hunter Watson and explosive receivers, but with every defensive starter gone and the team displaced to Houston while Bowers Stadium undergoes renovations, a step back could be imminent.

Jacksonville State enters the post-Rich Rodriguez era with Charles Kelly at the helm. Kelly, a defensive mind, will steer a team that lost nearly 75% of its production from last year’s conference title run. Portal additions like QB Gavin Wimsatt and RB Cam Cook offer promise, but with a mostly rebuilt roster, the Gamecocks could fall behind Liberty and WKU early if Kelly can’t engineer a quick turnaround.

Louisiana Tech might be the dark horse. Sonny Cumbie’s offense struggled with inexperience last year, but redshirt sophomore QB Evan Bullock flashed potential, and the addition of legendary OC Tony Franklin could ignite a young, athletic unit. If Tech’s defense — significantly improved last year — survives turnover in the front six, the Bulldogs could capitalize on a favorable home slate featuring WKU, Sam Houston, and Liberty.

The Newcomers: Delaware and Missouri State Ready to Compete

Both Delaware and Missouri State step up to FBS this fall, and both bring intriguing rosters. Ryan Carty’s Blue Hens went 9-2 last year, fielding a top-five FCS defense and a line with FBS-ready size. The offense loses key weapons but returns two experienced QBs and a strong offensive line. Carty also went out and snagged DJ Porter as his new offensive coordinator, the two are sure to create one of the top offenses in the conference. Couple that with a strong defense and the Hens could immediately challenge CUSA’s middle tier.

Missouri State’s offense, meanwhile, may be the best of any newcomer in recent memory. Quarterback Jacob Clark (3,604 yards, 26 TDs) leads an attack that ranked fifth in FCS offensive SP+. However, the Bears’ defense looks shaky on paper — they’ll have to find new pass rushers and rebuild the secondary quickly to stay competitive.

Middle of the Pack and Potential Spoilers

Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, and UTEP are grouped in a muddled middle tier. MTSU returns more production than most, including dual-threat QB Nicholas Vattiato, and Derek Mason’s defense features some promising young linemen. But after a dreadful debut season, Mason must show progress quickly.

New Mexico State is rebuilding after losing key rushers and linemen, but aggressive new OC David Yost could coax big plays out of an overhauled offense. UTEP, with blue-chip QB Malachi Nelson transferring in, has intriguing offensive upside but must find stability after a chaotic 2024.

Kennesaw State, despite a dismal offensive projection, quietly boasts one of CUSA’s best defenses thanks to returning experience and a wave of impact transfers. If new coach Jerry Mack finds any offensive spark, the Owls could surprise.

Bottom Feeders Fighting for Wins

FIU and Missouri State project near the bottom, but both have elements that could lift them. New FIU coach Willie Simmons made aggressive portal moves, but depth issues abound. Missouri State’s explosive offense could keep them in shootouts but an FBS-worst projected defense (43.8 points allowed per game) looms large.

Key Games to Watch

Sam Houston at WKU (Aug. 23): A potential tone-setter for both teams in Week 0.

Liberty at Jacksonville State (Sept. 6): Early clash of recent champions could establish Liberty as the frontrunner.

Liberty at Louisiana Tech (Nov. 22): A late-season showdown that might decide the title game participants.

Final Thoughts: Wide Open Chaos Ahead

While Liberty and WKU open as favorites, the massive roster turnover across CUSA — with half the league projected to win between 4-6 games — hints at a chaotic race. With newcomers like Delaware and Missouri State primed to compete from day one, and programs like Sam Houston and Jacksonville State navigating coaching transitions, expect fireworks every week in a conference that remains college football’s ultimate wild card.

[djp73]

2025 Conference USA Football Team Preview: DELAWARE BLUE HENS
March 1, 2025 07:59 PM EST
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NATIONAL FORECAST: 113 | CUSA PREDICTION: 5 | 2024 RECORD: 9-2, 6-2 CAA (FCS)
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Head Coach: Ryan Carty, 4th Season, 26-11
Offensive Coordinator: DJ Porter, 1st Season
Defensive Coordinator: Manny Rojas, 6th Season


Delaware QB Nick Minicucci

OFFENSE
Head coach Ryan Carty’s spread offense benefits from experienced quarterbacks, several proven playmakers and a veteran front keyed by Fintan Brose and Anwar O’Neal as the team transitions to the FBS.

Carty moved mountains to get former Sam Houston assistant DJ Porter in as his new offensive coordinator. The duo were teammates at UD from 2003-2005, sharing a QB room. More recently they worked together at Sam Houston from 2018-2021. They also faced off against each other as assistants when Porter was at Delaware and Carty was at New Hampshire. The duo is sure to create a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Quarterbacks Nick Minicucci and Zach Marker have both started for the Blue Hens over the past two years but also missed games due to injuries. Naming a starter will be a key focus of preseason drills, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see both on the field.

Jake Thaw, a former Michigan transfer, had 41 receptions for 334 yards and five TDs, a couple on acrobatic catches, in earning FCS All-America honors. He’s the most productive returnee in a promising pass-catching crew. Delaware has high hopes for Sean Wilson, whose one appearance last year led to two catches for two touchdowns.

In the backfield, All-American Marcus Yarns’ departure provides opportunity for Jo’Nathan Silver and Saeed St. Fleur, who both had some big-play cameos last year, with Silver averaging 6.6 yards per carry.


Delaware S KT Seay

DEFENSE
Delaware typically plays a three-man front while employing three safeties, hoping that the unique look will confound opposing offenses.

Inside linebackers Dillon Trainer and Gavin Moul give the crew its nitty-gritty personality, along with hard-hitting safeties Jason Scott, KT Seay and Hasson Manning Jr. Seay’s four interceptions last year also tied him for third nationally in the FCS.

While injuries have sometimes kept him out, nose guard Keyshawn Hunter relishes that position’s difficult demands and has excelled. Defensive end Noah Matthews, a transfer from Kentucky, is among the newcomers who have a chance to make an impact.

SPECIALISTS
Nate Reed set a school record with 47 touchbacks on kickoffs last year and should be a valuable weapon in that regard. He was 7-for-10 on field goals — with a long of 41 yards — and 35-for-39 on PATs, so the Blue Hens will hope for longer range and better accuracy. Returning punter Josh Cupitt could be sidelined by a knee injury, though Delaware has added a potential replacement in former Michigan Tech Division II All-American Brenden Lach.

FINAL ANALYSIS
As a long-time FCS power with a winning tradition, large following and better funding than some of its Conference USA rivals, Delaware is well suited for the climb to the FBS. The Blue Hens will feel as though they can compete with most of their new league foes. They likely do have the talent and depth to do so, but it’ll certainly be an adjustment. The weekly high-level challenges will be a learning experience and give Delaware a more precise perspective on exactly what it must do to rise to league contender status.

2024 RESULTS
9-2, 6-2 (FCS: CAA)
Aug. 29: Bryant W 48-17
Sept. 14: at NC A&T W 42-13
Sept. 21: Pennsylvania W 29-22
Sept. 28: Sacred Heart W 49-0
Oct. 5: at Monmouth W 42-35
Oct. 12: Maine W 44-21
Oct. 19: at Richmond L 9-28
Oct. 26: UAlbany W 28-14
Nov. 9: Rhode Island W 24-21
Nov. 16: Campbell W 41-22
Nov. 23: at Villanova L 28-38

2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28: Delaware State
Sept. 4: at Colorado
Sept. 13: UConn
Sept. 20: at FIU
Oct. 3: Western Kentucky
Oct. 15: at Jacksonville State
Oct. 22: Middle Tennessee
Nov. 1: at Liberty
Nov. 8: Louisiana Tech
Nov. 15: @ Sam Houston
Nov. 22: @ Wake Forest
Nov. 29: UTEP

TOP 10 RECRUITS
(Per On3)
1. Azir Lee, CB ***
2. Yamdry Hernandez, EDGE ***
3. AJ Graham, CB ***
4. Julius Puryear, LB ***
5. Emmanuel Doku, WR ***
6. Keveun Mason, RB ***
7. Brandon Gorham, EDGE ***
8. Jamarion Kolagbodi, CB ***
9. Noah Jefferson, S ***
10. Jaxson Bowman, TE ***

SCOUTING THE BLUE HENS
"They have a lot of positive momentum because they were a consistent FCS playoff team. The head coach is an alum, and they have a program identity. They run a lot of RPO stuff, and they’re pretty balanced, and it’s worked for them. But that’s not a system that overcomes talent gaps. … The key here is how well they can integrate the group they portaled in from other FBS schools to try to close the gap in talent. … The long term is a lot harder to predict because they aren’t in a talent-rich area like the other successful programs in this league, and they don’t have Liberty’s level of investment to buy coaches and players. … They’re probably a better program than some other schools in this league on Day 1, but the transition effect catches up with you quickly."
— An opposing CUSA assistant coach

PROJECTED TWO DEEP
OFFENSE (5)
WR 0 Max Patterson (Sr.) — 18 Sean Wilson (So.)
WR 6 Nicholas Laboy (Sr.) — 9 Ja’Carree Kelly (Jr.)
WR 15 Jake Thaw (Sr.) — 87 Donovan Lewis (Jr.)
LT 70 Anwar O’Neal (Jr.) — 85 Noah Rosahac (So.)
LG 54 Fintan Brose (Sr.) — 74 Tyler Burnham (So.)
C 61 Steven Demboski (Sr.) — 59 Patrick Methlie (Sr.)
RG 71 Patrick Shupp (Sr.) — 76 Jake O’Donoghue (So.)
RT 62 Anthony Caccese (Jr.) — 77 Cole Snyder (So.)
TE 88 Elijah Sessoms (Sr.) — 12 Caleb Fauria (Sr.)
QB 4 Nick Minicucci (Sr.) — 3 Zach Marker (Sr.)
RB 27 Jo’Nathan Silver (Sr.) — 28 Saeed St. Fleur (Jr.)
DEFENSE (7)
DE 8 Ethan Saunders (Sr.) — 13 Noah Matthews (Sr.)
NG 99 Keyshawn Hunter (Sr.) — 52 Dominick Brogna (Sr.)
DT 93 Jack Hall (Sr.) — 11 James Yelbert Jr. (Sr.)
ILB 19 Dillon Trainer (Sr.) — 32 Marje Mulumba (Sr.)
ILB 35 Gavin Moul (Jr.) — 58 Colin Gallagher (So.)
BAN 10 Blake Matthews (Sr.) — 21 Anthony Crenshaw Jr. (Jr.)
CB 4 A’Khoury Lyde (Sr.) — 29 Nyair Domine (Jr.)
CB 1 Nate Evans (Sr.) — 6 Kshawn Cox Jr. (Jr.)
S 3 Hasson Manning Jr. (Jr.) — 2 Mysonne Pollard (Sr.)
S 14 KT Seay (Jr.) — 27 AJ Graham (Fr.)
S 17 Jason Scott (Sr.) — 30 Alex Nash-Lally (So.)
SPECIALISTS
K 91 Nate Reed (Sr.)
P 39 Josh Cupitt (Sr.)
KR 2 Mysonne Pollard (Sr.)
PR 15 Jake Thaw (Sr.)

[GM Rizzo]

Delaware is definitely going to be a popular pick for dynasties this year. Recruiting in the Northeast is no joke!

[djp73]

Delaware is definitely going to be a popular pick for dynasties this year. Recruiting in the Northeast is no joke!

Should be fun