Where does Oregon football fall in the way-too-early 2024 Big Ten rankings?

The team that punted the ball more than anyone else in 2023 will be back with a vengeance in 2024.

The defensive strength will return and most likely be better than the year before. With linebacker Nick Jackson and safety Quinn Schulte returning, the defense has clear leaders on that front. The special teams unit should be just fine despite losing NCAA record-setting punter Tory Taylor.

The part that needs to be reshaped, but I don’t think needs to be entirely rebuilt, is the Hawkeye offense.

Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s contract ended after the 2023 season and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more assistants leaving the program before the start of next year.

The good news is that the starting quarterback Cade McNamara will be back and with more experience under his belt, McNamara should be a good leader. Iowa will also have senior leadership from running back Leshon Williams.

The receiving core will still be fairly fresh but tight end Luke Lachey is here to stay and “leave a legacy.”