The Buffalo Bulls season Preview
The Buffalo Bulls enter the 2025 season with optimism following a 9-4 2024 season that ended with a bowl win over Liberty. Buffalo is picked to finish 4th in the MAC preseason coaches’ poll. What type of encore performance will the Bulls have in head coach Pete Lembo’s second year?
Offensively, Buffalo returns leading rusher Al-Jay Henderson who looks to improve on his 1,078 yard and 9 touchdown performance last season. Receiver Nik McMillan returns from an ACL injury from last season and will be accompanied by third team ALL-MAC performer Victor Snow.
Quarterback will be an issue for the Bulls there are multiple players vying for the position but Ta’Quan Roberson a Kansas State transfer looks to be in the lead over returners Gunner Gray and Mason Cumbie. Roberson is much traveled with stops at Penn State and UCONN but he brings experience having thrown for over 2000 yards and 12 TDs at UCONN.
The Offensive line should be steady with two returning 3rd team ALL-MAC performers in Trevor Brock and Tyler Doty. Starter Henry Tabansi also returns to help anchor a solid line.
On the defensive side of the ball the Bulls return 1st team ALL-MAC linebacker Red Murdock who had a spectacular year with 156 tackles. Lining up next to him will be Junior Dion Crawford who also earned ALL-MAC status being placed on the 3rd team. The defensive line is experienced and deep with returning starters Tristan Souza, Kobe Stewart, George Wolo and Cornell Evans providing help.
In the secondary, Marquis Cooper returns at corner to lead a group that has three players with solid experience from last season in Solomon Brown, Jalen McNair and Charles McCartherens.
In summary, Buffalo should challenge for a spot in the MAC championship. The Defense has great depth and should be at the top of the league in multiple categories. Once the quarterback position is squared away the offensive should be explosive. Henderson will provide them some time to work the kinks out while the quarterback situation is figured out. Another 9 possibly 10-win season isn’t out of the question.