It is the time of redemption.

After a disappointing 2023 season by Penn football standards, the Quakers hope to rebound and prove they belong in the top tier of Ivy League football. In this preview, I’ll analyze the major storylines from this season and what I think this version of the Quakers can accomplish.

Last season was anything but smooth sailing for the Red and Blue. They finished the season in fifth place in the Ivy League with a 6-4 overall record and a 3-4 conference record. However, the record doesn’t reflect how close many of those games were. Bad passes and unfortunate errors often plagued the Quakers and hampered their title chances.

“A focus”

In a sport where one play can completely change the outcome of a game, avoiding mistakes is crucial for this Penn team. Coach Ray Priore, entering his ninth season as coach of the Red and Blue, sees one area of ​​their game that desperately needs improvement: turnovers. Last season, the Quakers had a total of 14 turnovers in their four Ivy League losses, while losing the ball just three times in their three league wins.

“The game is all about the ball. It’s about keeping it and getting it…” Priore said. “A couple of balls last year where we threw our receivers’ hands away were intercepted. We’ve done a really, really good job on both ends in the current training camp. (Turnovers are) definitely a focus this year.”

Malachi Hosley continues his rise

In today’s age of high-powered offenses, you can’t overlook the man who drives this offense out of the backfield. Star second-year running back Malachi Hosley continues to turn heads and break ankles with his incredible speed. Already amassing a long list of accolades, including Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors and first-team All-Ivy honors, Hosley has burst onto the scene quickly.

In a game against Cornell, Hosley set a Penn record with a 96-yard touchdown run, the longest in Penn history. Although Penn’s offense looked dysfunctional at times last season, one bright spot came from the man wearing jersey number 23, who was often the team’s answer in difficult situations.

This year, I’m predicting a monster season for the second-year ball carrier. I believe Hosley has the potential to reach over 1,000 all-purpose yards and score 10+ touchdowns. With his strong drive and fearless determination, Hosley has the potential of a superstar inherent in him – and he hopes to make a little dent in the record books of his own.

“Every day we wake up with one goal, to get better,” Hosley said. “We work hard to come out on top and start the season 1-0.”

Jared Richardson makes his big breakthrough

For senior quarterback Aidan Sayin to succeed, he’ll need to rely on his reliable third-year wide receiver. Junior wide receiver Jared Richardson was recently named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, an award given each year to the best offensive player in Division I college football. Considered a triple threat, Richardson led the Quakers in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. With a first-team All-Ivy award under his belt, I predict Richardson will once again be the focal point of Penn’s passing attack. Like Hosley, I believe a 1,000-yard receiving season is well within reach for Richardson, who will once again prove why he’s an All-Ivy talent.

Schedule preview

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Penn begins its non-conference play with road games at Delaware and at home against Colgate. Although the Ivy League title is awarded based solely on a team’s record in the conference, these games will be crucial in getting the Red and Blue off to a good start. After losing three of their final four games last season, I expect the Quakers to come into the match fresh and with fiery intensity.

The Red and Blues won their last Ivy League title eight years ago, in 2016. After a poor showing in 2023, Penn is looking to finish where they haven’t been in a long time. For this season, it’s easy to say the team’s goal is an Ivy League championship. But I believe that dream can only come true if the Red and Blues return to their winning culture – one that limits late-game turnovers, capitalizes on crucial opportunities, and closes out close games.

If we’ve learned anything about Philadelphia teams, it’s that they embody the city’s resilient, competitive, underdog spirit. Not only do I predict Penn will be excited to win a championship, but I expect them to own it on their own – and reach the top of the Rocky Steps.

Season forecast: 7-3, Ivy League champions.