Lehigh, which went 12-0 in the regular season last fall before dropping a tight game to Villanova in the FCS Playoffs, brings back a ton of firepower at quarterback and running back who will benefit from a veteran offensive line that should their life easier. There's a reason why both preseason polls have them ranked 11th in the nation.
Leading the way are tailback Luke Yoder, a Walter Payton Award finalist last year, and three-year starting QB Hayden Johnson, an all-conference player.
Yoder has topped 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons with 1,409 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago while being named the Patriot League offensive player of the year. Johnson threw for 2,510 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions last fall. Also dangerous with his feet, he ran for 451 yards and four scores.
Lehigh has a returning all-conference tight end in Joseph Marranca, although he doesn't catch a lot of balls, and the receiving corps has had to be restocked. Hopes are high that 6-foot-3 Monmouth transfer receiver Landon Kennel will help fill the voice.
Four full-time starters and a fifth who has starting experience return on the offensive line, but the defensive line will have to be largely rebuilt.
The linebacker room should be solid while corner DJ Brown and safety Nick Peltekian – healthy after being hurt last year – figure to be two of the best in the Patriot League.
The Bottom Line:
The Mountain Hawks will be a handful for everyone on their schedule. Firepower on the offensive side and a head coach promoted from the defensive side suggest Lehigh will be right in the thick of the expanded CAA race this year. While they will likely drop a game or two during the regular season, it shouldn't surprise anyone if they are back in the playoffs come November.