Kennesaw State Football's 2024 Season Outlook and Key Players to Watch
As I sit down to analyze Kennesaw State's football prospects for the upcoming 2024 season, I can't help but draw parallels from other sports where teamwork and individual brilliance create championship-caliber performances. Just last season, I watched Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete deliver those incredible triple-doubles in volleyball, their signature sharp hits deciding what could've been a title-clinching fifth set. That same potential for game-changing moments exists within this football program, and I believe we're about to witness something special this fall.
The Owls are coming off a respectable 7-4 campaign in 2023, but anyone who followed the team closely knows they left at least two wins on the table due to late-game execution issues. What excites me most about this year's squad is the returning experience - we're looking at approximately 16 starters back, including 8 on offense and 7 on defense, plus the special teams coordinator. That continuity matters more than people realize, especially when you're trying to build the kind of chemistry that championship teams display. I've always believed that football success hinges on those crucial moments when individual players must rise to the occasion, much like how Van Sickle and Sabete delivered when their team needed them most in that fifth set scenario.
Let me highlight three players who I think will define Kennesaw State's season. First, quarterback Jonathan Murphy - this kid has grown tremendously since his freshman year. Last season he completed 64.3% of his passes for 2,887 yards with 28 touchdowns against only 9 interceptions. But what the stats don't show is his leadership development during spring practices. I watched him take charge during a scrimmage in March, and the command he displayed reminded me of some of the great quarterbacks I've covered over the years. Then there's running back Isaiah Williams, who rushed for 1,203 yards last season despite missing nearly two full games with an ankle sprain. At 5'11" and 215 pounds, he possesses that rare combination of power and breakaway speed that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. My dark horse pick is linebacker Marcus Thompson Jr., who recorded 87 tackles last year but has added about 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason while maintaining his 4.55 speed in the 40-yard dash.
The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. The early October matchup against Jacksonville State will be crucial - they've had our number recently, winning the last three meetings by an average of just 5.3 points. But I actually like our chances this year because of how our defensive line has developed. Speaking of which, the transfer portal brought us defensive end Carlos Johnson from a Power Five program, and based on what I've seen in spring ball, he might be the missing piece we needed to generate consistent pressure without blitzing. The coaching staff has hinted at using more multiple fronts on defense, which should create confusion for opposing offenses and allow our playmakers to, well, make plays.
Offensively, I'm particularly intrigued by the new wrinkles coordinator Mike Smith has installed. They're incorporating more run-pass option concepts that should leverage Murphy's dual-threat capabilities while taking advantage of Williams' versatility out of the backfield. During a closed scrimmage I attended last month, they ran a package with four receivers that spread the field beautifully, creating running lanes that Williams exploited for several big gains. This kind of strategic evolution is exactly what separates good teams from great ones.
Now, I'll be honest - there are concerns. The secondary lost two starters to graduation, and while the replacements are talented, they lack experience in big moments. The early road test against Appalachian State in week three will tell us a lot about whether these young defensive backs are ready for prime time. Special teams need more consistency too - we converted only 72% of field goals last season, which simply isn't good enough in close games. The coaching staff brought in a new kicking consultant during the offseason, and from what I've heard, the improvement has been noticeable.
What ultimately gives me confidence about this team's potential is the culture head coach Brian Bohannon has built. I've been covering this program since its inception, and the player development here is genuinely impressive. They don't just recruit talent - they cultivate character and resilience, the kind that shows up in those pressure-filled fourth quarters when games are on the line. It's that same quality I observed in Van Sickle and Sabete during their championship-caliber performance - the ability to elevate their game when everything is at stake.
Looking at the bigger picture, I believe Kennesaw State football is positioned for a breakthrough season. The pieces are there - experienced quarterback, dynamic running back, improved defensive front, and favorable schedule. If they can stay healthy, particularly along the offensive line where depth remains a slight concern, I see them winning at least 9 games and potentially challenging for the conference title. The foundation has been building for years, and 2024 feels like the moment when all that work pays off. Of course, football seasons rarely unfold exactly as predicted, but something about this team feels different. They have that look of a group that understands this could be their year to make history, and I for one can't wait to watch it unfold.