Can the Rockets survive the Transfer Portal departures?

Rodney Braziel 7/2/24

Will the Toledo Rockets coming off of a successful 11-3 (8-0) campaign weather the loss of quarterback DeQuan Finn to Baylor and running back Peny Boone to Central Florida? Offensively the Rockets must replace all five offensive linemen from a year ago but they have bright spots in the backfield and receiving core. Senior Jaquez Stuart returns after rushing for 574 yards complementing Boone in the backfield. Also Jerjuan Newton is back after 52 receptions in his junior campaign. He’ll catch passes from Tucker Gleason who saw action versus Wyoming in Toledo’s bowl game.

Defensively the Rockets have to replace Quinyon Mitchell (NFL 1st round #22 to Philly) and Chris McDonald in the secondary but starter Maxen Hook returns at Safety. Daniel Bolden and Jackson Barrow lead a strong linebacker group while third team all-league Darius Alexander is a stalwart on the D-line.

The outlook for Toledo still looks good even with the departure of multiple All MAC performers. Beginning the season with FCS Duquesne and future conference foe UMASS, the team will have time to gel before facing Mississippi State on the road in Starkville. Anything short of another appearance in the MAC title game might feel like a disappointment for the Rockets.