Last year’s Coastal Carolina season was electric, and most would call it their best yet. The Chanticleers went 11-1 in D1 FBS Football, with marquee wins over Louisiana Lafayette and BYU. They finished the season ranked 22. However, this wasn’t just one great season – much more is to come out of this growing program. Below, we outline some reasons why:
Grayson McCall
In only his first season, freshman QB Grayson McCall emerged into a superstar. His signature swag, a perfect match for Coastal, may have helped, but it was his on field talent that made him must watch TV. He racked up 2,488 and 26 TDs. Though the Sun Belt is an easier conference, Grayson McCall’s stats would have been impressive anywhere. He’s had even more time to develop and, barring complete collapse of the O Line or an out-of-nowhere set back, he’ll be one of the best QBs in the G5 along with Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder.
The Receiving Corps
Coastal Carolina isn’t just a QB – after all, what’s a QB without his weapons? The most stand out returner is senior Jaivon Heiligh, who had 998 yards on 65 receptions last season, including 10 TDs. He’s joined by Isaiah Likely who got 5 TDs (second most on team) out of just 30 receptions. Kameron Brown, Sam Denmark and Greg Latushko round out the roster, three WRs who each had over 15 receptions and averaged over 15 yds per reception. That’s a deep room!
Schedule
While we hate to pick on programs for factors outside their control (ie what conference they were accepted into when exiting FCS football), let’s just say the Chanticleers strength of schedule isn’t particularly high. The most immediate threats on Coastal Carolina’s schedule are App State and Troy, with UMass and Kansas being their only P5 opponents. App State always brings a strong program, and last year was no different, but if the ‘Cleers get past them they have a very good chance at going undefeated. All we’ll say is, bet the over.
