NESCAC

[Hotskull]

NESCAC 2025 Season Predictions

I think Tufts is my choice to win the league this year. They've been right there the last few years, defending as well as anyone in the country, but they just haven't had the goals in the big moments. If they can find a true #9 or just a couple guys who step up and finish chances when it matters, I don't see anyone stopping them. Tufts has to be asking themselves right now, "are we going to keep falling short, or are we going to step up and be the top dogs this year." This all comes down to goal-scoring and if their players are going to grab goals when it matters. 

Defensive player of the year for me is without a doubt Taylor Feinberg from Tufts. Rock solid and the kind of guy you build a back line around. The kid is going into his 5th year and is a brick wall but also grabs goals when they seem to matter. He will be the focal point of a tufts defensive looking to keep up the form they've had the last few years.

Offensive player of the year I'll go with either Keagan Harder from Middlebury or Xavier Canfin from Tufts. Harder was on fire at the end of last season and if he keeps that form he'll be tough to beat. But if Xavier stays healthy and locks in, it's his award. He has to stay away from the Boston nightclub scene and the distraction of all the beautiful girls at Tufts! Xavier if you are reading this, 8 hours of sleep every night, 3-5 fully balanced meals a day, and lots of water young lad!!! He's got the talent, it's just about focus and having the confidence to take defenders 1v1 and FINISH.

Tufts has the depth, and Dezotell finally has four full years of his own recruits. He's settled into the job and I think he's ready to take a team all the way. They'll miss a few of the guys who left but with the returners and some freshmen who can make an impact, I'm backing them.

Player to watch is sophomore Will Nicholas. Scored a worldie last season and had some big games. The question is, is he going to be happy being good or does he want to be great? Especially when you see a guy like Harder exploding as a freshman at Middlebury. Nicholas has to decide if he's going to let another man outshine him. Mr. Nicholas, go be GREAT!

For the title race, I've got Tufts, Middlebury, and Amherst as the big three. Conn can't totally be ignored but Jake Creus is retired now and whatever voodoo or weird rituals he had working for them is gone.

I'm pumped for this season. Tufts is hungry, Middlebury has firepower, Amherst is Amherst, and the whole thing is wide open.