There was a time when Delaware was one of the top football programs in Division II college football.

And, for the past few decades, the Blue Hens have had one of the top programs in Division I-AA (FCS).

Now, Delaware is taking another step up.

This summer, BuffZone will preview each of Colorado’s opponents for the 2025 season and in this installment we look at Delaware, which is making the transition to the FBS this fall. After facing rival Delaware State in their opener, the Blue Hens will visit Folsom Field on Sept. 6 in Week 2.

After winning the D-II title in 1979, Delaware jumped to I-AA in 1980 and was routinely in the playoffs, including four times from 2018-23. The Blue Hens reached the I-AA/FCS title game four times, winning the championship in 2003.

Ineligible for the playoffs last year because of the transition to the FBS, Delaware still went 9-2 and will now join Conference USA with hopes of maintaining its winning ways.

“Thanks to our recently opened Whitney Athletic Center and improvements to Delaware Stadium and other facilities, we are confident that we have the infrastructure in place at UD to compete with the very best in college football and simultaneously witness the growth of our other intercollegiate programs in the department,” athletic director Chrissi Rawak said in during a news conference announcing Delaware’s move on Nov. 28, 2023. “UD Athletics continues to ascend, and Blue Hen football is prepared to take the next step and lead the way.”

C-USA has been the landing spot for recent programs moving up from the FCS. Last year, Kennesaw State went 2-10 in its first FBS season. In 2023, Jacksonville State went 9-4 and Sam Houston 3-9 in their jump from FCS to C-USA. This year, Missouri State joins Delaware in the move from the FCS to C-USA.

How the Blue Hens fare remains to be seen, of course, but they are bringing back several veterans to help head coach Ryan Carty in the transition.

Carty, who has led Delaware to at least eight wins in each of his three seasons, has some experience at quarterback, but it’s unclear who will start.

Senior Zach Marker and junior Nick Minicucci are battling for the job, and it’s possible both will play. Marker, who began his career in junior college, has made six starts in his two years at Delaware and appeared in just four games last year before redshirting. Minicucci has made six starts in his career, five of them last year.

Although three different quarterbacks started last year, Delaware ranked 12th in the FCS in scoring (34.9 points per game) and 11th in total yards (434.9 per game). The Blue Hens were top 30 in both passing and rushing.

Despite losing their top receiver and rusher, the Blue Hens have some talent ready to emerge. Running back Jo’Nathan Silver (462 yards, 4 TDs) and receivers Jake Thaw (41 catches), Max Patterson (25 catches) and Ja’Carree Kelly (17 catches) are looking for breakout seasons.

Former CU tight end Caleb Fauria returns to Folsom Field after earning third-team all-conference honors last year with the Blue Hens, who also return three starting linemen.

Defensively, Delaware was 19th in the FCS in points allowed (21.0) and 21st in yards allowed (319.6) in 2024 and was especially stingy against the run, ranking ninth (107.0).

A unique defense with three linemen and three safeties, the Blue Hens return seven starters, including all three safeties; that group is led by KT Seay. Nose tackle Keyshawn Hunter, linebackers Gavin Moul and Dillon Trainer, and defensive end Noah Matthews (a transfer from Kentucky) are key players, as well.

Delaware might be in a good spot to compete in C-USA. A rare trip to the west to face CU won’t be easy for the Blue Hens, but with a winning tradition and several veterans on the roster, they also won’t be an easy out.