A seasoned quarterback. A dangerous group of receivers, highlighted by a speedy first option. A powerful inside linebacker.

In 2015 the Crimson rode this combination to first-place success; in 2016 Penn hopes to duplicate the feat.

The Quakers boast senior quarterback Alek Torgersen, the projected Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year, and junior wideout Justin Watson, the lone conference star to be mentioned as a possible FCS Offensive Player of the Year. Even behind a diminished offensive line, the Torgersen-Watson combination is surely the most explosive in the league.

Although the defense will lose linebacker Tyler Drake, who won Ivy League Defense Player of the Year last season, Penn can take solace in remaining linebacker Donald Panciello. Despite missing a week in 2015, the then-junior finished second in tackles.

Even special teams promises improvement, as junior punter Hunter Kelley and senior kicker Jimmy Gammill return.

Already loaded with talent in 2015, Penn enters this fall with new experience, not to mention a hunger for an undisputed title.

Dartmouth, 83 points

“A lot of new faces…. We did graduate a good number of people that were significant players.”

So began coach Buddy Teeven’s assessment of his 2016 squad. As with Harvard, Dartmouth must cope with a great deal of turnover, including the graduation of 10 of 11 defensive starters, supernova quarterback Dalyn Williams, and top receiver Victor Williams.

Senior linebacker Folarin Orimolade is the lone holdover from the 2015 defense, and according to College Sports Madness, he’s slated to be Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year. Beyond on-field performance, Orimolade—who is one of three captains—will shoulder leadership responsibilities.

Offensively junior Jack Heneghan and sophomore Bruce Dixon IV will duke it out for the top quarterback role; whoever triumphs will have the benefit of playing alongside junior Ryder Stone, the 205-pound running back who led the program in rushing yards last year.

Such a roster refresh presents real difficulties, but in a teleconference, Teevens sounded a hopeful note.

“Philosophically we like to play a lot of people,” he said. “[There’s] a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. Guys see an opportunity to compete and play.”

Yale, 81 points

Per coach Tony Reno, the central theme of Yale’s preseason is competition—not against other teams but within a deep Bulldogs program.