As Blue Hens prep for final CAA/FCS season, these are the stories to follow

University of Delaware football seasons have long been welcomed and treasured by First State sports fans.

The Blue Hens' grip on the statewide populace stretches to the middle of the 20th century, when Delaware began to cement its status as one of the nation's winningest programs at its level.

That level is about to change, which is why the 2024 season is unique. It begins Aug. 29 at Delaware Stadium against Bryant.

Delaware will play its last season as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association and the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision in 2024. Next year, Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision will be Delaware's home, a move announced last November.

For a school that has won six national titles, that represents a major step up and a big challenge. The Blue Hens hope to use 2024 as a springboard to 2025 success.

While the CAA title and NCAA playoffs are unavailable because of Delaware's transition to CUSA, the Hens have set high goals – an undefeated season – as they chart their path.

As the 2024 season looms, these are topics in tune with the Blue Hens:

Moving Day coming

Delaware officials thought long and hard about whether or not to move up to FBS. They ultimately felt it was the logical and smart decision and now, with that climb a year away, are even more certain the Blue Hens will be up to the task.

QB O'Connor relishes chance to be better

Ryan O'Connor returns as a second-year starting quarterback. He had several stellar showings last year and others that were less efficient. Consistent success is his goal in 2014.

Important season

While the CAA title and FCS playoff berth are unavailable this year, the Blue Hens still have much to play for, coach Ryan Carty said, including building a solid foundation for next year's leap up.

Degree of difficulty

Delaware has an 11-game schedule on tap, with some games appearing much more difficult than others. See which opponents are likely to be most imposing , and what foes the Blue Hens should handle.

Yarns sews up UD career

Marcus Yarns was viewed as quite a recruiting heist for the Blue Hens, as injuries late in his high school career at Parkside in Salisbury, Maryland, may have scared off schools. The running back has been more of a big-play threat each year at Delaware, including rushing for 939 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last year with a 6.90-yards-per-carry average that ranked fourth nationally in FCS. He hopes to finish with a flourish – and have the NFL take notice – in his final UD season.

First State's finest

Tight end Elijah Sessoms heads a list of five players from Delaware who hope to make an impact this season for the home-state Hens.

Star in the making?

“Anwar’s going to be a star for us,” UD offensive line coach Chris Rogers said of offensive lineman Anwar O'Neal. The Middletown High graduate was an FBS prospect and now, as part of a UD squad moving up to that level, will be a key part of the present and the future.

An opportunity to do more

Jake Thaw won a national championship at Michigan while serving as the Wolverines' punt returnman, including one precarious moment Rose Bowl viewers will certainly recall. After graduating from Michigan, Thaw hopes to be an even more valuable and versatile player for Delaware, where he joins several transfers who've improved the wide receiver position.

6 players to watch

Football success demands that 11 players each on offense and defense operate and execute in synchronicity. But these six proven players – three each on offense and defense – will play crucial roles in how Delaware does in 2024.

Chance for ACC transfers to contribute more

Safety Jason Scott and cornerback Nate Evans had limited roles in their previous stops at Boston College and North Carolina State. They transferred to Delaware hoping to compete for starting jobs and more playing time, and each has certainly earned that, boosting Delaware's faith in its secondary.

Questions to answer

A slew of questions annually hover around a football team as it starts a season. These are eight worth asking about the Blue Hens.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: As Blue Hens prep for final CAA/FCS season, these are the stories to follow