USD opens training camp with big expectations on football field

Maybe it was because the calendar had not yet flipped to August. Maybe it was the view from the University of San Diego press box, the field below unlined yet plush green.

Maybe he was just in a good mood.

But on Tuesday, the day his players reported to summer camp ahead of Thursday’s first practice, third-year USD head football coach Brandon Moore was smiling.

“I don’t think I’m looking over my shoulder this year to see what’s going to fall from the sky,” he said.

Moore’s 2023 first season (4-7) was marred by a hazing scandal that resulted in two lawsuits. The Toreros finished 8-3 last season, closing with a rush, winning six of their last seven games.

“The energy and the expectation carries over,” said Moore.

USD has been picked by coaches to win the Pioneer Football League championship.

It’s the first time since 2019 that the Toreros, once the PFL’s dominant program, have been selected as the league favorite. The team will hold an open-to-the-public preseason scrimmage Aug. 16 at 5 p.m., then kick off the 2025 slate at home against Cal Poly on Aug. 30.

With lofty expectations, here are five things to watch for before the Cal Poly opener.

1. Who lines up behind center?

There are two candidates to start at quarterback, junior Dom Nankil and redshirt junior Tyler Voss. The 6-foot, 175-pound Nankil is a former Mater Dei Catholic High School star who led the Crusaders to two state championships. Voss (6-3, 190) is from Simi Valley. He’s a transfer from San Jose State, where he never attempted a pass.

“They’re dead even,” said Moore.

The head coach goes “Top Gun” when describing the QBs.

“They’re ‘Maverick’ and ‘Iceman,’” said Moore. “Maverick (Nankil) is going to get it done and be unorthodox at times. He’s a lot more creative with his feet. Tyler (Ice Man) is an operator in the sense that it’s going to look how you drew it up.

“Dom can sling it. Tyler’s got more of that (Tom) Brady stature. He can just sit in (the pocket) and rip it.”

Nankil is the more experienced of the pair. In that helter-skelter 2023 season, he started as a true freshman, throwing for 1,158 yards and five TDs against four interceptions.

“The consensus,” said Moore, “is both guys can help us win championships.”

2. Who carries the ground game?

USD is noted for producing quarterbacks with gawdy passing stats. But when the Toreros are at their offensive best, that aerial attack is accompanied by a talented running back,

If a back emerges this year, he’ll come virtually out of nowhere. The leading candidate is graduate student Matt Colombo, a former USC back who gained 152 yards last season for the Toreros.

“He’s a slasher,” Moore said of Colombo. “He’s got a great center of gravity. He’s a strong runner.”

Here’s how uncertain USD’s running back status is. Senior Adam Criter has been switched from wide receiver, likely carrying the ball some in space. He has one career catch for 11 yards.

3. How good can the O-line be?

If your passing game and running attack are in question, it helps to have a talented offensive line. And that’s the strength of USD’s offense. Four starters return: center Maicah Talavou, left tackle Evans Bowling and guards Jack D’Ambra and Nick Streumpf.

Talavou and Bowling were named to the All-PFL preseason team. Moore feels that the 6-2, 290-pound Talavou, a junior, is a potential All-American.

“We’re riding the offensive line,” said Moore. “We like them to be gritty and play between the whistle at 1,000 miles per hour.”

4. Who replaces Reed?

USD lost a gifted wide receiver in Ja’seem Reed, the PFL’s lone 1,000-yard receiver last season. (Reed signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.)

But whoever wins the starting quarterback job won’t be lacking in athletes who can catch the football. Moore expects Josh Heverly (28 catches, 412 yards, six TDs last season) to have a breakout season. Cole Monach (29-362-3) is more than reliable.

And there’s tight end talent in Peyton Smith (16-132) and Bradley Schlom (14-218), who played in five games at UCLA.

Said Moore: “We have guys who can catch the football.”

5. Can anyone stop Cooper?

USD’s top five tacklers exhausted their eligibility. But one of the best defenders, defensive end Malachi Cooper, is back. Cooper topped all defensive linemen last season in tackles (36) and tackles-for-loss (9) and tied for the position lead in sacks (4.5).

The 6-4, 260-pound Serra High School product was named to the All-PFL preseason team. Cooper, a fifth-year senior, wears jersey No. 0.

“Malachi has a unique game,” said Moore. “He’s both physical and athletic. He looks the best, physically, since we’ve been at USD. It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of year he has and how offenses try to block him.”

2025 USD football schedule

Aug. 30: CAL POLY, 5 p.m.

Sept. 6: SOUTHERN UTAH, 6 p.m.

Sept. 13: at Montana State, time TBA

Sept. 20: at Princeton, time TBA

Sept. 27: ST. THOMAS, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4: at Marist, time TBA

Oct. 11: DRAKE, 2 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Davidson, 9 a.m.

Nov. 1: DAYTON, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8: at Valparaiso, time TBA

Nov. 15: BUTLER, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22: at Stetson, time TBA

By the numbers

8 — Number of USD offensive starters who return in 2025.

5 — Number of USD defensive starters returning.

2 — Number of specialists returning

6 — USD has been picked to finish first in the Pioneer Football League for the first time in six years.

5 — Five USD players have been named to the Preseason All-Pioneer Football League Team: OL Evans Bowling, OL Maicah Talavou, DL Malachi Cooper, DB Ruben Lopez and punter Aydan Corrales.