UMaine Football Puts Trust in Veteran Offensive Line as Black Bears Open Season at Towson

The University of Maine football team begins its 2025 season Thursday night on the road against Towson in a Coastal Athletic Association matchup, and the Black Bears will lean heavily on the most experienced unit on their roster: the offensive line.

Head coach Jordan Stevens, entering his fifth season leading the program, has made it clear where his confidence lies. The offensive line, he said, has brought consistent energy to every practice and workout, setting the tone for the rest of the team.

"It's good to have your big guys bring the most energy each and every day," Stevens said.

The projected starting five, listed left to right, features left tackle Andrew Kocan, left guard Noah Stanley, center Jack Boutaugh, right guard Ian Erickson or Tyler Williams, and right tackle Anthony Illiano. Tight ends Eli Mahan and Elijah Smalls round out the blockers expected to see significant snaps. Mahan is a graduate of Fryeburg Academy, while Boutaugh played his high school ball at Leavitt.

Stevens noted this year's roster includes the most returning players he has had since taking over the program in 2022, and the offensive line is the prime example. Kocan, Stanley, Boutaugh and Illiano are all returning starters. The one open competition is at right guard, where Erickson and Williams are battling to replace Nicolas Cruji, who transferred to Charlotte of the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Boutaugh's move from guard to center adds an extra layer of responsibility. As center, he is responsible for setting the line's blocking schemes before each snap, requiring constant communication and a sharp football mind. Stevens, who was an all-conference defensive end during his playing days at Maine, said he has no concerns about Boutaugh's ability to handle the switch.

"It's been great seeing his development and his leadership as well, taking on a role that obviously demands a little bit more communication," Stevens said.

The most accomplished player up front is Illiano. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound redshirt junior has started every game over the past two seasons and was named a preseason All-American by FCS Stats Perform and the Phil Steele college football preview. Stevens considers Illiano and Kocan a complementary pair on the edges of the line.

"I think the world of both of them. Anthony is our captain, and it's a role he has wanted, and wanted to lead. So starting on the edges, I feel great about those guys," Stevens said.

That leadership will be tested immediately. Maine finished 6-6 last season, the program's best mark since 2021, and averaged 163.8 rushing yards per game, the highest output of Stevens' tenure. Leading the ground attack again is running back Rashawn Marshall, who gained 686 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2024. The backfield also gets a boost from the return of Nick Laughlin, a Cape Elizabeth native who is coming back from a torn ACL and gives the Black Bears another option in both the run and pass games.

Under center, redshirt sophomore Eddie Buehler takes over as the starting quarterback, working with a largely inexperienced group of receivers. That makes clean pocket time and effective run blocking even more critical. If the line holds up, Buehler has a chance to build timing with his new targets. If not, the entire offense could stall.

Maine's schedule offers no early breather. Towson presents a conference test right out of the gate, meaning the Black Bears will need their veterans ready from the first snap.

For a coaching staff looking to push the program back above .500, the formula is straightforward, and Stevens summed it up in two words.

"Great group," he said.