As I sit down to analyze the Texas Southern Tigers football team's 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how this program continues to surprise us year after year. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a particular fondness for tracking programs that operate outside the traditional power conferences, and the Tigers certainly fit that description. Their 2023 campaign presented both familiar challenges and unexpected breakthroughs that deserve closer examination.

Looking back at the season's structure, the Tigers finished with a 5-6 record, showing modest improvement from their 3-8 performance in 2022. What struck me most was their offensive transformation - they averaged 24.3 points per game compared to just 17.8 the previous season. That's not just a statistical jump; it represents a fundamental shift in their offensive philosophy. I attended their season opener against Prairie View A&M, where their new up-tempo offense was immediately evident, though it took several games for the players to fully adapt. The defense, while still inconsistent, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their stunning 28-24 upset against Florida A&M in October.

The international pipeline developing for Texas Southern players has become impossible to ignore. When I heard that yet another Fighting Maroon is set to become an Asian import in an international league, it didn't surprise me at all. This marks the fourth Texas Southern alumnus to sign with an Asian professional league in the past two years alone. Quarterback Marcus Johnson's recent signing with the Japan X-League exemplifies this trend. Having watched Johnson develop over three seasons, I always believed his skill set would translate well to professional football, though I must admit I expected him to land in the CFL rather than overseas. These international opportunities are creating a fascinating feedback loop - current recruits are increasingly aware that Texas Southern can serve as a gateway to professional opportunities beyond the traditional NFL path.

What really excites me about the Tigers' future is their recruiting class for 2024. They've secured commitments from three four-star recruits, which is unprecedented for this program. I've had the chance to review game footage of incoming quarterback prospect Jamal Richardson, and his arm talent reminds me of a young Steve McNair. The offensive line needs significant reinforcement though - they allowed 38 sacks last season, which simply isn't acceptable at any level of college football. Defensively, they must improve their third-down conversion rate against opponents, which stood at a troubling 48% in 2023. These are fixable issues, but require dedicated coaching and player development.

My prediction for 2024? I'm bullish on the Tigers, perhaps more than most analysts. I see them reaching 7-4 and genuinely contending for the SWAC championship. The schedule sets up favorably with five home games in the first seven weeks, and they avoid facing the conference's top two teams from last season until November. The culture change under Coach Banks is palpable - I've noticed it in how players carry themselves during offseason workouts and how recruits speak about the program. While they're probably still a year away from national relevance, the foundation being built today could transform Texas Southern into a consistent FCS contender by 2025. The international recognition they're gaining through players overseas only enhances their profile and recruiting appeal. Frankly, I haven't been this optimistic about this program's direction in a decade.