Lost 2 great o-linemen but have talent to replace and a reputation for doing so.
Fixed gaps in WR that lowered ceiling of team last year.
Major upgrade at OC.
Well-balanced defense with championship-caliber talent at every level, and an elite DC.
Highly-sought after and high-ceiling QB transfer with some talented but unproven competition for starter or backup. This is a very different situation than Hartman, who was a known commodity.
Year 3 of the regime. Freeman has his guys, and has learned from 2 years at a top program. If he's going to be elite, we'll see it this year. Doesn't mean playoff win or bust, but missing the playoffs entirely in the new format would be a major disappointment and red flag barring catastrophic injuries.