Alex Wollschlaeger, a 6-foot-7, 295-pound senior offensive tackle, is one of 14 Bowling Green State University football players named to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-Mid American Conference squad.

As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming 2024 season, Wollschlaeger said he saw a lot of good things at this year’s spring practice session.

“I think it went well overall,” Wollschlaeger said. “A lot of guys left last year and a lot of new faces, so we were able to improve that way.

“But all the new guys who came straight in from the portal — (6-6, 310-pound senior offensive tackle) Nick Reimer, being an Illini he’s doing great and fit right in,” Wollschlaeger continued.

“I think we took pretty big steps, especially we are getting tougher. We have a lot of young guys getting more looks because of injuries but they’ll be back in June and those young guys are beginning to improve, so I think everyone took steps forward and we’re a lot better overall.”

Wollschlaeger says for the front line to have success in the run and pass game, it is all about technique.

“It’s hard to speak for the defense and all that, on the offensive line we did a lot technique-wise,” Wollschlaeger said.

“Coach (Greg) Nosal really drove into us, getting our technique down day-in and day-out, getting our steps right, getting our fits right, and just improving our run blocking overall, and the same goes for pass pro.

“This is when you focus not so much on the player, but the technique, in the offseason. I think huge steps technique-wise and I’m sure that is every position, not just the O-line.”

Wollschlaeger is a second team preseason All-MAC selection on four teams, which includes three first team members.

BGSU placed tight end Harold Fannin Jr., cornerback Jordan Oladokun and and running back Terion Stewart on the first team. Joining Wollschlaeger on the second team is defensive lineman Dontrez Brown.

BGSU quarterback Connor Bazelak, safety C.J. Brown, and linebackers Demetrius Hardamon and Joseph Sipp Jr. round out the third team.

Kicker Alan Anaya, defensive lineman Anthony Hawkins, wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr., center Alex Padgett and safetyTrent Simms were named to the fourth team.

BGSU coach Scot Loeffler confirms that the Falcons had a solid spring, but there were hiccups, too.

‘You know what, I thought we had a great spring,” Loeffler said. “We had two Mondays that we’d love to have back.

“In my opinion, we didn’t practice at the elite level we want to be at, but considering all the guys who were out, all the youth that we had running around here, I thought it was real positive.

“Our youth for the most part did a really good job. We had new wide receivers in there, some new DBs and they were able to get caught up on having an idea on how we do business.”

The Falcons ended the spring season by letting the linemen catch punted footballs — the idea was to see who could catch the ball and who could not, and their teammates cheered or jeered.

“It’s complete fun,” Loeffler said. “Those guys spend all practice, they never touch a ball during all of spring football.

“They want to prove they are great athletes. It’s what they want to do. They want to prove they can catch the ball, so we do it for fun. It’s a fun, little deal for them.”

The Falcons, who return 45 letter winners and 15 starters, open the 2024 season against Fordham on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Doyt Perry Stadium. Kick is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Single-game and season tickets are now on sale for all Bowling Green Falcon home football games. Fans can purchase tickets online, by calling 419-372-0000, or visiting the Stroh Center Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Starting this year, Doyt Perry Stadium will be a cashless venue. This includes the purchasing of tickets, parking passes, and food and drink items from the concession stands.