Offense
The quarterback position should be bolstered by the transfer portal. The additions of Tommy Ulatowski (Kennesaw State), Henry Hasselbeck (UCLA), and Malachi Singleton (Purdue) are massive. Singleton brings Power 4 playing experience and dual-threat ability to the table.
The running back room returns Jaquari Lewis, who ran for 618 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. He is also a solid option out of the backfield as a receiver. Houston transfer J’Marion Burnette is a bruiser and a perfect complement to Lewis.
The wide receiver room will look to returners Sam Mbake, Alex Sanchez, and Doopah Coleman to up their production from last season. The additions of Dazmin Jones (California), Zach Taylor (Arkansas), Chris Lofton (Gardner-Webb), and tight end Darrin Fugitt (Lindenwood) are massive. Lofton had nearly 1,000 yards receiving last season.
The offensive line room returns Cayden Sweatt, Trent Ramsey, and Tyriq Poindexter on the interior. The additions of Devan Manuel (Florida), Greydon Grimes (Kansas), Max Walters (South Carolina), and Kamron Burris (D2 Anderson) are massive for the tackle spot.
Defense
The defensive line will be led by returning defensive ends Aiden Benton and Caleb Sandstorm. A lot will be expected from them. The additions of Siolaa Lolohea (Oklahoma), Ki’Shawn Harvey (ETSU), Aaron Clark (Towson), Jehchys Brown (SEMO), and 4-star true freshman Jordan Harris are massive.
The linebacker room returns Colton Phares, who led the team in tackles (101) and interceptions (three). He is one of the best in the Sun Belt Conference. The additions of Kevin Henderson (D2 Findlay), Alex Mitchell (Middle Tennessee State), Keshawn Thomas (ODU), and Carson Sloan (Samford) are massive for this unit.
The secondary will lean on Ja’Den McBurrows and Juan Berchal. Both have major upsides as playmakers. The additions of Joe Reddish (Virginia Tech), Khalil Conley (North Carolina), Devin Henderson (Liberty), Cary Grant (Charlotte), Jakob Gude (UCF), and Kaleb Purdy (Tennessee Tech), among others, are big.
Specialists
Transfers should handle both roles. James London was an FCS All-American at Murray State before transferring to Pitt. Jaxson Dunn comes in from Arkansas State but has no experience at the college level.
2026 Schedule
9/5 Maine
9/12 at East Carolina
9/19 Charlotte
9/26 at NC State
10/10 Old Dominion
10/16 at Coastal Carolina
10/22 James Madison
10/31 at Georgia Southern
11/7 Geogia State
11/14 at Marshall
11/21 ULM
11/27 at South Alabama
Final Analysis
Only one winning season in the last four seasons doesn’t cut it in Boone. Transfers will need to emerge right away for the Mountaineers to return to the top where they belong. The pieces are there. Now it has to show on the football field.
