Offense
Ryan Silverfield asks a lot from his quarterbacks. KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill don’t have much in game experience. So, it will be interesting to see how much is put on their plate. Both also have dual thereat ability.
The running back room will be led by Braylen Russell and Memphis transfer Sutton Smith. Russell is a big, strong runner who has averaged over five yards per carry in each of his first two seasons. While Smith is small and quick. He led Memphis in rushing last season.
The wide receiver room returns CJ Brown, Ismael Cisse, and tight end Jaden Platt. The additions of Donovan Faupel (New Mexico State), Jelani Watkins (LSU), Jamari Hawkins (Memphis), Chris Marshall (Boise State), and tight end Ty Lockwood (Boston College) are massive for this unit.
The offensive line room returns experience in Caden Kitler, Kobe Branham, Kavion Broussard, and Brooks Edmanson. The additions of Bryant Williams (Louisiana), Malachi Breland (Memphis), Adam Hawkes (Oregon State), Terence Roberson Jr. (D2 Ouachita Baptist), and Davion Weatherspoon (Ohio) are massive.
Defense
The defensive line room returns Quincy Rhodes Jr., who made a major jump last season, along with David Oke and Charlie Collins. The additions of Trajen Odom (Ohio State), Xadavien Sims (Oregon), Hunter Osborne (Virginia), Carlon Jones (USC), and Steven Soles Jr. (Kentucky) are massive.
The linebacker room returns Bradley Shaw and Wyatt Simmons. Shaw will need to continue his production. The additions of Ben Bogle (West Virginia), Jeremy Evans (Baylor), Phoenix Jackson (Baylor), and Ja’Quavion Smith (Howard) are massive.
The secondary need depth and went into the transfer portal for help. The additions of Khmori House (North Carolina), Carter Stoutmire (Colorado), La’khi Roland (Maryland), Jahiem Johnson (Tulane), Christian Harrison (Cincinnati), Kyeaure Magloire (West Georgia), and Shelton Lewis (Clemson), among others, will play big roles.
Specialists
There is no returning experience here. Punting duties could belong to freshman Gavin Rush. While kicking duties should belong to Tennessee transfer Max Gilbert. Memphis transfer Sutton Smith is a solid return specialist.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 North Alabama
- 9/12 at Utah
- 9/19 Georgia
- 9/26 Tulsa
- 10/3 at Texas A&M
- 10/10 Tennessee
- 10/17 at Vanderbilt
- 10/31 Missouri
- 11/7 at Auburn
- 11/14 South Carolina
- 11/21 at Texas
- 11/28 LSU
Final Analysis
Major improvements must be made across the board, especially in the turnover margin and discipline. That’s why Ryan Silverfield is here. The schedule is daunting and there are a lot of new faces. So, Year 1 could be rough, but steps will be made in the right direction.
