Offense
The quarterback position will feature a battle between two transfers. Austin Novosad (Oregon) and Jay Kastantin (D2 Assumption) bring a lot to the table. Expect Novosad to win the job. The former 4-star recruit has a strong arm and is mobile.
The running back room returns Austyn Dendy and Nakai Amachree. Dendy finished last season strong, he had three straight 100-plus yard games. He will push for 1,000 yards if he stays healthy. The addition of Ke’Marion Baldwin (Charleston Southern) provides depth.
The wide receiver room will need players to produce in their new, expanded roles. Winn Sharp, Brennan Ridley, Austin Clay, and tight ends Jeremiah Scoby and Blane Cleaver have experience. The additions of Nick Sowell (South Carolina State) and Isaiah Dawson (Richmond) provide more options.
The offensive line room will see five new starters. James Thomas Jr. and Alexis Sanchez have the most returning experience. Brody Bolyn, Alex Harris, and Caden Campbell, among others, will see expanded roles. The addition of Gabe Funk (App State) is massive.
Defense
The defensive line room returns some experience in Myles Bradley and Eriq George. Otherwise, transfers and youth will take over. The additions of Selah Brown (Louisville), Timothy Taylor Jr. (Jacksonville State), John Baker IV (Toledo), and Kade Kostus (Central Michigan) are massive.
The linebacker room returns Dorian Pringle and AJ Odom. If Pringle can stay healthy, he is an All-MAC caliber player. The additions of Sanders Ellis (Purdue), Jonathan Goins (Alabama A&M), and true freshman Kingston Seals are massive for this unit.
The secondary returns talent in safety Kal-El Pascal and cornerback JoJo Johnson. Johnson led the MAC last season with 13 pass breakups. The additions of Nick Sawyer (Charleston Southern), Armahn Hale (New Mexico State), Mike Wright III (Florida Atlantic), and Drey Braxton (North Carolina Central) are big.
Specialists
Punter Ryan Kingston transfers in from Southeast Missouri State, where he was a very solid player. The kicking role could belong to walk-on Travis Kenner.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Tarleton State
- 9/12 at Nebraska
- 9/19 at Iowa State
- 9/26 South Florida
- 10/3 at Miami (Ohio)
- 10/10 Sacramento State
- 10/17 Ball State
- 10/24 at Buffalo
- 10/31 at Western Michigan
- 11/10 Kent State
- 11/20 at Toledo
- 11/28 UMass
Final Analysis
Eddie George enters Year 2 at Bowling Green with some question marks in key spots. However, the Falcons could have a star at quarterback with Austin Novosad. Also, the running game could be very solid if the offensive line develops. Reaching a bowl game is within reach.
