Offense
The quarterback position should belong to redshirt freshman Jason Wright. His size and athletic ability excite the staff. He has a high ceiling. Elijah Holmes transfers in from D2 Wingate to compete for the job as well. It is Wright’s to lose though.
The running back room returns Terrance Shelton Jr. and Messiah Burch. Shelton Jr. was the team’s second leading rusher last season as a freshman. While Burch has been used more as a gadget back but will see more traditional action this season.
The wide receiver room loses two All-MAC players to the transfer portal. Josaiah Gathings returns and he has All-MAC potential himself. Chance Morrow, Tyrell Simmons Jr., and Patrick Clacks III also have experience. The tight end position also offers several options.
The offensive line room returns one starter in Alex Heininger but could be a real question mark entering the season. There is a lot of young talent, but it is inexperienced. The additions of Nino Francavilla (Miami), Joe Crocker (Baylor), and Nathan Natoli (Bucknell) are big.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Cornell Evans, Will Clark, and Jacari Bennett. The additions of Stantavious Smith (Florida A&M), Mason Nickel (D2 Saginaw Valley State), Caleb Oliver (Wofford), Sedrick Vessah (D2 California PA), and Logan Goodwin (D2 Indiana University PA) are massive.
The linebacker room will rely on transfers after seeing All-American Red Murdock get drafted. The additions of Stevie Bracey (Virginia), Joey Cheshire (Cornell), and Zach Bergmann (D2 Missouri Southern) are massive. Redshirt freshman George Hill will also see action.
The secondary returns tons of talent. Cornerbacks Kobi Blackwell, Keontez Bradley, and SaVeon Brown are all playmakers. As is safety Miles Greer. This unit is deep and talented. The additions of Sayre Smothers (The Citadel), Zae Jennings (West Virginia), and Drayson Crane (Morehead State) provide added depth for this unit.
Specialists
Both kicker Oliver Hautanen and punter Ethan Stumpf have yet to see game reps. JMU transfer Andrew VanSlyke will also be in the mix at punter.
2026 Schedule
- 9/3 UAlbany
- 9/12 at Florida International
- 9/19 at Penn State
- 9/26 Robert Morris
- 10/3 Western Michigan
- 10/10 at Toledo
- 10/17 UMass
- 10/24 Bowling Green
- 11/3 at Miami (Ohio)
- 11/11 at Ball State
- 11/18 Central Michigan
- 11/27 at Akron
Final Analysis
Pete Lembo and the Bulls are facing a rebuild. Jason Wright has a lot of potential at quarterback, but he is very young. Things have to be rebuilt in the trenches on offense and defense. One thing is for certain; this team will play hard under Lembo and that will lead to some wins.
