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The quarterback position features four new additions, who all offer dual threat ability. The additions of Deuce Bailey (Missouri State), Trever Jackson (Arkansas), Tre Guerra (JUCO), and true freshman Osiris Lopez are big. A battle will last well into fall camp. My prediction is Guerra gets the first nod due to his JUCO experience.
The running back room returns some experience in Dominic Knicely and Jevan Edwards. Both saw action as true freshman last season. The additions of Juden Allen-Hendrix (Oklahoma State), Daelen Alexander (Rice), and Breyahn Townsend (JUCO) are massive. The experience here should lead to better production.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Robby Washington, Colton Hinton, Karmello English, and tight end Zach Courtney. The additions of Tamarion LaFortune (D3 Western Connecticut State), Clayton Coppock (Kennesaw State), Krosse Johnson (Arkansas), Goldie Lawrence (Florida A&M), Tristian Gardner (Missouri State), and tight end Cyrus Ellison (South Carolina State), among others, are big.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Gavin McLaughlin, Kain McDonald, Daniel Jones, and Tray Franklin, among others. The additions of Mason Barton (Jackson State), Apisa Poumele (Central Michigan), Christian Loaiza (Missouri State), and Daughtry Richardson (Florida Atlantic) are massive for this unit.
The defensive line should be the strength of the defense. Ibrahim Diawara and Obinna Onwuka return with experience. The additions of Xzavier Booker (Alabama A&M), Dezmond Barnes (Missouri State), Reggie Jean (Northern Illinois), Mitchell Toney (Missouri State), Ahmad Poole (Missouri State), Chandavion Bradley (Oklahoma State), and Donovan Grayson (Samford), among others, are big.
The linebacker room returns talent in Tray Brown, Wyatt Gedeon, and Se’Von McDowell. A trio this defense can lean on. The additions of Jordan Thompson (Western Carolina), Braxton Starnes (Missouri State), Marcellius Pulliam (Michigan State), Azarel Juste (Bryant), and Jesse Powell II (Elon) are massive for this unit.
The secondary returns two experienced cornerbacks in Ja’Marion Wayne and Myles Woods. Along with safeties Dre Pinckney, Chris Henry, and Brandon Rose. The additions of Mason Moore (Lehigh), Damill Bostic Jr. (Villanova), Gabe White (Bethune Cookman), and Jalen Lee (South Dakota State), among others, are massive.
Punter Emile Sebafundi returns after a solid 2025 season. The kicking duties will belong to either transfer Daniel Porto (Florida A&M) or Nico Cavanillas Alti (South Carolina State). Both were all-conference at the FCS level.
Ryan Beard comes to Conway from Missouri State, where he went 7-5 in year one of FBS football. He has brought a great staff with him, but they are young. This is a roster full of new players, so predicting things is hard. One thing is certain; the Chants will always play hard under Beard. Something that wasn’t always present in the past few seasons.
