Offense
The quarterback position sees a competition between multiple players, but it seems to be a two-man race between Jayden Mandal and Maryland transfer Khristian Martin. Both are dual threat guys who have good arm strength. My bet is Martin starts Week 1.
The running back room returns a solid trio in Rayshon Luke, Bryson Donelson, and Brandon Ramirez. Luke finished with 702 yards, while Donelson finished with 600 yards. The addition of Tariq Thomas (Bucknell) adds even more talent to the room.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Josiah Freeman, Ezekiel Avit, Jahlil McClain, Jayon Farrar, Jordan Malau’ulu, and Harold Duval. The additions of Darrian Anderson (Oregon) and tight end Jake Appleget (Northern Illinois) are massive. Freeman has NFL size and talent.
The offensive line room returns experience in Rolan Fullwood (All-MWC), Brayden Walton, Edward Fonua, Ben Baker, Braylan Henderson, and Kyson Van Vugt, among others. The additions of Patrick Barnett (UCF) and Oscar Weigel (San Diego) are massive for this unit.
Defense
The defensive line room returns plenty of experience in Jahzon Jacks, Deijon Laffitte, Martin Owusu, Merhauti Xepera, Sione Noa, and Jarius Satele, among others. The addition of Dylan Hampsten (Sacramento State) provides even more depth for what was a top 10 defense in college football last season.
The linebacker room returns experience in K’Vion Thunderbird, Tytus Khajavi, Logan Study, and Justin Johnson. Expect this group to fly around and make plays. The addition of Micah Mosley (Sacramento State) provides added depth.
The secondary returns experience in Simeon Harris, who could play on Sundays, Kiontre Harris, Loyall Mouzon, Ryan Wilson, and Ethan Tierney, among others. The additions of Croix Stewart (UCLA), Preston Okafor (Nebraska), and Taylor Powell (Northern Illinois) are massive.
Specialists
The Bulldogs had the best kick and punt coverage units in the Mountain West last season. Punter Nick Verdugo returns and will be pushed by Clay Lawrence. D2 transfer Manaki Watanabe will be the kicker.
2026 Schedule
- 9/4 at USC
- 9/12 Sacramento State
- 9/19 at San Jose State
- 9/26 Rice
- 10/3 at Washington State
- 10/10 Boise State
- 10/17 at San Diego State
- 10/31 Oregon State
- 11/7 at Utah State
- 11/14 at Texas State
- 11/21 Colorado State
- 11/28 San Diego State (Flex Game)
Final Analysis
Matt Entz is a great coach, and he worked his magic last season. The Bulldogs were Top 10 nationally in almost every defensive category and return plenty. The schedule is tougher and the offense needs to be more dynamic, but the pieces are in place to compete for a Pac-12 Title.
