Offense
The quarterback position belongs to senior Avery Johnson. He already is the programs single season and career co-leader for touchdown passes. Reuniting with Collin Klien should do very well for Johnson. Using his legs in the running game is key, as he seems to perform when his dual threat ability is unleashed.
The running back room returns Joe Jackson, who rushed for a program record 293 yards against Utah last season. His ability will be on full display in this offense. The additions of Jay Harris (Oregon), Rodney Fields Jr. (Oklahoma State), and Makari Badiford (Memphis) really complete this unit.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Jaron Tibbs, Derrick Salley Jr., Adonis Moise, and tight ends Garrett Oakley and Linkon Cure. The additions of Brnadon White (Hawai’i), Izaiah Williams (Texas A&M), and Joshua Manning (Missouri) are crucial. All three transfers will have big roles, along with Tibbs.
The offensive line room will have plenty of new faces. John Pastore, George Fitzpatrick, and Gus Hawkins have the most returning experience. The additions of Tyler Johnson (Auburn), Chase Duarte (San Diego State), Delvin Morris (Akron), Keiton Jones (Missouri), Tanner Morely (Colorado State), and Charlie Adams (Cal Poly) are massive.
Defense
The defensive line room is very transfer heavy. Jordan Allen and Travis Bates have the most returning experience. The additions of Jayden Bryant (Coastal Carolina), De’Arieun Hicks (Gardner-Webb), Austin Ramsey (Kentucky), Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State), Kamari Burns (Cincinnati), and Elijah Hill (Kennesaw State) are huge for this unit.
The linebacker room returns some experience in Rex Van Wyhe and Gabe Powers. The additions of Jacobi Oliphant Jr. (Oklahoma State) and Mekhi Mason (Louisiana Tech) are massive. Mason will play a big role in helping the defense stop the run. A concern entering this season.
The secondary returns experience in Zashon Rich, Donovan McIntosh, Logan Bartley, and Wesley Fair. The additions of Adrian Maddox (Georgia), Koy Beasley (Miami OH), Kaleb Patterson (Illinois), and Ja’Son Prevard (Virginia) help solidify this unit.
Specialists
The kicking duties will be handled by Luis Rodriguez, who performed well last season. Punting duties should belong to D2 Emporia State transfer Dylan Davidson. Bryce Noernberg provides a spark as a kick returner but must cut down on turnovers.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Nicholls
- 9/12 Washington State
- 9/19 Tulane
- 9/26 at Cincinnati
- 10/10 Houston
- 10/17 Kansas
- 10/24 at Arizona State
- 10/31 at Colorado
- 11/7 Oklahoma State
- 11/14 at TCU
- 11/21 Arizona
- 11/28 at Iowa State
Final Analysis
The return of Collin Klien has the Wildcat fans excited. The offense should be solid, but the defense does have some holes. Patience will be key as this program looks to return to atop the Big 12. The schedule presents an opportunity for the Wildcats to gain momentum.
