Offense
The quarterback position saw three different players see significant reps in 2025. Blake Baker saw a ton of reps before a torn ACL ended his season. He will be QB1 if healthy. Trey Kukuk stepped in to end the season with three straight wins. He will undoubtably see reps as a rushing threat.
The running back room loses the top three rushers from last season. The additions of Jaden Miller (NAIA Keiser), Harrison Williams (D2 Harding), Sergio Snider (JUCO), and true freshmen Kenny Thomas, Rayshaun Hurt, and Demarcus Belton are huge. Redshirt freshman Dylone Brooks will also see action.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Jay Wilkerson, David Pierro, and tight end Eli Finley (All-CUSA), among others. Finley should be an All-SBC performer this season. The additions of Marcus Calwise Jr. (Eastern Kentucky) and Talyn Shettron (Oklahoma State) are massive. Shettron is a former 4-star recruit coming out of high school.
The offensive line room returns experience in Hayden Christman (All-CUSA), Ashanti Cole, Roy Brackins III, Austin Ellis, and Troy Smith III, among others. The additions of Tye Hylton (Florida State) and Jamon Lee Jr. (JUCO) provide even more depth to an already deep unit.
Defense
The defensive line room returns some experience in Emmanuel Oguns (All-CUSA), Donovan Rieman, Judd Rouyea, and Jacob Bradford, among others. The additions of Joshua Brantley (Tulane), Justice Williams (West Florida), and Kaden McIver (JUCO) are key to this units success.
The linebacker room returns production in Kolbe Fields (All-CUSA), Jadon Mayfield, Alonzo Jackson Jr., and Zheric Hill. Fields is returning from an injury and has star potential. The other three showed tons of promise last season as freshmen. This is a very talented room.
The secondary was second nationally with 22 interceptions last season, but all five starters are gone. Amari Butler, Kameron Carter, Jordan McRae, Kam Franklin, and Sam Fangang have some experience. The additions of Ahkhari Johnson (Arkansas), Demario Bookhart (South Carolina State), Ty Jones (Norfolk State), MJ Moultrie III (Hampton), and Janard Lockhardt (JUCO) are crucial.
Specialists
The kicking duties will see a competition between Drew Henderson and Kaegan Kent. Each produced when called upon last season. Punting duties will belong to Aussie freshman Reuben Edwards.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Northwestern State
- 9/12 at LSU
- 9/19 at Baylor
- 10/3 Army
- 10/10 Louisiana
- 10/17 at ULM
- 10/24 Old Dominion
- 10/31 at South Alabama
- 11/7 at Troy
- 11/14 Southern Miss
- 11/21 Arkansas State
- 11/28 at Georgia Southern
Final Analysis
Welcome to the Sun Belt Conference Louisiana Tech. After plenty of legal posturing, the Bulldogs have officially left CUSA. LA Tech could contend in Year 1 as the Sun Belt West is always competitive. New players must emerge across the board and the secondary probably won’t force as many turnovers as last season.
