Offense
The quarterback position is locked in with the return of Carlos Del Rio-Wilson. He may be the best quarterback in the Sun Belt Conference. He led the Thundering Herd in rushing last season (661 yards and six touchdowns) and has developed a great deal as a passer. Not only is he the leader of this offense, but the run-first approach revolves around him.
The running back room returns Jo’Shon Barbie, who should have a bigger role this season. The additions of Josiah McLaurin (Maryland), TJ Lester (West Georgia), and Judah Price (West Virginia) are crucial to this team’s success. Lester and Price in particular bring something special to the table.
The wide receiver room returns experience in De’Andre Tamarez, Adrian Norton, Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw, and tight end Toby Payne (All-SBC). The additions of Christian Hamilton (West Virginia), Owen Sweeney (VMI), and Chris Culliver (North Carolina) will only help this unit to increase production.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Tariq Montgomery, Jalen Slappy (All-SBC), and Evan Ferguson. Watch out for redshirt freshman Andrew Dudley. The additions of Jaquez Joiner (UCF), Xavier Bausley (West Virginia), Robby Martin (West Virginia), and Logan Greer (D2 California PA) are big.
Defense
The defensive line is very transfer heavy. Braydin Word, Mikailin Warren, Cam Chmura, and Jacarius Clayton return with experience. The additions of Simeon John (D2 Virginia Wise), Mickel Williams (UTSA), Terry Nwabuisi-Ezeala (Vanderbilt), Keydel Painter (D2 Virginia Union), Kenyatta Hardge II (Kentucky), and BJ Carter (Iowa State) provide what this team needs up front.
The linebacker room returns experience in Javae Gilmore (All-SBC), Cannon Lewis, Jalen Marshall, and Chason Clark. The additions of Kelvon McBride (NC State) and Cole Funderburk (Wake Forest) are huge. There is hope that McBride can help the pass rush as well.
The secondary returns experience in Daytione Smith (All-SBC), Josh Pierre-Louis, Caleb Clark-Glover, and TaShawn Jeter. The additions of Brayden Hall (Central Connecticut State), Aumad Edwards (Kentucky), Eddie Pleasant III (Buffalo), Charles McCartherens (Buffalo), Kendell Anderson (Morgan State), and Terrente Hinton (NC State) will all see action.
Specialists
Both kicking and punting roles will belong to freshmen. Kicking duties will belong to Virginia transfer Jorge Diaz Nicholas, who has big shoes to fill. True freshman Cooper Heimbach will be the punter.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 at Penn State
- 9/12 Middle Tennessee State
- 9/19 at Missouri State
- 9/26 Gardner-Webb
- 10/3 at James Madison
- 10/10 Coastal Carolina
- 10/20 South Alabama
- 10/31 at Old Dominion
- 11/7 at Georgia Southern
- 11/14 Appalachian State
- 11/21 Georgia State
- 11/28 at Louisiana Monroe
Final Analysis
Tony Gibson took over a conference champion last season, but that entire roster left. He did a great job guiding this team to 5-7. Del-Rio Wilson is a game changer at quarterback, but any success will depend on the development of the defense. The transfers will be key to the unit’s growth and development.
