Offense
The quarterback position will see a competition between transfers Henry Belin IV (Duke) and Skyler Locklear (UTEP). Locklear started 16 games over the past two seasons, throwing for 3,001 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. Belin started two games in 3 years. Expect to see both get reps early on.
The running back room returns Ramone Green Jr. Green is 5-foot-9 190 pounds and uses his speed to get by defenders. He was top five in receiving last season and averaged over 15 yards per reception. The additions of Breezy Dunbar (Boise State) and Josh Joyner (Washington State) provide more options. Dunbar’s size will be beneficial.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Jmariyae Robinson, Makai Cope, James BlackStrain, and tight end Jeron Askren. The additions of Isaiah Meyers (Western Kentucky), Mekhi Miller (Tulsa), and tight end Witt Edwards (Vanderbilt) provide solid depth. Robinson had seven touchdowns last season and is a solid threat every time he touches the ball.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Makhete Gueye and Matthew Greene. The additions of William Dixon (VMI), Isaiah Villanueva (Jackson State), King Large (SMU), and Sebastian Espinoza (JUCO) are massive. The transfers will all need to play major roles for this unit.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Caden Wiest, Tim Brantley Jr., and Gilles Tchio. The additions of Dylan Brooks (Kansas), Josh Lukusa (Miami OH), Kellen Lindstrom (Tennessee), Jalile Elliott (D2 Barton), Malachi Madison (UMass), Markell Chapman (Iowa State), and Kaden Jones (JUCO) provide the talent and depth this unit needs.
The linebacker room returns talent in Jared Lloyd, Cooper Roy, Jashawn Cooper, and Austin Yelder. Lloyd started every game last season and is a fantastic leader. The addition of Stratton Shufelt (UTEP) provides another valuable piece to the rotation.
The secondary returns experience in Dylan Dixson, Christian Ford, and JJ O’Neal. The additions of Joel Boamah (Kent State), Joel Kpassou (Duquesne), Malik Ganaway (JUCO), Geo Jallah (D2 Benedict), and Xavien Michel (NAIA Tabor) provide great depth. The two Joel’s will start at cornerback.
Specialists
Both kicker Yousef Obeid and punter Stewart McDonald return. They each could be All-CUSA performers this season. Jmariyae Robinson is a valuable weapon as a kick returner as well.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 at Texas A&M
- 9/12 Lindenwood
- 9/19 Marshall
- 9/26 at SMU
- 10/8 at Western Kentucky
- 10/14 Kennesaw State
- 10/20 at Delaware
- 10/27 Sam Houston
- 11/7 at Florida International
- 11/14 New Mexico State
- 11/21 at Jacksonville State
- 11/28 Liberty
Final Analysis
Casey Woods takes over the program, and it will be interesting to see what he does here. He is a great offensive mind. Settling on a quarterback and getting both lines to gel will be key. The skill position talent is there, as well in the back end of the defense for the Bears to build off of last season.
