Offense
The quarterback position belongs to John Mateer. Prior to his thumb injury last season, he looked like he was going to run away with the Heisman Trophy. Offseason surgery should fix that so it will be interesting to see how he and the offense look early on. His dual threat ability is truly special when he is healthy.
The running back room must improve on last season’s 3.5 yards per carry. With that said, Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson both return and are talented. The additions of Lloyd Avant (Colorado State), and true freshmen Jonathan Hatton and DeZephen Walker add speed and shiftiness to this unit.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Isaiah Sategna III (All-SEC) and Jer’Michael Carter. The additions of Mackenzie Alleyne (Washington State), Trell Harris (Virginia, All-ACC), Parker Livingston (Texas), and tight ends Hayden Hansen (Florida), Rocky Beers (Colorado State), and Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee) are exactly what this unit needs.
The offensive line room returns experience in Jake Maikkula, Heath Ozaeta, Eddy Pierce-Louis, Ryan Fodje, and Michael Fasusi. The additions of E’Marion Harris (Arkansas), Peyton Joseph (Georgia Tech), and Caleb Nitta (Western Kentucky) provide quality depth to this unit.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Taylor Wein, Jayden Jackson, David Stone, Danny Okoye, and Adepoju Adebaware. The additions of Bishop Thomas (Georgia State) and Kenny Ozowalu (UTSA) provide solid depth for this unit. There is plenty of youth working its way up as well.
The linebacker room returns production in Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke. The duo combined for 150 tackles last season. Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan will see plenty of action. Young talent must develop behind this trio. Redshirt freshman Marcus James is one to watch.
The secondary returns experience in Courtland Guillory, Eli Bowen (All-SEC), Peyton Bowen (All-SEC), Reggie Powers III, Jacobe Johnson, and Michael Boganowski. The additions of Prince Ijioma (Mississippi Valley State) and Dakota Fields (Oregon) will also contribute.
Specialists
Kicker Tate Sandell returns after an All-American season. He has the strongest leg in college football and won the Groza Award last season. Punter Grayson Miller also returns and was an All-SEC performer. Isaiah Sategna III is a very valuable punt returner as well.
2026 Schedule
- 9/4 UTEP
- 9/12 at Michigan
- 9/19 New Mexico
- 9/26 at Georgia
- 10/10 vs Texas in Dallas, TX
- 10/17 Kentucky
- 10/24 at Mississippi State
- 10/31 South Carolina
- 11/7 at Florida
- 11/14 Ole Miss
- 11/21 Texas A&M
- 11/28 at Missouri
Final Analysis
Last season's berth in the CFP was a major step in the right direction for this program and head coach Brent Venables. The defense has talent but won’t be as deep. While the offense needs John Mateer to return to his pre-thumb injury form. If so, another playoff run is possible.
