Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position has a clear QB1, which is massive considering what happened last season. Landyn Locke’s return fits Phil Longo’s system well and he will only build off of his three starts from last season. Locke has a gunslinger mentality which really fits this offense well.
The running back room returns experience in Alton McCaskill and Landan “Coco” Brown. This duo combined for 858 rushing yards last season and will only see that number grow if they can stay healthy. With improvements to the offensive line, this duo could be in for a very solid season.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Chris Reed, Grady O’Neill, Aviyon Smith-Mack, Darrick Bledsoe, and Tim Burns Jr. The additions of Christan Zachary (NC State), Kyan Berry-Johnson (Wisconsin), Alijah Cason (Holy Cross), Kaleb Mitchell (Utah State), and multiple tight ends, will be huge for this unit.
The offensive line room loses all five starters but could actually improve. Cam Todd, Isaac Sohn, and Graceson Spann have the most returning experience. The additions of Brock Stukes (NC State), Josiah Chenault (Kennesaw State, All-CUSA), Denell Nix Jr. (Appalachian State), Elijah Collins (Western Carolina), Carter Kadow (Rutgers), and multiple JUCO transfers will all see action.
The defensive line room returns experience in Chauncey Chidi, Dylan Frazier, Darien Jackson, She’fan Boyd, and Brody Henderson. The additions of Dimitry Nicholas (Maryland), Jerra Anderson (Arizona), Zion Taylor (Houston), Jayden Fry (Boston College), Joshua Alexander-Felton (NC State), and Justin Terrell (NC State) all bring Power 4 experience.
The linebacker room returns experience in Dean Ford, Tokyo Gordon, and Ca’lub Holloway. The additions of Elijah Groves (NC State), Brian Bates (Delaware State), and Stacy Bey (Arizona) provide great depth for this unit. Groves could make the move to defensive end as well.
The secondary returns experience in Jace Arnold, Octavius Henderson, Railyn Adams, Lyric Smith, Dravon Wilson, Jalyn Stanford, and Tyler Bailey. The additions of Jaylon Jones (JUCO), Ishmel Atkins (Elon), Mike King Jr. (D2 Concordia St Paul), Caesar Magee III (Northwestern State), and Joey Hunter (Memphis) are massive.
Both kicking and punting roles should belong to transfers. Kicking duties should belong to Pittsburgh transfer Samuel Carpenter. Punting duties should belong to Wake Forest transfer Cal Joseph.
Phil Longo and company struggled last season. The Bearkats will be better in 2026. They have a QB1 and will playing at home in a newly renovated stadium. Things will shift in the Bearkats favor, but by how much is the question.
