Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position will see a competition between 5-star true freshman Faizon Brandon, redshirt freshman George McIbtyre, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub. Staub has the most experience with two starts. McIntyre has spent a year in Josh Heupel’s system, and Brandon has the highest ceiling.
The running back room returns experience in DeSean Bishop and Daune Morris. Morris is a change of pace while Bishop is an all-around back, one of the best in the SEC. The addition of Javin Gordon (Tulane) provides another threat out of the backfield. This is a very solid trio.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Braylon Staley, Mike Matthews, Radarious Jackson, and tight end Ethan Davis. The additions of Ian Duarte (Idaho State), multiple tight ends, and true freshmen Tristen Keys and Tyreek King bring more playmakers to the unit.
The offensive line room returns five starters in Sam Pendleton, Jesse Perry, Wendell Moe, Shamurad Umarov, and David Sanders. Jeremias Heard also has plenty of experience. The additions of Donovan Haslam (West Virginia) and Ory Williams (LSU) increase this unit’s potential.
The defensive line room returns experience in Tyree Weathersby, Mariyon Dye, Nathan Robinson, and Daevin Hobbs. The additions of Xavier Gilliam (Penn State), Jordan Norman (Tulane), Chaz Coleman (Penn State), and true freshman Carter Gooden can all create havoc for this defense.
The linebacker room returns experience in Arion Carter, Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman, and Jadan Perlotte. The additions of Amare Campbell (Penn State) and true freshman Brayden Rouse help make this a complete unit. Campbell is an absolute force and constantly makes plays.
The secondary returns experience in Ty Redmond (All-SEC), Tre Poteat, and Edrees Farooq (who just went down with a season ending leg injury). The additions of Jadais Richard (Miami), Tevis Metcalf (Michigan), Isaiah Hardge (Colorado), TJ Metcalf (Michigan), Dejuan Lane (Penn State), Qua Moss (Kansas State), Kayin Lee (Auburn), and PJ Burks (App State) all have experience.
Punter Jackson Ross returns for his fourth season, so he has a ton of experience. Louisville transfer Cooper Ranvier (All-ACC) will man the kicking role. Joakim Dodson is a dangerous return man, which many saw firsthand at the 2025 Music City Bowl against Illinois.
Josh Heupel had to fix the defense and hired Jim Knowles to do so. There is an influx of talent on that side of the ball. The big question is at quarterback and in the always tough SEC, that is never good. The schedule is challenging as well, but this team can compete with the big boys if the quarterback position gets figured out.
