Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position belongs to Baylor Hayes. He looks young, but in nine starts was pretty effective last season. His dual threat ability is perfect for Head Coach Tre Lamb’s offense. Hayes threw for 2,158 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Coaches rave about his “It Factor” and it showed in the Hurricane’s victory at Oklahoma State.
The running back room loses last season’s top three rushers but did very well in the transfer portal. The additions of Damari Alston (Auburn), Trequan Jones (Old Dominion), DJ McKinney (New Mexico), Sevion Morrison (Kansas), and Seth Davis (Mississippi State) add a ton to this room. Jones was one of the top ranked backs in the transfer portal and averaged 7.5 yards per carry last season.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Josh Smith, Donnell Gee Jr., and Grayson Tempest. The additions of Jimmy Calloway (Tulane), David Wells Jr. (Oregon State), Javon Ross (Bethune-Cookman), and Oran Singelton Jr. (West Virginia) provides play making ability to this unit.
The offensive line room returns experience in Cam East, Will Morris, Ian Mayes, Hunter Erb, Colton Christian, and Brody Duffel. The additions of Malachi Preciado (South Alabama), Alan Pond (JUCO), and Chandler Sullivan (JUCO) should contribute to this unit. Something that has been missing recently.
The defensive line room returns some experience in Tai Newhouse, Tyler Rich, and Hudson Ball. The additions of Jayden Madkins (Louisiana Tech), Jaylen George (Nebraska), Arias Nash (Virginia Tech), Kyran Duhon (Oklahoma State), Dailen Howard (East Tennessee State), and Thomas Davis (Appalachian State) are substantial for this unit. This is quite the talented group if they can gel. Davis can be a force off the edge.
The linebacker room returns production in Chris Thompson Jr., CJ Turner, Dax Collins, and Elijah Wilson. Thompson is returning from an injury but will be the leader of this defense. The addition of Devin Hightower (UAB) adds another proven starter to this unit.
The secondary returns production in Devin Robinson, Zane Woodham, JD Drew, Nunu Campbell, Elijah Green (All-AAC), Dedaunte Scott, Zach Williams, and Ashton Williams. The additions of Caldra Williford (Baylor), Rohon Kazadi (TCU), Korbyn Green (Western Kentucky), Tyson Williams (Abilene Christian), and Andrew Hand (East Tennessee State) could make this arguably the best secondary in the American Conference.
The punting role will belong to Bethune-Cookman transfer Max Tulen. While kicking duties are completely up for grabs. It seems Mississippi State transfer Marlon Hauck or true freshman Owen Cary will be the guy.
Tre Lamb seems to be the right man for the job. The "Portal House" was a huge success nationally, but results need to be seen on the field. The schedule presents tough road tests, but this team should be more equipped to handle them. Tulsa is a team to watch potentially climb the ladder in 2026.
