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Written By
Written By
The quarterback position will belong to James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III. The 2025 Sun Belt Player of the Year can do it all and seems to be a good fit for Head Coach Scott Frost’s system. Barnett threw for 2,806 yards, added 589 rushing yards, and accounted for 38 total touchdowns last season.
The running back room returns some experience in Taevion Swint and Agyeman Addae. Swint was injured last season and has a huge upside. The additions of Duke Watson (Louisville) and Landen Chambers (Central Arkansas) have proven production. Watson averaged 8.9 yards per carry in 2024, while Chambers rushed for nearly 1,300 yards last season.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Duane Thomas Jr., Waden Charles, and tight end Dylan Wade. The additions of Jonathan Bibbs (ULM), Josh Derry (Monmouth, FCS All-American), and tight end Grayson Brousseau (Oklahoma State) will all see action. Derry has the ability to be WR1 from Day One.
The offensive line room returns experience in Preston Cushman, Connor Meadows, and Owen Spell. The additions of Henry Tabansi (Buffalo), Cooper Terpstra (Michigan State), Brady Wayburn (UConn), and Tyler Gibson (Charlotte) all have the potential to start. Wayburn is a mauler and the best of the transfers.
The defensive line returns experience in Sincere Edwards, Horace Lockett, RJ Jackson Jr., Isaiah Nixon, and Jefferson Lafontant. The additions of Artavius Jones (Miami), Dean Miller (Kansas), Josh Schell (Tennessee), Thomas Collins (Oregon State), Ken Talley (Arkansas), Bruno Doll (Akron), Brad Gurley Jr. (Eastern Kentucky), and L A Jessie Harrold (Florida State) will all see action.
The linebacker room returns production in Lewis Carter (All-Big 12) and Jayden Jennings. Carter is an absolute force for this defense. The additions of Jahleel Culbreath (Old Dominion), Rashad Henry (UMass), and Tackett Curtis (Wisconsin) pack a punch. Culbreath and Tackett will battle for a starting role.
The secondary returns a ton in Braeden Marshall, Antione Jackson, Jayden Bellamy (All-Big 12), DJ Bell, Jayden Williams, and Demari Henderson. The additions of Kahmel Johnson (D2 Wayne State NE), Jailen Duffie (North Dakota State), Matt Irwin (Idaho), TJ Branch (Colorado), Ty Bartrum Harvard, FCS All-American), and Caleb Flagg (Missouri) help make this into arguably the best secondary in the Big 12.
Both punting and kicking roles will belong to transfers. Punting duties will belong to Wisconsin transfer Atticus Bertrans. While kicking duties will belong to Texas transfer Will Stone, who has done well on kickoffs, but hasn’t kicked a field goal yet.
Scott Frost has brought in a quarterback in Alonza Barnett III who truly fits his system and what he wants to do. His steadying presence will be huge. The defense, especially the secondary will be stout and really push this team to bowl eligibility in 2026.
