2026 Conference USA Media Days: What to Watch

In an era where player movement is the new normal, the ebbs and flows are felt very strongly in this conference. Teams can rise to contention status out of the blue or fall out of the picture entirely. Returning players can stabilize teams, while new players can shift the balance of power in an instant. There is plenty to dive into ahead of the 2026 Conference USA Media Days, so let’s dive in.

2026 Conference USA Media Days

Who are the Contenders?

In a conference that consistently sees major change, nailing down the contenders in C-USA is not always an easy task. However, there are some main teams to highlight ahead of the 2026 season.

Liberty Flames

One of the main teams to watch is the Liberty Flames. Coming off of a surprising 4-8 record in 2025, the Flames did some great work in the transfer portal all across the roster.

At quarterback, they added a fun player in DeShawn Purdie, who arrives from Wake Forest. Possessing a big arm and great overall talent, Purdie is the type of player who could elevate the Flames to a new level in 2026. At running back, Liberty completely rebuilt their room, headlined by a potential breakout candidate in Arizona State transfer Kanye Udoh and Duke transfer Peyton Jones. Wideouts Rashawn Cunningham and Makai Jackson, two transfers, bring some very intriguing talent to the Flames, while the offensive line retained some talent and added a fun player in NC State’s Val Erickson.

Defensively, Izaiah Guy (USF) is a fun piece added to the defensive back room, while Kam Cullins is a very intriguing returning presence at defensive tackle. And all across the unit, Liberty has impressive size and athleticism at every position.

Coaching will be important this season, as well as Liberty having some more luck compared to last year. Yet, considering their track record and talent on the roster, the Flames should be in a great position for success in 2026.

Outside of Liberty, the trio of Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State are my other top contenders.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

WKU, as they have in most recent seasons, had to rely on the transfer portal to replace departing seniors and underclassmen. At running back, they added a dynamic and versatile player from Tulsa in Ajay Allen. Wideout K.D. Hutchinson returns from 2025 and brings plenty of explosiveness, while CC Ezrim is a very intriguing tight end transfer from Toledo. Quarterback Rodney Tisdale, who emerged in 2025, has a chance to elevate the offense to new heights in 2026.

Defensively, safety Jaylen Lewis and defensive end LaTrevion Thompson were named as two key players to watch for the Hilltoppers. They also added plenty of players in the transfer portal, ranging from former Wake Forest safety Jacob Cosby-Mosley to defensive end Venson Sneed.

There are plenty of questions surrounding the defense. However, the offense, led by a dynamic scheme under Tyson Helton, should help to mitigate some of the struggles. WKU, despite losses every single year, has been able to remain a competitor in Conference USA. Unless things go truly sideways, expect that trend to continue.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Jacksonville State did lose one of the best running backs in the country in Cam Cook. However, they return plenty of explosiveness in the passing game, and they have the potential to be very dynamic in 2026.

Caden Creel returns at quarterback, giving the Gamecocks a versatile runner and a player who can hit the necessary throws. Deondre Johnson is one of the best wideouts in the conference. And with another offseason under his belt, he has the potential to post some of the better overall numbers at his position this season. Gabe Glover adds plenty of explosiveness at the position, while Ronnel Johnson is an intriguing add from Stetson.

The Gamecocks have plenty of talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Amaril Atchinson is an intriguing tackle transfer from Mercer, joining Jeremiah Orr and Lucas Mrachkovskiy on the offensive line. Angel Toombs is a big presence on the edge added from Wisconsin, as is Andrew Rumph on the interior (transfer from UCF). Jawaun Campbell is a fun returning presence at defensive tackle, while Mac Sanders could be one of the best linebackers in the conference. Tre’Quan Fegans, a returning cornerback, could be one of the better players in the secondary in Conference USA in 2026.

Like many other teams in the conference, Jacksonville State did have its fair share of losses on both sides of the ball this offseason. But with key contributors returning and a solid coaching staff, the Gamecocks are well positioned to contend once again in 2026.

Kennesaw State Owls

Kennesaw State, the reigning Conference USA champions, did suffer some key losses to both sides of the ball this offseason. However, I still think they have enough on both sides of the ball to be a contender this season.

Offensively, the Owls replaced Amari Odom with former Syracuse quarterback Rickie Collins. While not having too much success with the Orange, Collins has impressive traits as both a runner and a passer. A large factor in his struggles last year was not having the full confidence of the coaching staff, something that should not be an issue at Kennesaw State. Within a fun scheme under Jerry Mack, Collins is a sleeper who could be in store for a good season.

Alongside Collins, the Owls added some very intriguing skill players. Latrelle Murrell is a very fun running back pickup from West Georgia, while Brayden Munroe is a very talented wideout who was named a player to watch by Conference USA. Kennesaw State also added Tulsa wideout Zion Booker, who joins intriguing tight end Reed Jesiolowski and Javon Rogers as players poised to contribute.

In the trenches, Nikola Milovac is an imposing presence at offensive tackle, while Mateo Guevara should be a stabilizing presence at center. On the opposite side of the ball, Marcus Patterson is a great returning piece for the Owls’ defense, while Jackson Cooper and Jaiden Grimes could emerge as a great defensive tackle duo for the unit.

Baron Hopson, at the linebacker position, should be one of the best in the conference. Cornerbacks Tyler Hallum and Kody Jones could form a very dynamic duo in the secondary, while Tay’vion Lawson could emerge as a real contributor as well on the boundary.

Yes, Kennesaw State could take a step back in 2026, especially considering the players they lost. But more than almost any other team in this conference, I trust the coaching from Jerry Mack and his coordinators. They may not repeat in Conference USA, something that is very hard to do, but the Owls will be right in the mix of things once again this season.

Can Delaware and FIU Emerge in 2026?

If two teams are going to emerge outside of the real “contenders” this season, it will be Delaware and FIU.

Delaware Blue Hens

Delaware has the 25th-best returning production rate in the country at 62-percent, and it spans both sides of the ball. The returning trio of quarterback Nick Minicucci, running back Jo Silver, and wideout Sean Wilson is one of the best in the conference. Linebacker Gavin Moul, defensive end Noah Matthews, and safety KT Seay are some of the best players at their positions in the conference.

The rest of the roster is filled with veteran presence and talent as well. Center Steven Demboski will be vital for offensive continuity, while Noah Rosahac and Anthony Caccese bring plenty of size and skill to the tackle positions. Trace Scott and Dominic Brogna will be contributors on the interior of the defensive line, while Collin Gallagher could take a leap at linebacker in year two. George Mullins, a Michigan State transfer, could be a massive addition to the secondary if he capitalizes on his potential.

FIU Panthers

FIU, while not at the rate of Delaware, has a mix of returning players to combine with plenty of overall talent.

JJ Kohl, a transfer from Appalachian State, has the talent to unlock aspects of the FIU offense that were not available last season. Anthony Carrie and Devonte Lyons, alongside Sterling Joseph, have the talent to make up for the NFL-bound Kejon Owens. Kyle McNeal and Jojo Stone, both returning wideouts, are players who could break out in a more explosive FIU offense. Greg Gaines III brings a big-bodied, veteran presence on the outside, while James Resar is a breakout candidate at tight end if he gets the touches. Tyson Carter is also a sleeper to emerge. Possessing top-level speed and consistently improving route running, he is the type of player to never give up a role once stepping onto the field.

Trench play, regardless of the side of the ball, is foundational for the Panthers’ success in 2026. FIU returns the talented Antonio Tripp Jr. and Zaire Flournoy at guard, and Jermey Smith will be a breakout player at tackle. Defensively, Kenton Simmons should be in store for a major year, and Dante Anderson will be a great presence on the opposite side of him. South Alabama transfers RJ Moss and Nathan Jennings, along with Jermaine Carter, are fun players on the interior of the defensive line.

Josiah Taylor, one of my favorite overall players on FIU as a whole, is in a prime position to build upon a very solid 2025 season at linebacker. JaCorey Stewart has impressive athletic traits that should be used nicely in this defense, while Brayshawn Littlejohn is a nice all-around addition from Appalachian State. Shamir Sterlin will hold down a key role in the secondary and should see plenty of success. FAU transfer Lawrence Johnson, Oklahoma State transfer DeAndre Boykins, and Duke transfer Da’Vontae Floyd bring plenty of upside to a unit looking to replace multiple 2025 contributors. And just like Carter on the offensive side, Karaijus Hayes and Eric Johnson are two sleepers who could contribute if given a chance to play.

When push comes to shove, Delaware and FIU will control their own destinies in 2026. Both teams play multiple top teams in the conference, and they will have nice non-conference tests to prepare them early in the season. They will need great coaching, complementary play, and a little bit of luck in close games to reach the lofty heights they have for themselves.

It remains to be seen if everything will click for the Blue Hens and Panthers in 2026. But if both teams find themselves in the heat of the title picture in Conference USA, it would not be surprising in the slightest.

The Future of Conference USA

Like every other conference across the country, the specter of realignment lingers over Conference USA, and that’s something to pay attention to ahead of the 2026 media days event. And, over the next few years, it will be fascinating to see how the membership of the conference evolves.

C-USA has already lost UTEP and Louisiana Tech heading into the 2026 season. And, within the past decade, they have lost the likes of FAU, UAB, Charlotte, UTSA, North Texas, and Rice.

Looking at the conference’s current membership, it is easy to see how things could start to shift. Liberty and Western Kentucky could move up the ranks of the conference hierarchy, especially if some movement occurs in the Sun Belt or American. Currently, they feel like the two teams most likely to explore a move. To varying extents, FIU, Delaware, Kennesaw State, and Jacksonville State could explore moves to improve their overall standing in the college sports hierarchy.

Meanwhile, how the conference will replenish its membership is another big question. Based on Delaware, Sam Houston, and Missouri State finding some success in their first years at the FBS level, more FCS teams could make the jump in the coming years. This could include teams like Tarleton State, West Florida, or Monmouth, depending on their desire to dip into the FBS side of things for football.

It’ll be fascinating to see what Conference USA will be able to do to convince teams to not explore their options over the next few years. Without even including the four autonomy conferences, it feels that Conference USA is at the bottom of the food chain at the FBS level. This is especially the case when a team like Louisiana Tech, which now resides in the Sun Belt, does everything in its power to leave.

Nothing else is imminent on the realignment front, of course. But just like the last few waves, the coming wave could have a massive impact on what Conference USA looks like going forward.

Top Players to Watch

Courtesy of myself (Brandyn Pokrass) and the League Winners’ Kevin Barral, here are the top players to watch in Conference USA this season.

Brandyn’s Players to Watch

DeShawn Purdie, QB, Liberty

Breaking onto the scene at Charlotte, Purdie arrives at Liberty after a short stint at Wake Forest. Possessing a great arm, Purdie can hit any throw on the field with touch and accuracy. Additionally, he possesses underrated mobility, something that will be very helpful in Liberty’s offensive scheme. Getting the keys to the car of an offense once again, expect Purdie to be a top quarterback in Conference USA and the entire Group of Six. He will be a massive reason why Liberty will find success this season.

Deondre Johnson, WR, Jacksonville State

Leading the team with 724 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, expect Deondre Johnson to great once again this season. Standing at 6-foot-8 , Johnson is a force in contested catch and red zone situations. However, Johnson is also a great route runner with solid speed, creating separation on a very consistent basis. The massive wideout is a freak athlete who had yet another offseason to hone his technique and skills. In 2026, he will be one of the best wideouts in all of the G6 and will help Jacksonville State win plenty of ballgames.

Shamir Sterlin, DB, FIU

One of the sole returners from last year’s successful secondary, Shamir Sterlin will be a vital piece of FIU’s defense in 2026. At the safety position, Sterlin provided 65 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, two interceptions, and six passes defended. Sterlin has great range, speed, and instincts. He is a great player against the run, making big-time plays in the gaps and in space. In coverage, Sterlin knows how to jump routes and can be sticky down the field. With more knowledge and experience within the scheme, expect Sterlin to take another leap this season.

JJ Kohl, QB, FIU

It remains to be seen what he will look like in real game action, but for now, I am very high on FIU quarterback JJ Kohl. A transfer from Appalachian State, Kohl has the arm to unlock every aspect of the passing game for an offense. In the spring, he threw lasers consistently across the middle and hit some very impressive deep balls to his wideouts. He was on time and accurate, getting through his reads consistently and playing within the offense. As an athlete, Kohl can escape the pocket, and when necessary, he will pick up yards as a runner. There will be some bumps in the road, as all quarterbacks on new teams have. But if everything clicks for Kohl in Willie Simmons’s offense, it could be a big year for the quarterback and the FIU offense.

Jo Silver, RB, Delaware

One of the best returning running backs in the conference, Silver has the overall ability to help carry the Delaware offense. The winner of the 68 Ventures Bowl Overall MVP, Silver had 652 yards and five touchdowns, along with 29 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Silver runs with nice power and burst on a very consistent basis, and he can handle every aspect of the Blue Hens’ offensive scheme. Alongside the dynamic Viron Ellison Jr., Silver will help form one of the better backfields in the G6. 

Sleeper: Tyson Carter, WR, FIU

Tyson Carter is the type of player who could break out if given the opportunity. Possessing elite speed, Carter’s chops as a route runner and an overall receiver have taken a big step this season. He looks comfortable in contested situations and over the middle of the field. Carter brings something very unique to this offense, and FIU will benefit whenever he is on the field. Keep an eye on him in 2026.

Kevin’s Players to Watch

K.D. Hutchinson WR, WKU

Hutchinson made his presence known in the Western Kentucky offense, hauling in 66 receptions for 618 yards and three touchdowns. Although these were career numbers for the 5-foot-8 receiver, Matthew Henry led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. With Henry’s departure, Hutchinson can step into that true WR1 role. His only competition is Sam Houston State transfer Qua’Vez Humphreys. Yet, expect Hutchinson, who led the team in receptions, to be the team’s top wideout. This will allow him to truly breakout in what has been a pass heavy offense for the past couple of years, regardless of the offensive coordinator in place.

TK King WR, New Mexico State

The TK King experience in Las Cruces started late, not making his season debut until the second Conference USA game on October 2. In eight games, he caught 41 passes for 588 yards and three touchdowns. A full year of King can allow him to be one of the top receivers in Conference USA. The only thing that may hold him back is the overall state of the Aggies offense with a lot of unknowns at quarterback and the amount of change that happened there. Regardless, King should still be the top offensive player for NMSU.

Wesley Miller DB, FIU

Miller, an incoming transfer from South Alabama, put up back-to-back season of 59 total tackles. The experience is there and he will be competing for the starting safety job along with Demetrius Hill. Both have had strong camps thus far, so it’ll come down to who knows the defense best. Miller likely has the edge in terms of overall experience and if he does earn the starting job, Miller could break out in this defense going into 2026.

Deuce Spurlock LB, Liberty

Liberty quietly has done a great job recurring linebackers and edge rushers over the years. Some examples include Derrell Farrar, Joseph Carter and CJ Bazile Jr. in 2024. Spurlock played in nine games last season, posting 15 total tackles (six solo/nine assisted), but with Joseph gone. Spurlock should will likely start alongside Farrar in 2026, making for a potential breakout season.

Rodney Tisdale Jr. QB, WKU

Tisdale likely played a little bit more than was expected because Maverick McIvor was hurt for a good chunk of the season. In nine games, Tisdale completed 139 passes for 1,432 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named 2025  Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Despite the departure of top receiver Matthew Henry, Tisdale still has K.D. Hutchinson and Sam Houston State transfer Qua’Vez Humphreys. At running back, the Hilltoppers added Tulsa transfer Ajay Allen, who brings plenty of experience in the backfield and is good down the field to help in the passing attack that head coach Tyson Helton aims to establish early in the season.