Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State enters 2026 dealing with significant offensive line turnover and the departure of running back Cam Cook, who transferred to West Virginia after contributing 74.0 PPA to the Gamecocks' 8-5 campaign. The offensive line reset creates moderate continuity risk for a unit that must protect returning quarterback Caden Creel while establishing a new ground game identity. Jacksonville State's JP+ rating sits at -3.8 points nationally (89th), with the offense grading out at -1.7 (83rd) and a defense that ranks 97th at -2.5 points. The transfer portal brought 20 new faces including Missouri State receiver Ronnel Johnson (18.0 PPA), but the 13 departures created a significant production gap the Gamecocks must fill in Conference USA play.

JP+ projects 7.1 wins for Jacksonville State, suggesting another bowl-eligible season despite the structural changes up front. The defense showed stable continuity with minimal departures, providing a foundation while the offense works through its line replacements and backfield reconstruction. Road trips to North Dakota State, Delaware, and Kennesaw State represent the season's toughest tests, while home games against Middle Tennessee, Sam Houston, and Eastern Kentucky offer opportunities to build momentum. If the offensive line jells quickly and Creel maintains his efficiency behind new protection, the Gamecocks can match last year's success. If not, the trench struggles could limit their ceiling in a competitive Conference USA landscape.