Kennesaw State

The Owls enter 2026 with a glaring hole under center after losing starting quarterback Amari Odom (99.7 PPA) to Syracuse via the transfer portal. Kennesaw State's -5.9 JP+ rating ranks 102nd nationally, with the offense grading out at -2.1 (#87) and the defense struggling at -3.5 (#109). The portal exodus was severe — 19 departures cost 189.7 PPA while 29 arrivals added just 30.5 PPA back. Wide receiver Christian Moss (45.6 PPA) also bolted for Washington, though safety Cameron Miller (11.2 PPA) from Memphis provides the most impactful addition. Quarterback Rickie Collins arrived from Syracuse with 9.8 PPA, but the signal-caller competition remains wide open heading into fall camp.

JP+ projects just 0.9 wins for Kennesaw State in what appears to be a rebuilding campaign after last season's 10-3 success. The schedule offers little relief with Tennessee looming as the most challenging test, while West Georgia represents the most winnable contest on the slate. The defense's poor 109th-ranked rating suggests Conference USA opponents will find plenty of scoring opportunities, putting enormous pressure on whoever emerges from the quarterback battle to keep pace. If the new signal-caller can quickly establish chemistry with receiver Zion Booker (7.5 PPA from Tulsa) and the offense finds its identity early, the Owls might surprise in a few games. If not, this transition year could prove long and difficult.