Kennesaw State

The departure of quarterback Amari Odom to Syracuse creates the defining challenge for Kennesaw State's 2026 campaign. The Owls enter Conference USA play with a -5.4 JP+ rating that ranks 99th nationally, driven by defensive struggles (106th at -3.0) and special teams weaknesses (117th at -0.3) that overshadow a respectable offensive unit (84th at -1.8). Portal activity reshaped the roster significantly, with 19 departures costing 189.7 PPA while 29 arrivals added just 30.5 PPA back — headlined by safety Cameron Miller from Memphis and quarterback Rickie Collins from Syracuse, who brings 9.8 PPA to help address the signal-caller void left by Odom's 99.7 PPA production.

JP+ projects 6.7 wins for the Owls, a steep drop from last season's 10-3 record that reflects substantial continuity concerns across both sides of the ball. The offensive uncertainty extends beyond the quarterback position, with receiver Christian Moss also departing for Washington after contributing 45.6 PPA, while the defense lost key coverage personnel that compounds an already shaky secondary. Road tests at Tennessee, Arkansas State, and Western Kentucky loom as the season's toughest challenges, though home games against Georgia State and West Georgia offer opportunities to build momentum. If the new signal-caller and transfer additions gel quickly, the Owls could challenge for bowl eligibility again. If not, Conference USA play becomes a grind with limited margin for error.