Louisiana

Louisiana enters 2026 trying to replace significant offensive production lost to the transfer portal, with wide receiver Charles Robertson (10.9 PPA) and running back Zylan Perry (10.1 PPA) among seven departures that stripped away 29.6 points of production above average. The Ragin' Cajuns managed just a 6-6 record last season, and their offseason roster movement reflects the challenge ahead — five portal arrivals added zero measurable production to offset the losses. D'Wayne Winfield returns as the starting quarterback after backup Walker Howard transferred to Ole Miss, but he'll be working with a significantly diminished supporting cast on an offense that ranks 120th nationally at -5.2 points per game.

JP+ projects just 1.4 wins for Louisiana in what appears to be a rebuilding year, with the defense grading out slightly better at 112th nationally (-3.8) but still well below average. The Sun Belt has become increasingly competitive, and Louisiana's -9.1 overall rating places them 119th nationally — a steep drop that reflects both the personnel losses and limited portal additions that failed to replenish the roster. If Winfield can elevate his play and some unproven pieces emerge quickly, the Ragin' Cajuns might squeeze out a few more wins than projected. If not, this could be a long season in Lafayette as the program works to rebuild its foundation through the portal and recruiting.