Louisiana Tech

The Bulldogs enter 2026 confronting a significant offensive personnel drain that stripped away their most productive skill players from a 7-5 campaign. Running back Clay Thevenin departed for Rutgers after contributing 21.5 PPA, while receiver Marlion Jackson transferred to Virginia Tech (17.9 PPA) and backup runner Omiri Wiggins moved to McNeese (10.5 PPA). Louisiana Tech's JP+ rating of -3.9 points (#89 nationally) reflects an offense grading 111th nationally at -4.0 points, though the defense provides a foundation at +0.3 points (61st). Blake Baker returns as the starting quarterback, offering continuity at the position, while defensive lineman Justice Williams arrives from West Florida as the portal class's top addition at 1.8 PPA.

JP+ projects just 0.9 wins for the Bulldogs in 2026, a number that underscores the challenge facing a program that lost 46.2 PPA through 24 departures while adding only 1.8 PPA from 11 arrivals. The defense's middle-of-the-pack rating suggests it can keep Louisiana Tech competitive in Conference USA play, but the offensive struggles that dropped the unit outside the top 100 nationally must be addressed for any meaningful improvement. If Baker can elevate his play and the remaining skill players step into expanded roles, the Bulldogs could surprise in conference games. If not, another rebuilding year looms in Ruston.