Western Kentucky

The Hilltoppers enter 2026 needing to replace significant offensive production after losing running back La'Vell Wright (32.2 PPA) to Pittsburgh and tight end Noah Meyers (22.8 PPA) to Syracuse through the transfer portal. Western Kentucky's JP+ rating sits at -1.8 points nationally (#76), driven down by an offense that ranks 105th at -3.0 points while the defense provides stability at +1.0 (#55). The portal brought 22 departures versus 18 arrivals, with quarterback Brock Glenn (7.8 PPA) transferring in from Florida State as the headliner and CC Ezirim adding depth at tight end after coming from Toledo.

JP+ projects just 0.7 wins for the Hilltoppers in a brutal slate that includes road trips to Indiana, Georgia, and Nevada as their primary tests in Conference USA play. The offensive struggles become magnified when factoring in Maverick McIvor's departure, leaving the new signal-caller to work with a retooled skill position group that lost its most productive pieces. Special teams rank 29th nationally (+0.3) and could provide crucial field position advantages. If Glenn can stabilize the quarterback position and the defense maintains its solid foundation, Western Kentucky could exceed modest expectations. If the offensive transition stumbles, another rebuilding year looms in Bowling Green.