Good observation. Was looking at schedule and no chance we get a FCS double header that early in the season. Bad overlook from ESPN in my opinion. MSU will beat Northern Arizona by 28+

absolutely! Out of a fast bunch, Jones may be the fastest. I think he will have a breakout season if our TE’s aren’t as effective as prior years.

Hero Sports is releasing its top players returning for 2026 by position. According to them, we’re in pretty good shape.

Porter Connors-10th best LB in nation (Jackson Sievers snubbed)

Jordan Fisher- 8th best RB

Stacy Dobbins- 18th best WR

Sam Gbatu- 3rd best WR

DB’s haven’t released but I feel FOUR of our guys should be on that list.

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2026-wide-receivers-bzbz/

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2026-linebackers-bzbz/

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2026-running-backs-bzbz/

with you 100 percent in doubts with TE group. I’d argue next to QB it’s the most important group in a Plough offense. As good as our WR group is, championship teams use multiple TE’s. Also brings big defenders into game to open up shots downfield.

Could easily be a top 5 hardest position in all of sports. Very hard to get one ready but I think the front portion of our schedule will get whoever it is at LT ready to go. A couple things that will help (TE’s staying in to block creating a 6 vs 4 protection, and or RB’s chipping) very easy to cover up weaknesses in one guy vs multiple weaknesses in the line. We should be fine.

I think it’s Cleeland’s job to lose at this point. Besides looking more comfortable, he can absolutely get you out of trouble with his arm. Sunday type arm talent from what I’ve seen so far.

Great input. Saw a bit and 92 looks binge all American. He’s a force. Hayden John looked really good. With Rex, this DB unit can be special. Only negative I’ve seen from Defense is outside run/breaking containment but that could be because we are a spill defense.

Saw a bit

Lots of situational stuff (Redzone, backed up, end of game). Couple take aways:

Offense is running more smoothly but defense right now is still better by tons.

During redzone offense scored 5/5 drives but defense made them earn every yard. Counted a few TFL’s on 1 yard line. Most of the touchdowns came on broken plays 4th down. DE’s dominated that period.

Offense ended practice on a high note with a game winning drive in 2 minute drill. Cleeland to Açaí with 10 seconds left.

Best throw of the day was Cleeland darting a 10 yard out from opposite hash. Ball just leaves his hand with so much steam. Kollock also completed some nice passes including a 65 yard bomb on a double move. QB race looks really close.

Linebackers stood out to me. Sideline to sideline. Very athletic. Madruga stood out.

A few players I haven’t seen all spring due to injuries:
Stacey Dobbins
Chauncey Silverster
Winston Williams

Saw a bit of practice. I truly believe we have a top 5 cornerback tandem in the nation. Cofield and Richardson are legit. @SG you’re spot on, two man race at QB with the nicest throw coming from Cleeland (70 yard play action corner route to Gbatu). Slight changes in scheme, I’d expect less pass plays with moving pockets like last year. Idaho safety transfer looked solid at FS

Game changing news

Did I miss something? Were Connor twins cleared by NCAA?

Looks like UC Montana lol

I agree, wouldn’t be surprised if the next is better than the last with this mature skill group

JJ Cravin has quit playing football to pursue other ventures.

Fish, Boogie, and Acia are a really solid unit. One more capable guy and the RB room may be the deepest on the team honestly.

His first week will most likely be a shock. Might take a second to get used to throwing to our guys with FBS type speed at receiver.

I’m sure he’ll be great for us but I watched his film and man he’s playing with and against some low level guys. School looked like it could’ve been a JV team in the state of Vermont!

Seattle won the Super Bowl and is a top 15 defense all time in my opinion and they were basically a Base Dime Defense. Used Dime personnel more than anyone in history and was very stout against the run. So we’re going to see it a lot more. I think that boils down to recruiting. Getting tough Linebackers who can cover and Nickels who can tackle.

I agree with everything you said until Illinois State L. Equally on offense. Way too many turnovers/zero point outcomes inside the 10 yard line.