South Alabama Jaguars 2026 Season Preview

Senior Bishop Davenport is back after starting all 12 games, throwing for 2,072 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions while finishing second in the league in completion percentage at 68 percent. He is a capable athlete who can create with his legs, though he is not the same downfield thrower as big-armed sophomore Jared Hollins, who pushed him hard through the spring. The preseason read is that Davenport can climb back toward the form he flashed two years ago if the pieces around him settle.

Leading receiver Devin Voisin exhausted his eligibility after seven seasons and Jeremy Scott left for TCU, thinning the room considerably. Anthony Eager and Brendan Jenkins are the proven holdovers, with Jenkins tabbed for a breakout after appearing in only a handful of games last year, though Eager missed spring work with a broken wrist. Micah Woods, used mostly as a jet-sweep gadget piece and return man, has the tools to grow into an every-down role. Veteran tight end Rod Gibbs returns, and the staff likes newcomer Everett Hunter, who caught 24 passes and scored three times at Nicholls State and should thrive in an offense that leans on multiple tight-end looks.

The backfield is in steady hands even after All-Sun Belt first-teamer Kentrel Bullock departed. Keenan Phillips is the leading returning rusher at 607 yards and pairs with PJ Martin, who added 326 yards and two scores, to form a reliable one-two punch. Sophomore Trae'Von Dunbar looked like a potential difference-maker in the spring and adds another gear to the rotation.

The line took heavy portal losses, and its reliability will decide how far the offense climbs. Guard Kenton Jerido, who worked at center in the spring, and tackle Ethan Hubbard anchor the returning group, and transfers Shalik Hubbard, Khayree Lee and Devon Waller will battle holdovers Reese Osei-Wusu and Jamal Siler to complete the front five. Applewhite doubles as his own offensive coordinator and must resist his conservative instincts if the Jaguars are to improve on last year's 26.5-point average.

First-year coordinator Todd Orlando inherits a near-total rebuild up front after roughly a half-dozen linemen left through the portal. Emmanuel Waller, a rotational piece who made six starts, is the best of the returners, and Stephen Johnson is back inside at nose. Five transfers arrived to fill the gaps, including Mase Lewis from McNeese and Dylan Chiedo from Furman, while sophomore E'Mauri Smiley showed promise late as a true freshman. Prized recruit Antwon Thomas is one to watch off the edge. There are far more questions than answers here.

Tirrell Johnson headlines the group after posting 54 tackles with a sack and an interception, giving the second level a real anchor, though a November knee injury clouds his availability for the opener. Caleb Dozier offers upside if healthy as he works back from his own injury, and Seidrion Langston and Parker Shattuck add depth to a corps that has to replace meaningful production.

The secondary lost All-Sun Belt corner Nehemiah Chandler to Florida State. Jayvon Henderson, who logged 14 tackles and five pass breakups as a first-year starter, is the key returner and may slide inside to the nickel, a premium spot in Orlando's scheme. There is considerable production to replace at safety, where Cole Blaylock, a veteran special teamer with leadership potential, and Dallas Young both played in all 12 games and are pushing for starting roles, with Damyrion Darby and Saivion Kenon in the corner mix.

Place-kicking was a season-long problem, so the Jaguars added transfers Dylan Freebury and Peyton Argent to challenge holdover Davis Little, who hit 13 of 15 extra points; Freebury appeared to hold the edge by spring's end. Aleksi Pulkkinen returns for a third year as the punter after averaging 40.4 yards on 49 attempts and dropping nine kicks inside the 20. Phillips is the likely kick returner and Woods handles punts.