...
By Matthew Davis
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Conference USA has a league loaded with high-powered offense, and a College Football Playoff hopeful in tow.
That’s Western Kentucky, which has a loaded roster and experience under head coach Tyson Helton. Liberty and Jacksonville State also have high expectations in the conference this year.
Here’s a look at Conference USA’s three main contenders.
Read More on NCAA
Western Kentucky
Hilltoppers quarterback Rodney Tisdale looks to take his team places after a 9-4 season last year. He has very good wide receivers to work with in K.D. Hutchinson, Jyzaiah Rockwell, Zion Taylor and Qua’Vez Humphreys.
The Hilltoppers also have a dynamic running back in Ajay Allen, and the WKU offensive line looks as good as ever. WKU’s defense, meanwhile, is tough in the trenches with Kiawan Murphy, Jakeem Fletcher, Javin Griffin and Sekou Peters on the defensive line.
...
Liberty
After a losing season in 2025, Liberty expects to get back on track and contend for the Conference USA crown. The Flames have serious talent in the backfield with running backs Kanye Udoh, Kam Davis, Peyton Jones and Terron Kellman. That will help a Flames offense where the quarterback job is up for grabs.
Defensively, the Flames have talent in the front seven with defensive tackle Mike Jarvis and linebacker Derrell Farrar.
Jacksonville State
The Gamecocks have won nine games every year since joining the FBS, and they’re seeking a second Conference USA title in four years.
Gamecocks quarterback Caleb Creel is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback, but he will need help in the running game with Cam Cook gone. That said, Creel has a talented wideout in Deondre Johnson, and the junior has unique size at 6-foot-8.
The Gamecocks have a tough defense with linebackers Mac Sanders and Walker O’Steen. In addition, safety Caleb Nix is a ballhawk, fresh off a season with four interceptions.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines