CHARLOTTE – There was a buzz in the air at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 2025 American Conference Media Days, but not necessarily around the Charlotte 49ers. While other programs rolled in with hype, swagger, and championship chatter, Charlotte came in a little different. Under new head coach Tim Albin, the 49ers weren’t selling bold predictions. They were laying the foundation for something bigger, a full-on rebuild.

Coming off a 5-7 season, the national expectations are about as low as you’ll find. Phil Steele has Charlotte at No. 114, Lindy’s at 122, and Athlon at 124. The projected win total? Around 4.5. No one’s penciling them in for a bowl game. And with nearly 40 new transfers and just one returning offensive starter, redshirt senior Jonny King, it’s no wonder. This roster is almost entirely brand new.

But if Albin felt any pressure, he didn’t show it. The former Ohio head coach, who just won a MAC title in 2024, walked to the podium with calm confidence. His mantra, “Success is Through the Heart,” comes straight from his mentor, Frank Solich, and it’s more than just a catchphrase. Albin’s focus is building the culture first. Wins will come later.

“Good afternoon. Appreciate you being here,” he began, taking time to thank American Commissioner Tim Panetti and shout out Chancellor Sharon Gaber and AD Mike Hill. He even gave credit to his wife, Brooke, calling Charlotte a “two-person job.” That family-oriented tone is clearly part of how Albin plans to run the program.

Throughout the day, Albin’s message stayed consistent: this is a “total building job,” but it’s not starting from square one. He admitted the team has to clean up its mistakes, turnover margin and penalties were both big issues last season, and said that improving those areas is non-negotiable if Charlotte wants to take the next step.

As for all the new faces? Albin isn’t treating this like Year 1. “It’s not 56 freshmen,” he said. “We got a good nucleus coming back… Let’s have a year three mentality.” Translation: This isn’t a long-term rebuild. The expectation is to compete now.

Albin brought two veterans with him to Charlotte: safety Ja’Qurious Conley and offensive lineman Jonny King. Both are redshirt seniors and, in King’s case, a symbol of loyalty. King stuck around despite transfer offers from other programs. That decision wasn’t lost on Albin. “His passion for UNC Charlotte” stood out in the coach’s remarks, and it’s clear King is viewed as a leader in this reset.

Offensively, Charlotte will look different. Albin described the plan as a “controlled burn” under OC Todd Fitch, with a focus on establishing the run game to open up the pass. He wants “fast, physical, efficient” football. King will anchor the offensive line, and the quarterback competition, between Connor Harrell, Grayson Loftis, and Zach Wilcke, is still ongoing. But Albin praised the QB room’s football IQ and ball security.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a 2025 press conference without talking transfer portal. Charlotte hit it hard, bringing in the third-best portal class in the American and 78th nationally. It’s a bold “win now” approach, but also a challenge to Albin’s relationship-first style. How do you build trust when half the roster is new every year?

Albin didn’t dodge it. Instead, he said he wants to be directly involved in roster management, “picking the groceries,” as he put it. He believes if players know their coaches have their back, they might stick around, even if NIL dollars start calling elsewhere. It’s a risky philosophy in this era, but Albin’s betting on culture.

When asked about the goal for 2025, Albin didn’t mention bowls or win totals. He just wants that final game to mean something. “Let’s have that last game of the season… Let’s be it… Let’s have that game, it’s for something.” That “something” could be a bowl, a shot at respect, or just a marker that the program is headed in the right direction.

There’s no sugarcoating it: Charlotte has a tough road ahead. The schedule includes Georgia, North Carolina, and Army. Most of the roster is new. The media predictions are bleak. But Albin’s approach is clear, build the right foundation, invest in people, and the results will follow.

This wasn’t a media day full of soundbites or swagger. It was about purpose. The 49ers are under construction, but now, the blueprint is finally on the table.

CHARLOTTE – It was hot and buzzing in Charlotte as the 2025 American Conference Media Days kicked off, but few teams drew more interest than East Carolina. The buzz wasn’t just about the Pirates’ dramatic finish last season or their bowl win over NC State. It was about Blake Harrell, who’s officially in charge now after having the interim tag removed. And based on what he brought to the podium, there’s no doubt this program is entering a new era.

Harrell earned this shot. After stepping in midseason, he led ECU to a 4-1 finish and capped it off with a Military Bowl win against a ranked in-state rival. That momentum, and the players’ emotional reaction when his hire became permanent, signaled a culture shift in Greenville. As one note put it, Harrell “lit a new fire in the program.” And now, he’s ready to build something that lasts.

"I'm fired up to be the 23rd head football coach at East Carolina," Harrell said with a smile. "There’s no better place. It’s a special place, Dowdy-Ficklen, Greenville, Pirate Nation. Thank you for making it a place where football matters." He was appreciative, but quickly got back to business. "You can't take one single play from last season into this one," he said. "But you can take the confidence."

That theme, confidence without complacency, ran through everything Harrell said. He brought two key leaders with him: senior linebacker Ryheem Craig and quarterback Katin Houser. Craig brings relentless energy every day, according to Harrell, not just on the field but everywhere he goes. As for Houser, who went 5-2 as a starter last year, the coach had high praise. “His commitment to being a Pirate says a lot, especially in today’s college football world,” Harrell said. “But what I’m most proud of is the way he’s stepped up as a leader this offseason. He’s leading from the front.”

The 2025 roster is a big mix of old and new. ECU brought in 53 newcomers, including 23 true freshmen, and lost 22 seniors. It’s a young team, with about 40% of the roster made up of first- or second-year players. But Harrell likes what he’s seen. “What I’m most pleased with is how the locker room welcomed those guys. It’s all been about the team.” The goal? Blend that youth with the leadership of 28 seniors to create real depth and competition.

Defense, Harrell’s specialty, will look different. Just two starters are back. But he isn’t panicking. “It starts with how we do everything,” he said. “How we walk into the building, how we practice, how we meet. You’ve got to build the foundation before you talk about red zone defense or tempo offenses.” He emphasized effort and energy, two words that defined ECU’s late-season surge.

Among the new names to watch is linebacker Dameon Wilson, a Gastonia native who transferred in from Missouri and started in the bowl game. “He may not be a returning starter officially, but in my mind, he is,” Harrell said. Wilson will wear the coach-to-player headset and call the defense. On offense, Oklahoma transfer Quaize Pettaway has turned heads at slot receiver. And there are familiar faces returning, too, like Teagan Wilk and Xavier McIver, both of whom “know what it means to be a Pirate.”

Naturally, the season opener was a big topic, especially since it’s a rematch with NC State, the team ECU beat in last year’s bowl. That game ended with some postgame drama, and Harrell addressed it head-on. “It was an emotional game, a lot of energy. But we talk to our players all the time, positive or negative, you’ve got to learn the lesson and move on,” he said. “There’s no place for how that ended. Sportsmanship has to be at the forefront.” Still, he knows opening against a rival just 75 minutes away is a big deal. “It’ll be a great atmosphere in Raleigh,” he added. “But we’ve got to stay focused on us.”

Another wrinkle to the 2025 schedule: ECU has four Thursday night games. Harrell’s all for it. “That’s awesome publicity, not just for ECU, but for Pirate Nation and for the American Conference,” he said. With more national eyes on the program, he wants the team’s brand of tough, competitive football to be front and center.

As the media session wrapped up, Harrell’s message was clear: last season’s finish was just the beginning. The new-look Pirates are young, hungry, and determined to make their mark. Whether it’s Houser running the offense, Craig and Wilson flying around on defense, or a new face stepping up, ECU’s got the pieces to compete.

“We’ve got to grow and get better every day,” Harrell said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

For Pirate Nation, it sounds like the fire Harrell lit isn’t going out anytime soon.

CHARLOTTE – It wasn’t just another stop on the media day circuit. When Bill Belichick took the stage at the ACC Kickoff Thursday in Charlotte, he brought with him the gravitas of eight Super Bowl rings, decades of NFL dominance, and a plan to remake North Carolina football.

“Appreciate everybody coming out today,” Belichick opened simply. But what followed was an unfiltered look into how one of the greatest minds in football history plans to approach the college game, and why he chose Chapel Hill as the next chapter. “This is a great school with a great brand,” Belichick said, citing the support of Chancellor Roberts, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, and football administrator Steven Newmark. “The support’s been overwhelmingly tremendous. Not only supportive, but engaged and very excited.”

North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Now, the challenge shifts to the field. With 70 new players on the roster and a new staff headlined by defensive coordinator Stephen Belichick and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, North Carolina is in full reset mode. “That’s a lot of people and a lot of turnover,” Belichick admitted. “We’re very much looking forward to getting out on the field next week and seeing it all come together.”

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

Belichick didn’t shy away from the obvious: this is a massive transition for a team coming off a 6–7 season. “We’ve hit a lot of personal high marks,” he said. “Whether it be strength, speed, explosion... these guys have really worked hard and they have a lot to show for it.”

While the TCU opener looms large, a primetime national stage against a top-25 team, Belichick’s message was pure process over panic. “Everybody has got a lot of focus, obviously, on the TCU opener... but really right now the big thing for us is just stacking good training days one on top of another,” he said. “Just put good days together... get closer to becoming the most consistent and best football team we can be.”

The Belichick Blueprint

Belichick is used to crafting dynasties in the pros, but his interest in college football has deep roots. “Developing players, that’s really what coaching is,” he said. “That’s what we do. We take great pride in that, myself and our staff.”

And development doesn’t just mean on the field. Citing past experiences from Cleveland and New England, Belichick emphasized that success often comes from overlooked places. “Whether it was at Cleveland, where Mike [Lombardi] and I put together an offensive line where four of the five starters were free agents, or at New England... players like Brady and Edelman... as well as some of the higher picks that developed like Gronkowski.”

It’s not just about finding talent. It’s about building it. “Players that want to come in, work hard, be good players, learn, compete, competition is what makes us all better.”

Defensive Identity, Built Through Relationships

For senior cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, a transfer from Washington, joining North Carolina wasn’t just about a new home, it was about working under one of the greatest defensive minds ever. “It's special,” Dixon said. “To just try to be a part of that pedigree, it’s honestly special. It’s something I look forward to every day, just getting better... and hopefully my name can be with those guys’ names.”

North Carolina DB Thaddeus Dixon Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

That name includes a few Belichick legends: Ty Law, Darrelle Revis. Dixon knows the bar. He also credited the staff, particularly Stephen Belichick, for transforming the way he thinks about the game. “I’ve built a very close relationship with Coach Steve... I feel like it’s really propelled my game to the next level as far as understanding the game and other offensive coordinators.”

But Dixon’s leadership role is just as vital as his on-field contributions. “You can expect a tough, smart, dependable team,” he said. “A team with a chip on their shoulder. Everybody got something to prove.”

Veteran Presence, New Leadership

Senior safety Will Hardy, a returning starter, echoed the excitement about the new direction, and the responsibility he feels to lead it. “We’ve got a lot of new players on this team... and they have a lot of talent,” Hardy said. “It’s one of my roles to get everyone established... really create a team chemistry that can go win on Saturdays.”

With Belichick’s system comes expectations, on the field, off the field, and within the locker room. Hardy sees himself as a culture setter. “It’s been important for me to be an encourager,” he said. “Being someone that people can count on and can trust, that’s important for me.”

North Carolina LB Will Hardy Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

That trust and cohesion, he emphasized, are what will fix a defense that struggled mightily last year. “You need all 11 playing on the same page,” Hardy said. “Building that team chemistry and really holding each other accountable... that’s on the top of our minds.”

The impact off the field has been just as profound. “Coach Belichick has brought former players to talk to us just about what else is there outside of just football,” Hardy said. “That’s nutrition, that’s sleep, that is recovery... so how can you pour that investment into something else?”

Wideout With a Mission

Sophomore Jordan Shipp, who bypassed transfer opportunities to remain at UNC when Belichick was hired, brought a personal perspective to media day, one rooted in family, faith, and a desire to build something bigger. “I want to start off by giving praise and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Shipp said. “Without Him I wouldn’t be here.”

Shipp spoke of his father’s influence, his desire to carve out his own name, and the value of advice he received before choosing UNC: “Where would you go if you couldn’t play football anymore?” That question stuck with him. So did the standard now in place under Belichick.

North Carolina WR Jordan Shipp Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

“You’re going to be tough, smart, dependable... we’re going to play to his standard,” Shipp said. “That standard is not going to drop off for nobody. You can’t obtain it, just get out the way, next guy up.” He also praised returning receiver Kobe Paysour, who briefly entered the portal before returning.

“Kobe brings experience. Kobe is a great player. Kobe is a great friend,” Shipp said. “I know I can rely on him off the field and on the field.”

A Professional Mind in a College World

While Belichick's methods are grounded in time-tested NFL discipline, he’s aware of the college football changes that await him, especially the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and roster volatility. He compared the landscape to the pro world: “Not the same, but similar in terms of NIL, revenue sharing, free agency, if you will, and recruiting post-draft type recruiting as opposed to drafting.”

Belichick didn’t offer specifics about scheme or identity, but he made clear his priorities. “We’ll do what we feel like is best for the football team, like we always do, and just see how that plays out.”

The goal? Long-term excellence. Short-term noise? Block it out. “The great thing about working with the college players is just the growth and the development that we’ve seen,” he said. “As a coach, it’s fun. It’s fun to see players get better.”

And that fun is just beginning in Chapel Hill.

CHARLOTTE – If the 2025 Duke Blue Devils are going to return to Charlotte in December with an ACC Championship on the line, Manny Diaz believes it won’t be because of slogans or lofty goals. It will be because of standards. “The big message in our program this year is really, don’t tell me a lot about your goals, about your expectations, tell me about your standards to reach those goals,” Diaz said Thursday at ACC Kickoff.

Duke Head Co;ach Manny Diaz Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Coming off a 9-win campaign in his first season at the helm, Diaz brought a confident, businesslike tone to the podium. His team, he said, is faster and stronger than it’s been in at least four years, numbers borne out during summer strength and conditioning workouts under David Feeley. “This is the strongest team we’ve had at Duke in the last four years,” Diaz said. “This is the fastest team we’ve had at Duke in the last four years… If we get challenged into an arm wrestling competition, we should expect to come out on top.”

But the games ahead won’t be decided in relay races or weight rooms. They’ll come down to whether Duke can meet the same standard, week after week, across what Diaz called “48 consecutive quarters.” “In a league that’s so tightly packed, that’s so competitive… it can be two or three quarters that dictates who’s back here in December and who’s not,” Diaz said.

Quarterback Upgrade, Culture Constant

One of the most watched additions to this year’s Duke team is quarterback Darian Mensah, a high-profile transfer from Tulane. The Blue Devils made a splash by landing the talented signal-caller, but Mensah made clear that the decision wasn’t purely transactional. “I think just the opportunity to compete at an elite conference like the ACC, an elite head coach with Manny, and an offense where you spread people out and throw the ball vertically,” Mensah said. “That’s the pieces that went into my decision.”

Duke QB Darian Mensah Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Mensah acknowledged that adjusting to a new offense and culture has its challenges—especially given that Duke throws the ball far more than Tulane did, but said he’s embracing it fully. “It’s been my dream to play Power 5 football since I was a little kid,” he said. “It’s definitely not easy getting to know a new team when you had an old team just before… but I’m excited for the challenges because I know that’s where I’m going to elevate my game.”

The Blue Devils’ fast-paced offense, led by coordinator Jonathan Brewer, is already pushing Mensah to expand his game. “At Tulane we were more run-heavy, and this year will be more pass-heavy,” Mensah said. “So just the opportunity to showcase my talents even more than I did last year.” Mensah also credited Duke’s strength and conditioning culture, specifically Feeley’s demanding workouts—with helping him improve physically and fit into a program that “feeds off” its culture of intensity. “Everybody in the Duke program is wired the same,” Mensah said. “They feed off his energy.”

Veteran Voices: Rivers and Williams Set the Tone

While Mensah is new to Durham, Chandler Rivers and Wesley Williams are core pieces of the foundation Diaz inherited and is now building upon. Rivers, a senior cornerback with multiple preseason accolades, said his decision to stay at Duke amid coaching turnover and the explosion of the transfer portal came down to one thing: the locker room. “Honestly, it was the people in the locker room,” Rivers said. “Just the culture, I guess. It’s created by the players… I couldn’t leave that for anything.”

Diaz praised Rivers for his versatility—whether lining up at outside corner or in the slot, or even blitzing the quarterback. “He affects winning in so many ways,” Diaz said. “Some guys will get back there, and they can’t find a way to make a play. As you know, we like to get after the quarterback in our system… That’s what I talk about in terms of we’re proud of what he’s done.”

Duke DB Chandler Rivers Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Rivers is coming off back-to-back seasons with pick-sixes against Florida State, and he said the team’s upset of the Seminoles in 2024—snapping a 23-game losing streak—validated years of effort. “It was amazing,” Rivers said. “It just shows that our preparation throughout the years and throughout the season helped us.”

He enters 2025 with national attention and personal expectations, though he insists his mindset is simple. “Just being better than I was last year,” Rivers said. “Take it a day at a time… keep my head down, prepare to the best of my ability.”

Up front, Williams—who led the team in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024—said the defensive line takes pride in carrying on a legacy of physicality and relentlessness. “There’s a powerful D-line lineage at Duke,” Williams said. “Myself and V.J., we’re trying to uphold that standard of being the nasty, physical Duke D-line that we’re used to having.”

Williams credited position coach Harland Bower for his development, calling him “passionate” and “caring. “If he could go out there and put the pads on right now and play, he would,” Williams said. “He loves ball. He cares about us as individuals and as men.”

Building with Trust, and the Transfer Portal

A major storyline over the past year has been how Diaz handled the transition from Mike Elko and earned buy-in from a team that was already on the rise. He emphasized consistency in building trust “You don’t really get to know more until you get into more high-stress environments like what football season brings,” Diaz said. “Trust is consistency over time.”

Reflecting on the one-on-one meetings he held with players when he arrived, Diaz shared a conversation with Williams that helped define his view of Duke’s culture “He said, we go on campus, and we feel like we’re around the best of the best,” Diaz said. “When we come into the locker room, I feel we have the best locker room of anywhere in the country.”

Duke DL Wesley Williams Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Diaz has embraced the transfer portal, calling it a chance for “surgical” adjustments, but stressed that any new player must enhance, not disrupt, the locker room “When a guy walks in and [teammates] say, why did they bring him in… that’s going to lead to a problem,” Diaz said. “Morale is always above everything in every decision we make.”

Diaz also expanded on how Duke balances NIL deals with its “non-transactional” philosophy, noting that compensation and character don’t have to be at odds “It’s not like you have to invent this,” Diaz said. “You want to create a culture where the people who have the best work are compensated in the best way… It’s new to college football. It’s not new to capitalism and economics.”

Championship Standard, One Quarter at a Time

While Diaz was careful to avoid overhyping preseason expectations, he didn’t shy away from the idea that this team is built for big moments, if it can stay consistent. “We want to be a developmental program because we can be,” Diaz said. “We want guys to stay at Duke for four years to meet their goals.”

That foundation, he believes, gives the Blue Devils a unique chance to build something lasting in an era when college football often feels like musical chairs. “I really do believe we have a chance to build a proper team,” he said. “We were a team that didn’t flinch, that was mentally tough, and believed in one another.”

As Duke prepares to open fall camp Sunday night, the focus will be on translating that toughness into 48 quarters of excellence. “We train for three-quarters of the year with that in mind,” Williams said. “There’s a lot that goes into it… more than just playing hard and wanting to, you’ve got to do the details.”

The 2025 season will soon put those details to the test. 

BOILING SPRINGS – After a 2024 season that fell short of expectations, Gardner-Webb football is entering the 2025 campaign with a chip on its shoulder, and the belief that it can get back to championship form. The Runnin’ Bulldogs participated in last week’s Big South-OVC Football Media Day with head coach Cris Reisert speaking confidently about the program’s progress, culture, and roster upgrades as they look to bounce back in Year 2 of his tenure.

Picked to finish tied for sixth in the 2025 preseason coaches poll, Gardner-Webb finds itself in the middle of a crowded conference field that saw four teams share the title a year ago. Tennessee Tech topped the poll with 57 points and five first-place votes, just ahead of perennial contender UT Martin and Southeast Missouri.

For Gardner-Webb, the underdog label could be a blessing. After winning back-to-back conference titles in 2022 and 2023, the program slipped to 4-8 last fall. But Reisert believes that version of the Bulldogs is in the rearview mirror.

“We’ve had a tremendous offseason in the weight room and on the field,” Reisert said. “We’ve got 18 returning starters and 15 others who’ve played significant snaps. The roster is healthier and deeper, and we’re hungry.”

Much of the preseason attention revolves around the quarterback battle. With the departure of Tyler Riddell, Gardner-Webb is sorting through a three-man competition featuring FBS transfers Cole Pennington (Marshall) and Nate Hampton (Liberty), along with decorated freshman Finley Polk. Polk arrives with eye-popping high school numbers, over 10,000 career passing yards and 121 touchdowns, though the job is expected to come down to one of the veteran transfers.

The Bulldogs also leaned hard into the transfer portal this offseason, adding 45 new players, including 15 from FBS programs. On offense, key additions include receivers Markel Fortenberry (Liberty), Chris Lofton (James Madison), and Jalen Harris (Coastal Carolina), along with tight end Gatlin Hancock (Kennesaw State). Defensively, linebacker Sabin McLaughlin (Davidson) and safety David Laney (North Carolina A&T) bring experience and depth to a group that returns key playmakers.

Several of those returners earned preseason recognition across the conference. Running back Quasean Holmes, wide receiver Anthony Lowe, tight end Cole Schneider, linebacker Jackson Marshall, and defensive lineman Antonio O’Berry all landed on the OVC-Big South Preseason Players to Watch lists. Lowe, a graduate student, was selected at three positions, wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner, highlighting his value as an all-purpose threat.

On defense, O’Berry and Robert Holtz combined for 12.5 sacks last season, while safety Wendell McClain returns to anchor the secondary after a 36-tackle, three-interception campaign. Marshall, a redshirt junior linebacker, adds stability in the middle.

Reisert credits much of the team’s renewed focus to a cultural reset rooted in the program’s core values: being Christ-centered, relationship-driven, and process-based. He emphasizes the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, as a daily goal for players and staff alike.

“We’re focused on small wins every day,” Reisert said. “That’s how we’ll build momentum and create lasting change.”

Gardner-Webb opens the season on August 30 with a road trip to Western Carolina. A home date against The Citadel follows on September 13, and the Bulldogs will again play a full eight-game conference slate beginning in October. Non-conference matchups include a major test against FBS opponent Georgia Tech.

With a balanced mix of experience, transfer talent, and culture-first leadership, Gardner-Webb looks to surprise the league and return to championship contention.

“We don’t shy away from the expectations here,” Reisert said. “We’ve done it before, and we believe we’re built to do it again.”

NEW ORLEANS – When Dowell Loggains stepped up to the microphone at Sun Belt Media Days, he wasn’t just representing Appalachian State’s football program, he was setting a tone for a new era. “This is a special place with special people,” said Loggains, making his first Sun Belt Media Day appearance as the Mountaineers’ head coach. “Coach Jerry Moore taught us to always do more than is expected. That mentality, driven by a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude, has been with us since day one.”

That same underdog spirit that helped turn Appalachian State into a national brand, from The Rock in Boone to the "Big House" in Michigan, now powers a program that’s being rebuilt under Loggains with clear principles: toughness, accountability, and a professional mindset.

Photo Credit: App State Sports

A Staff with NFL Credentials

Loggains’ coaching resume is deeply rooted in the NFL, and he made it clear that his vision for App State’s future is influenced heavily by those experiences. “We built a staff that boasts 93 years of NFL experience,” he said. “That group has coached 46 Pro Bowlers and eight Hall of Famers. We knew with the new landscape of college football, between the transfer portal, NIL, and roster turnover, it was important to bring in people who understood the business side.”

In many ways, Loggains sees modern college football as a mirror of the NFL: “The transfer portal is college football’s version of free agency. We’re evaluating players not just on the field, but off it, who goes to class, who’s coachable, who can thrive in a team environment.” With 54 newcomers on the roster, 36 from the transfer portal and 18 freshmen, the Mountaineers are blending youth with professional expectations.

But for Loggains, high school recruiting remains the lifeblood of the program: “We’ve got great high school football in North Carolina. We’re always going to recruit in our state. It’s part of who we are.”

Built in the Trenches

Of all the players Loggains could have brought to represent App State, he chose two linemen, left tackle Jayden Ramsey and defensive end Shawn Collins, because, as he said, “We’re a trench team...these guys represent our core values, smart, tough, competitive, better than anyone else, and we believe great teams are built up front.”

Ramsey, who started seven games at guard last year, voluntarily moved to left tackle to help the team. Despite transfer interest, the Anderson, South Carolina native stayed put. “He wanted to finish what he started with his brothers,” Loggains said. Collins, a transfer from Rutgers, has grown into a vocal leader for the defense. “He holds people accountable,” said Loggains. “You can see him growing into who he’s meant to be.” Both players spoke about the professional tone their coaches have set.

“We work day in and day out with coaches that have been at the highest level,” Collins said. “You respect that. It pushes you.” Ramsey added: “Everything is just really professional. They know how to take care of your body. They know how to build a team.”

Brotherhood Through Adversity

In addition to navigating a coaching change, the App State program has faced adversity off the field. A devastating hurricane disrupted the Boone area last fall. “Our players helped around town, packaging meals and loading up helicopters with supplies,” Loggains recalled. “That’s what makes App special. We’re all a family up in the mountains.”

Ramsey and Collins echoed that sentiment. “We were blessed to still have our homes, but a lot of people weren’t,” Collins said. “The university made it a priority to respond and to help. And we were part of that.” “Yeah, we had mandatory events,” Ramsey added. “Not because they forced us to, but because that’s who we are. That’s the culture.”

Culture Over Hype

Culture is a word that often gets thrown around at media days, but Loggains is focused on making it tangible, building it through shared moments away from the football field. “The connection is real. That’s what separates teams in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Everyone in this league works hard. But it’s the cookouts, the dodgeball tournaments, the time spent playing video games together, that’s what builds brotherhood.”

Loggains knows what he left behind at South Carolina, he coached the nation’s best receiver in Xavier Legette, but he believes App State offers something unique. “We were coaching the best players in the SEC,” he said. “But it had to be something special for us to leave. And App State is special. It’s a place where football matters.”

Quarterback Race and Offensive Identity

One of the biggest question marks heading into fall camp is the quarterback battle. Among the contenders is AJ Swan, a former SEC starter who transferred from Vanderbilt. “He’s one of five guys in the mix,” Loggains said. “We love his skill set. He even lit it up in our basketball tournament, draining threes. But he’ll have to earn it just like the rest.”

As for offensive identity, Loggains says the scheme will match the personnel. “At South Carolina, we threw it more because of Spencer Rattler and Xavier,” he said. “But we’ve also had success building around the run game. We’ve got talented backs. We’ll play to our strengths.”

Big Goals, Big Stage

App State opens the season with a marquee game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte against the 49ers. But players are already eyeing a week four showdown at Boise State. “It’s cool to play on that kind of stage,” Collins said. “But this isn’t new for App. We’ve always played tough games and shown up.” Ramsey added: “We focus on what’s in front of us. Right now, it’s about getting better every day in camp.”

The Sun Belt East will be a gauntlet again this year. Preseason polls picked App State third behind James Madison and Georgia Southern, but Loggains isn’t reading the headlines. “The polls don’t mean anything,” he said. “We’re focused on what we can control.” And what they can control, Loggains insists, is their effort, their unity, and their standard. “These guys don’t get tired of doing what’s right,” he said. “They’re the best part of our program. And I’m proud to go to battle with them.”

RICHMOND, VA – As the 2025 CAA Football season approaches, the spotlight shines on three North Carolina programs, Elon, Campbell, and North Carolina A&T, all aiming to rise in a competitive league led by preseason favorite Rhode Island.

Elon was picked eighth in the preseason poll with 98 points, just behind perennial playoff contenders like William & Mary and Towson. Senior punter Jeff Yurk, a Southern Pines native, earned a spot on the preseason all-conference team after a standout 2024 campaign. Fullback/H-back Dylan Magazu and defensive lineman Kahmari Brown also received honorable mention recognition, signaling strong individual pieces for a program looking to break through in the standings.

Campbell, entering its second full season in CAA Football, was voted 10th with 53 points. While the Camels are still building depth across the roster, standout cornerback Brandon Guzman was named an honorable mention selection by league coaches. Campbell will look to improve on both sides of the ball as it navigates a challenging schedule in one of the nation’s most competitive FCS conferences.

North Carolina A&T, which continues its transition into the CAA, placed 14th in the preseason poll with 23 points. The Aggies return standout offensive lineman Korion Sharpe, a senior from Charlotte who earned a spot on the all-conference first team. Additionally, return specialist Aaron Harris was named honorable mention for his special teams impact. Both veterans offer stability and leadership as A&T eyes a step forward in 2025.

While the three North Carolina-based CAA programs look to assert themselves, Rhode Island sits atop the preseason rankings after an 11-3 season and a share of the conference title in 2024. The Rams garnered eight first-place votes and 163 points in the poll. Monmouth (142 points, four first-place votes) and Villanova (139 points, two first-place votes) round out the top three.

Rhode Island’s defense is led by A.J. Pena, the preseason CAA Defensive Player of the Year, while Monmouth’s prolific quarterback Derek Robertson was chosen as Offensive Player of the Year. The league’s top teams return star power on both sides of the ball, with Rhode Island’s 11 returning starters and Monmouth’s FCS-leading offense setting the pace.

2025 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team – Offense

2025 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team – Defense

2025 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team – Special Teams

2025 CAA Football Preseason Predicted Order of Finish