C-USA · 2026

Jacksonville State

2025 record 9–5 7–1 conference
Postseason C-USA Championship L 15–19 vs Kennesaw State; Salute to Veterans Bowl W 17–13 vs Troy
Head coach Charles Kelly Year 2
Scheme Multiple / 4-2-5
Conference
B

Title-game appearance + Creel dual-threat +; O7.5 is the conference’s highest win total with WKU

Portal
B−

Portal #4 with a modest overall recruiting lift

Depth
B−

LB duo returns; Cook exit is the offense’s open question

Market odds

To Win C-USA
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 7.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #2 51 commits · 193.67 pts
Portal #4 21 commits· avg 83.65

Roster notes

Leading story

Caden Creel returns at QB1

Offense

RB Khristian Lando; WR Deondre Johnson / Ronnel Johnson / Dylan Gentry; TE David Alpers III. OL: Lance Johnson / Britin Witt / Lucas Mrachkovskiy / Ryan Walker / Jeremiah Orr

Defense

Jawaun Campbell / Quay Hood / Khurtiss Perry / Jacob Cruz; Walker O'Steen / Mac Sanders; Jaheim Jenkins / Marc Woods / Caleb Nix / Tre'Quon Fegans / Rob Billings IV

Key offense

  1. 01
    Caden Creel QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl/CCG): 130/211, 1,514 yds, 9 TD, 4 INT
    • 182 carries, 1,075 yds, 7 rushing TD. Listed QB1
  2. 02
    Deondre Johnson WR
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 30 receptions, 724 yds, 6 TD. Listed WR-X
  3. 03
    Khristian Lando RB
    Returning
    • Listed RB1

Key defense

  1. 01
    Mac Sanders MLB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 85 tackles. Listed MLB1
  2. 02
    Walker O'Steen WLB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 84 tackles. Listed WLB1
  3. 03
    Caleb Nix FS
    Returning
    • Listed FS1
    • CUSA Kickoff defensive feature