C-USA · 2026

Middle Tennessee

2025 record 3–9 2–6 conference
Postseason No bowl
Head coach Derek Mason
Scheme Multiple / 4-2-5
Conference
D+

3–9 floor and O3.5 match a bottom-tier C-USA projection; modest high-school pipeline depth is the only soft positive

Portal
C−

Portal #9

Depth
D+

Split-QB sample and portal skill adds without a clear 2025 tackle-leader return

Market odds

To Win C-USA
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 3.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #6 36 commits · 174.13 pts
Portal #9 18 commits· avg 83.59

Roster notes

Leading story

Roman Gagliano listed QB1 after sharing 2025 with Nicholas Vattiato

Offense

RB Antonio Martin; WR Markus Allen / AJ Jones / Cam'ron Lacy; TE Tayvion Galloway. OL: Reese Tripp / Adrian Crespin / Otto Janse Van Rensburg / Alex Gale / Brennan Smith

Defense

Aidan Butts / Felix Hixon / Zeion Simpson-Smith / Reggie Johnson; Ashton Taylor / Korey Smith; Jason Hardy / Christofer Noble / Kalen Woods / Jackson Lowe / Dyson McCutcheon

Key offense

  1. 01
    Roman Gagliano QB
    Returning
    • 2025: 78/135, 1,005 yds, 7 TD
    • 39 carries, 166 yds, 2 rushing TD in a split with Vattiato. Listed QB1
  2. 02
    Cam'ron Lacy WR
    Returning
    • 2025: 38 receptions, 549 yds, 3 TD. Listed slot
  3. 03
    Antonio Martin RB
    Portal
    • Listed RB1 on the depth chart

Key defense

  1. 01
    Korey Smith MLB
    Returning
    • Listed MLB1
  2. 02
    Ashton Taylor WLB
    Portal
    • Listed WLB1 on the depth chart
  3. 03
    Aidan Butts DE
    Returning
    • Listed DE1 on a light returning front