As the college football season approaches its kickoff with teams fifty days away from opening games, programs across the country face critical roster and coaching decisions. Coaches and analysts tackle high-stakes questions about transfer portal additions, new play callers, and eligibility rules shaping rosters for the upcoming year.
Alabama State Football Prepares for SWAC Media Days Under New Leadership
Alabama State football arrives at montgomeryadvertiser.com at the Sheraton in downtown Birmingham with high expectations and a target on its back. Head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. is joined by quarterback Andrew Body and 2025 HBCU All-American defensive back Ta’Shan Sims. The program secured the No. 4 spot in the initial Black College Football Poll released on July 9, alongside South Carolina State in claiming the second-most first-place votes in the conference.
The Hornets enter the season tasked with replacing key offensive firepower. Former offensive coordinator Chris Barnette and All-American receiver Jalen Jones departed the program, alongside several graduating pieces on the offensive line. To fill the vacancy, Alabama State brought in former Arkansas Pine-Bluff offensive coordinator Tony Hull. To compensate for the loss of Jones, Kareem Keye transitioned from quarterback to receiver, while the team also added rival Alabama A&M’s top receiver from 2025, Franck Pierre, during the offseason.
Andrew Body acknowledged the challenges of bringing back familiar players while maintaining team chemistry, noting that it’s a balancing act between relying on proven talent and avoiding disruptions.
Andrew Body, Alabama State quarterback
Kansas State Counts Down to Collin Klein’s Head-Coaching Debut
In Manhattan, Kansas State football is exactly 50 days away from its season opener against FCS opponent Nicholls at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on September 5 at 6 p.m. The matchup marks the long-awaited head-coaching debut of Collin Klein, who takes over the program.
The Wildcats face a series of crucial personnel questions as preparations get underway. Chief among them is how Klein plans to utilize quarterback Avery Johnson, specifically regarding his designed runs, passing efficiency under pressure, and overall development. On the defensive side, Jordan Peterson steps into the role of defensive coordinator, taking over a unit tasked with maintaining its high turnover rate.
Wilmington Area High School Programs Face Turnover and Opportunity
Across North Carolina, programs in the Wilmington area are navigating coaching changes and rebuilding efforts 50 days ahead of high school kickoffs. Four local programs enter the fall with new head leadership, including Ashley and Laney. Former New Hanover defensive coordinator Coraey Houser takes charge at Laney, aiming to break through against Port City rivals, while Aaron Powell steps into the head coaching role at West Brunswick following Shane Handy’s retirement.
At Topsail, new coach TJ Albert faces the challenge of turning around one of the area’s largest schools after a prolonged skid of underperformance on the gridiron. Meanwhile, Pender returns under the guidance of 70-year-old coach Tom Eanes, looking to replicate a high-scoring rushing attack that piled up 5,114 rushing yards across just 12 games last fall.
Worth a look
