Charlotte 49ers

Charlotte enters 2026 looking to rebound from a 1-11 season in which the offense set a program record for futility, averaging just 14.3 points per game. Head coach Tim Albin, who previously engineered turnarounds at North Dakota State and Ohio, has focused on rebuilding the offensive line and adding depth through the transfer portal. With a new athletic director in Kevin White, the pressure is on for Albin to show progress in his second year, and the early schedule offers a chance to build confidence.

The starting quarterback job is up for grabs after Conner Harrell missed significant time last season and was limited this spring due to a knee injury. Transfer Cole Gonzales, who arrived from Pitt and FCS Western Carolina, took most of the spring reps and is pushing for the job. The decision will likely hinge on Harrell's recovery and how quickly Gonzales can master Todd Fitch's system. The winner will lead an offense that has nowhere to go but up, but the line's improvement will be critical to any success.

The 49ers have prioritized fixing an offensive line that struggled mightily in 2025. Three transfers, J'Ven Williams, Nic Cruji, and Reginhard Pierre-Nau, are expected to step in as starters, bringing experience and size to a unit that needs to protect the quarterback and open lanes for the running game. The return of Jariel Cobb and Henry Rutledge at running back gives the offense a solid one-two punch, but their effectiveness will depend on the line's ability to create space.

The defense returns a strong core in the front seven, led by linebacker Kadin Schmitz, who had 66 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season. Mike linebacker Gavin Willis will wear the helmet mic and direct the defense for coordinator Nate Faanes. The return of edge rushers DJ Burgess and Curtis Simpson should help a pass rush that was hampered by injuries in 2025. However, the secondary will feature entirely new starters, with Collin Gill and Dy'Lon Womack expected to take on much larger roles. The unit's success will depend on how quickly the new backs can gel and whether the front seven can stay healthy.

Charlotte's special teams could be a bright spot, with Henry Rutledge returning for his final season and providing a jolt in the return game. The addition of Appalachian State transfer Jaden Barnes adds another dynamic option. Bronson Long is set to handle punting, while Pitt transfer Henry Searcy takes over at long snapper. The only concern is at kicker, where redshirt freshman Aiden Bui is the lone option on the roster, though the team is expected to add another before the season begins.