UMass Minutemen

The Minutemen enter 2026 with a revamped offense led by quarterback Williams 'Pop' Watson III, a Springfield native who transferred from Virginia Tech. Watson brings mobility and experience to a unit that ranked dead last in FBS in scoring (11.1 ppg) and total yards (247.5 ypg) in 2025. He reunites with high school teammate Joseph Griffin Jr., who returns after stops at Boston College and Wisconsin, and has a healthy T.Y. Harding back as his top target. New offensive coordinator Max Warner, fresh off coaching All-America tight end Harold Fannin Jr. at Bowling Green, plans to feature tight ends Max Dowling and Reece Adkins heavily. The offensive line, anchored by returning left guard Brock Taylor and transfers Greg Knox and Zachary Franks, must protect Watson and open holes for Murray State transfer Jordan Washington.

The defense gets a major boost from the return of edge rusher Joshua Nobles and cornerback TJ Magee, both of whom missed all or most of 2025 due to injury. Nobles was arguably the team's top defender before his absence, and Magee adds ball skills and return ability. The linebacker corps is the strength of the unit, with All-MAC candidate Tyler Martin (104 tackles in 2025) and Timmy Hinspeter (9.9 tackles per game before his injury) forming a productive duo. Both starting safeties, Zeraun Daniel and Kendall Bournes, return, and transfer corner Isaiah Reed impressed in spring camp. If the front seven can generate pressure and the secondary stays healthy, this group could keep games close.

UMass carries a 16-game losing streak into the season, the longest in the nation, with an average margin of defeat of 26.8 points during that stretch. The schedule offers early opportunities to snap it, with FCS opponents Sacred Heart and Stonehill plus FBS newcomer Sacramento State in September. The Minutemen have not won a game since November 2023, and the program's last winning season came in 2018. Head coach Joe Harasymiak, in his second year, has emphasized culture and health after a 0-12 debut. The team's depth remains a concern, but the infusion of transfers and returning starters gives them a chance to be competitive in the MAC.

Kicker Derek Morris provides a reliable leg, having made 10 of 16 field goals in 2025, including 3 of 5 from 50-plus yards. Australian punter Edward Phillipson takes over the punting duties. The return game could be a weapon with TJ Magee and T.Y. Harding both capable of breaking big plays. Field position will be critical for a team that may struggle to sustain long drives, so special teams could swing close games. The Minutemen need to avoid the costly mistakes that plagued them during the losing streak, such as missed kicks and poor coverage.

UMass is no longer an independent and now competes in the MAC, which offers a more level playing field in terms of resources and recruiting. The roster has been upgraded through the transfer portal, but the Minutemen still lack the depth of established MAC programs. The biggest question is whether Watson can elevate the offense enough to keep pace in shootouts, and whether the defense can hold up against the run. The schedule includes winnable games early, but the MAC slate features tough opponents like Toledo and Miami (OH). If UMass can stay healthy and Watson delivers on his promise, they could double their win total from last year. If not, the losing streak could extend deep into the season.