Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -19.7. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders enters the season with a power rating of -19.7, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders host Murray State next in Week 1. In 2025, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders went 3-9 overall, 6-6 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Power Rating of -19.7 is 19.9 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 5,580 miles, ranking 96th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Murray State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Marshall | 281 mi | 562 mi |
| Week 3 | Nevada | Home | 562 mi |
| Week 4 | Jacksonville State | 144 mi | 850 mi |
| Week 5 | Kansas | 533 mi | 1,916 mi |
| Week 6 | — | Bye | |
| Week 7 | Delaware | Home | 1,916 mi |
| Week 8 | Florida International | 781 mi | 3,479 mi |
| Week 9 | Kennesaw State | Home | 3,479 mi |
| Week 10 | Western Kentucky | Home | 3,479 mi |
| Week 11 | Liberty | 413 mi | 4,305 mi |
| Week 12 | Sam Houston | 638 mi | 5,580 mi |
| Week 13 | New Mexico State | Home | 5,580 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Middle Tennessee enters 2026 with a completely revamped offense under first-year coordinator Anthony Scelfo. Sophomore Roman Gagliano takes over at quarterback after throwing for 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns in five games last season. The Blue Raiders lost their leading passer Nicholas Vattiato and return only one starter on offense, wide receiver AJ Jones. The offensive line, which surrendered 30 sacks in 2025, must improve with Otto Janse Van Rensburg returning from injury. Running backs Antonio Martin Jr. (a Kansas State transfer) and DJ Taylor (7.7 yards per carry on limited touches) provide a new backfield duo.
The defense showed improvement last season, finishing second in CUSA against the run (143.1 yards per game), but must replace its four leading tacklers and all three starting defensive linemen. Defensive tackle Zeion Simpson-Smith (three sacks as a freshman) is poised for a larger role, and linebacker Reggie Johnson returns after 34 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The secondary, which ranked 11th in the league in pass defense, brings back cornerback Jackson Lowe (four pass breakups). The unit gave up 30.9 points and 399.3 yards per game in 2025.
Punter Ashton Logan returns after a strong 2025 season, averaging 44.7 yards per punt and pinning 29 of 66 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Placekicking duties go to Dominic Bourgeois, a transfer from Division III Susquehanna. DJ Taylor, who averaged 17.4 yards per kickoff return last year, is expected to handle return duties again.
Head coach Derek Mason enters his third season with a 6-18 record and faces a potential make-or-break year. The program has seen constant coordinator turnover, with both coordinators replaced each year of Mason's tenure. An opposing CUSA assistant noted the instability, including losing offensive line coach Kendall Simmons midseason in 2025. The Blue Raiders ended 2025 on a two-game winning streak with their highest scoring outputs (31 points each), but the roster and coaching staff have undergone significant changes since then.
Middle Tennessee is coming off consecutive three-win seasons and faces a challenging path to improvement. The offense must replace most of its production while adjusting to a new system, and the defense needs to reload after losing its top playmakers. The Blue Raiders' success will hinge on Gagliano's development, the offensive line's improvement, and whether the defense can maintain its run-stopping prowess without its departed starters. Special teams, anchored by Logan, could provide a field-position advantage. The team's power rating of -20.8 reflects the uphill climb ahead.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -19.7, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders's home field advantage rating is 2.3 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders travels 5,580 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 96th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -19.7.
