2026 NCAAF: Sun Belt Conference Preview

The Sun Belt Conference is quickly making a name for itself as the most unique league in all of college football.

We already highlighted before last season how the SBC stands alone as the only conference in FBS that has retained its divisional structure. But in 2025 it added to the list of “onlys” by becoming the only Group of Five (now Six) conference to send a team to the College Football Playoff based on qualification as one of the highest-ranking conference champions.

And that’s unlikely to be a feat that will be accomplished by another G6 program any time soon, with convoluted circumstances opening the door for James Madison to grab one of those auto-bids in the first place.

That said, the chances are not bleak for the conference to yet again send a team to the Playoff this season. James Madison has built itself into something of a powerhouse capable of reloading, and there are at least a couple of other teams capable of ensuring that the Dukes don’t simply run through the league unbothered.

As time goes on, the Fun Belt has continued adding reasons why it has earned its nickname and then some when it comes to college football.

Teams I Like

James Madison

By way of the ACC’s convoluted tiebreaker scenario, the door was opened for the Dukes, coincidentally, to grab one of the five automatic bids to the 2025 CFP as the Sun Belt champion. It’s a scenario that is unlikely to play out again any time soon, but James Madison will still be one of the handful of G6 teams feeling like it has a good chance of getting back to the Playoff if it can win its conference title. While many of the pieces from last year’s squad have departed, the Dukes are still the Sun Belt’s most talented team on paper and brings in former Florida head man Billy Napier to run the show.

Napier is familiar with the Sun Belt, having had success at Louisiana prior to take the job in Gainesville. He will quickly orient the new pieces that will be relied upon to maintain the momentum built at this program and has the track record to prove it. In his four seasons in Lafayette, Napier never had a losing record and was either division or outright conference champion every year. The Dukes have a difficult out-of-conference schedule that might prevent the team from getting back to the Playoff, but will almost certainly be a Sun Belt Conference title contender again in 2026.

Louisiana

The Ragin’ Cajuns have been one of the most successful programs in the Sun Belt Conference over the past decade, qualifying for the conference title game in five of the past eight years. Michael Disormeaux took over what was already a machine, however, and has had just one winning season in his four years with the program. This may be his best opportunity to win his first league title, with an offense returning seven starters and a defense which should be much improved from 2025 thanks to experienced gained by way of injuries last season.

Louisiana will be one of the more difficult offensive attacks to contain thanks to Lunch Winfield, whose playing style could be described as “often off-script” and brings an energy that is infectious. He should have a solid offensive line to work behind last year and several capable targets downfield that will make him dangerous as a passing threat in addition to his mobility. The Ragin’ Cajuns become a Sun Belt title favorite if the defense returns to its 2024 form, where it was one of the best in the league at defending the pass. Consequently, Desormeaux’s lone 10-win season at Louisiana was in 2024, when the defense was the best it has been during his tenure.

Coastal Carolina

The Chanticleers have been stuck in neutral for the past couple of seasons, but the hiring of Ryan Beard to replace Tim Beck has me optimistic that Coastal Carolina can kickstart things in the right direction once again. Beard surprised me at Missouri State last season, taking a team that was making its debut at the FBS level to the postseason. One of his best moves was bringing his offensive coordinator Nick Petrino (son of Bobby) with him to Myrtle Beach. Petrino appears to have inherited his father’s genes and has a knack for getting the most out of the unit, especially at quarterback. Who exactly is going to play the position for the Chanticleers in 2026 is unknown, but I expect the numbers to be a lot better with the new coaching staff.

Beard has his work cut out for him to try to rebuild a program that wasn’t left a ton following Beck’s dismissal, but has proven that he can produce positive results quickly. I don’t expect this team to be fighting for a Sun Belt title this season, but the general perception is that this team will have trouble getting to the postseason and I think Beard can get them at least that far. It feels like there is a good aura, as the kids would say, about Coastal that to an extent was neglected by the previous regime and I think that Beard will cultivate it properly.

Not High On

Southern Mississippi

As the old saying goes, “if she cheats with you, she’ll cheat on you.” The Golden Eagles took the bait and ate what is becoming somewhat of a forbidden fruit in college football terms, hiring Charles Huff prior to last season. Huff took a herd of his players with him from Marshall, the 2024 Sun Belt champs, to try and run it back at his new program, which was coming off a 1-11 season. Southern Mississippi got close, beginning the year 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the Sun Belt, but fell apart down the stretch and missed the conference title game. One must wonder whether Huff’s priorities had already begun shifting, as the head coach again bolted after just one year, accepting the Memphis job just a couple of weeks after the regular season ended.

Unsurprisingly, the Golden Eagles will look like a completely different team in 2026, returning almost no starters. Blake Anderson is a proven winner but will be tasked as much with creating a sense of cohesiveness given so many new faces as he is with the usual rigors of a head coaching job. Southern Mississippi was handed no favors with the schedule, either. In addition to difficult road tests out-of-conference (Auburn / Tulane), the Golden Eagles face nearly every conference title contender in the Sun Belt. Anything that Anderson does to avoid another 1-11 season would be considered an accomplishment given the state of this program right now.

Players To Watch

Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Marshall quarterback

The former four-star recruit searched for a true home the first few years of his college career, initially signing on with Florida before transferring to Syracuse and prior to the 2025 campaign, Marshall. Del Rio-Wilson wasn’t pegged to be the full-time starter with the Thundering Herd last season, either, but got an opportunity in the third game of the year and never looked back, starting the rest of Marshall’s games. Utilized primarily for his mobility prior, Del Rio-Wilson proved that he can be dangerous with his arm as well, completing 66.8 percent of his passes and compiling a very respectable 17-5 TD-to-INT ratio last season. In his best game, Del Rio-Wilson was an excellent 18 for 22 passing with four passing touchdowns and another score on the ground.

With more continuity on the team (both on and off-the-field), Marshall should provide an even better support system for Del Rio-Wilson to thrive this season. He has the athleticism to create his own opportunities but has shown a willingness to let the game come to him, which has resulted in him becoming a true dual threat danger. In 2025, Del Rio-Wilson’s emergence was one of the main reasons why Marshall didn’t completely fall apart following Charles Huff’s departure. In 2026, he’ll be one of the main reasons why the Thundering Herd can again legitimately compete for a Sun Belt title.

Lunch Winfield, Louisiana quarterback

Winfield is a fierce competitor, overcoming relatively pedestrian physical capabilities with toughness and a genuine willingness to do whatever it takes to win football games. In 2025, he wasn’t expected to be the regular starter but capitalized on an opportunity created by injury and seized the role for the rest of the season. While not the most fluid passer, he is capable and that was evident last season in a victory over South Alabama, where Winfield broke the school record for completion percentage (93 percent on 14 of 15 passing). He’ll be aided by a strong receiving corps this season that will both be able to create space downfield and have a size advantage (6’6” tight end Caden Jensen).

With Lunch at the helm, Louisiana’s offense should resemble the one last season that helped win the final four games and scored at least 30 points per contest. He should have a healthier offensive line blocking for him, providing an opportunity for both the passing and rushing figures to improve in 2026. He is a natural leader, a willing competitor and has the personnel around him to flourish. It will be difficult not to root for the Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback.

Eli Finley, Louisiana Tech tight end

For the past two seasons Finley has been making a case for being one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the country, combining for 758 total yards during that time and leading the Bulldogs in both receptions and receiving yards in 2025. Last season he showed his potential as a blocker as well, helping pave the way for a Louisiana Tech rushing attack that ranked second in Conference USA racking up almost 200 yards per contest on the ground.

The Bulldogs have two quarterbacks with differing skillsets coming into the year, and which one they use may dictate how Finley spends the majority of his time. If it’s Blake Baker (the better arm), Finley may again be the team’s most dangerous downfield threat and will garner some attention nationally for awards. If it’s Trey Kukuk (the better legs), then Finley will likely continue to improve as a blocker, something that should excite professional scouts already looking at him for next year’s Draft. Finley has a future on Sundays and those that watch him play regularly sing his praises.

Chauncy Cobb, Arkansas State wide receiver

At just 5’6”, 163 pounds, Cobb is not the most physically intimidating presence that you will find on a college football field. But he is already a star in the making despite playing within the shadow of one last season. Cobb is set to take over the lead receiver role at Arkansas State from Corey Rucker, who set the Sun Belt record for career receiving yards. With 797 yards and 73 receptions (just two fewer than Rucker), Cobb was an integral part of the offense last season as well and figures to continue the upward trajectory in 2026. Whether that is as a volume-oriented pass catcher or within looks that capitalize on his speed doesn’t matter, as he can be productive in both roles. He is also part of the special teams group, serving as kick returner and was one of just five players in FBS last season to have multiple kick return touchdowns.

Cobb has developed into one of the team leaders, not only leading by his example on the field but serving as a mentor for the younger wideouts that require it. His natural leadership will be key for the Red Wolves this season as they move on from a three-year starter at quarterback (and Cobb’s former roommate, Jayen Raynor). As someone who was unsurprisingly lightly recruited coming out of high school, it makes sense that Cobb is familiar with and well-prepared to capitalize on an opportunity he has had to wait his turn to receive.

Games to Watch (Conference)

James Madison at Old Dominion (September 26)

The battle for the Sun Belt East division may ultimately end up being decided by a game played within the first four weeks of the season. The Dukes handled the Monarchs easily in the second half of last year’s game but this figures to be one of the most difficult in-conference tests James Madison has in 2026.

Louisiana at Louisiana Tech (October 10)

A fierce in-state rivalry will become a conference battle with Louisiana Tech joining the Sun Belt this season. The Ragin’ Cajuns and Bulldogs played each other every year but two between 1924 and 2000. While Louisiana Tech holds a healthy lead in the all-time series and Louisiana is on an eight-game losing streak dating back to 1996, this should be a very competitive series moving forward.

Troy at Louisiana (October 17)

The Trojans are the last Sun Belt team to have beaten the Ragin’ Cajuns and that game is one of the last spots that Lunch Winfield truly struggled to find his footing. With Winfield expected to have a great year and the Troy defense likely to be improved, it should be a fascinating battle to watch this time around.

Troy at James Madison (October 29)

This one is the second of a three-game stretch for the Dukes in which they must play on a weeknight, which can be a tricky endeavor. James Madison’s schedule gets significantly easier following this matchup, so if the Dukes are still in the CFP conversation at this point this game becomes all that much more important.

Marshall at Old Dominion (October 31)

The Monarchs were incredibly inconsistent defensively last season. Against Marshall, it was in the unfortunate way, as only James Madison scored more points on Old Dominion than the Thundering Herd. With a decent amount of the defense returning and seemingly improved, that may not be the case this season but Marshall may also be more potent offensively.

Games to Watch (Non-Conference)

Liberty at James Madison (September 5)

This feels like the football version of a Bracketbuster Weekend matchup that used to take place for mid-major college basketball programs. Both schools feel like they have a decent shot at the G6’s auto-bid to the CFP this season, but this could very well prove to be an elimination game.

Old Dominion at Virginia Tech (September 12)

Surprisingly, this in-state “rivalry” has been hotly contested across seven previous meetings, with Virginia Tech holding a 4-3 edge. Old Dominion has twice beaten the Hokies by at least two touchdowns, including last year’s 45-26 drubbing that was effectively over by halftime. This is a revenge spot for Virginia Tech and James Franklin’s first game against an FBS opponent in Blacksburg.

James Madison at San Diego State (September 19)

The Dukes host Liberty in Week 1 and then must make the grueling trip across the country to face what should be a decent San Diego State squad two weeks later. Only serious G6 supporters may agree, but James Madison will be making a great case for its CFP candidacy in the non-conference portion of the year if it can win both of those games.

Aw, Shuck It (3 Bets to Place)

*odds via DraftKings at time of publication. Around The Corn is not responsible for lost bets!

Old Dominion Wins Sun Belt Conference Championship Game (+425)

We’ve talked a lot about teams like James Madison and Louisiana in this preview, but perhaps not enough about the Monarchs, which bring in a lot of comparable talent with the 2025 roster via the portal and retain a lot of the defensive pieces that propelled Old Dominion to being the second best defense in the conference behind the Dukes. Quinn Henicle plays a lot like departed star Colton Joseph at quarterback, so the Monarchs may be very tough to beat this season.

Coastal Carolina Over 5.5 Wins (+144)

Vegas feels like the Surf Turf isn’t going to provide enough of an advantage to Coastal, but I disagree. The road schedule is really tough for the Chanticleers this season, meaning that Ryan Beard’s group will need to play well on the familiar teal playing surface. This team will be a different animal in Conway this season.

Eli Finley Wins Mackey Award (+15000)

The odds are astounding for a guy that is generally regarded in knowledgeable circles as a possible first round Draft pick next year. Perhaps Finley’s chances will be diminished if the Bulldogs are more of a running team in 2026, but this is still worth considering for a low value commitment given the return potential.

Predictions

East Division

1. James Madison (10-2, [7-1])
2. Old Dominion (8-4, [6-2])
3. Georgia Southern (6-6, [5-3])
4. Marshall (8-4, [5-3])
5. Coastal Carolina (6-6, [5-3])
6. Appalachian State (5-7, [3-5])
7. Georgia State (2-10, [0-8])

West Division

1. Louisiana (9-3, [6-2])
2. Troy (7-5, [5-3])
3. Louisiana Tech (6-6, [5-3])
4. Arkansas State (6-6, [5-3])
5. South Alabama (4-8, [3-5])
6. Louisiana-Monroe (2-10, [1-7])
7. Southern Mississippi (2-10, [0-8])

Conference Title Game

Louisiana at James Madison

Champion: James Madison