Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State head coach Charles Kelly opened the first week of the football season by addressing the media during the Gamecocks’ week one press conference. Kelly reflected on training camp, the team’s preparation, and expectations as the program gets ready for its opener against UCF.
Kelly emphasized the importance of habits and preparation built during camp rather than focusing solely on game plans. “Training camp’s about building a toolbox,” he said, noting that the team has faced both good days and challenges but has continued to grow together. With 51 new players on the roster, Kelly expressed pride in how quickly the team has built chemistry, adding that everyone in the locker room knows each other by name.
The transfer portal, he explained, has reshaped rosters across college football and provided opportunities to strengthen depth. “It wouldn’t matter if I was the head coach or Rich Rod was still here, there was still going to be a big turnover,” Kelly said. “That’s just where we’re at.”
When asked about the quarterback position, Kelly confirmed that Gavin has earned the starting spot but emphasized confidence in the entire group. “I feel comfortable with the three quarterbacks we have. Gavin’s our starting quarterback, but all of them bring something different to the table,” Kelly said. He praised Gavin as an athletic, strong-armed player capable of making every throw and creating opportunities with his speed.
Kelly also spoke about the challenge of facing UCF under head coach Scott Frost, expressing respect for Frost’s coaching career at UCF, Nebraska, and beyond. “This game isn’t about me,” Kelly said of his first game as a head coach. “It’s about two good programs playing each other.”
With four mid-week games on the schedule, Kelly acknowledged the adjustments required but called the exposure an advantage for both the program and university. “The more people that see us play, it helps us all out,” he said, noting the national visibility such games bring.
Players Bubba Grayson, Brock Brecht-Steiner, and Trevor Woods joined the press conference, speaking on leadership roles, adjusting to Kelly’s coaching style, and the team’s confidence in their new quarterback. Grayson described the transition from a freshman to a veteran lineman, while Brecht-Steiner discussed the importance of setting an example for younger players. Woods, who transferred to JSU after previously being coached by Kelly at Colorado, said the new staff’s direct and disciplined approach has been well received.
All three players highlighted quarterback Gavin’s leadership, describing him as a strong presence on and off the field who quickly earned the respect of his teammates.
Kelly closed by reiterating his goals for the program in year one: to build a team known for speed, toughness, discipline, and competitiveness. “It’s not about results. We don’t focus on the results, we focus on the grind,” Kelly said. “Because if you do that, then the results will come as they should.”
