JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State football officially opened the 2026 preseason with Media Day on Thursday, as head coach Charles Kelly, offensive coordinator Taylor Hausright, defensive coordinator Brian Williams and several players discussed the Gamecocks’ preparation for the upcoming season ahead of the first official practice.
The Gamecocks are scheduled to begin fall practice Friday, with media viewing available from 3:20-4:20 p.m. and selected players expected to be available afterward.
Entering his second season as head coach, Kelly said the emphasis remains on development rather than expectations or preseason projections.
“We’re focused on meeting the standards that we have set,” Kelly said, explaining that those standards extend beyond game preparation to everyday habits, discipline and attention to detail. He added that the coaching staff is focused on finding competitors, teaching players both the “how” and “why” behind their responsibilities, improving situational football and avoiding an outcome-based mindset during training camp.
Kelly said returning players provide continuity because they already understand the expectations within the program, but emphasized that every player begins camp by relearning the fundamentals.
He also noted that the team has benefited from having players on campus throughout the summer for conditioning, skill development and voluntary workouts, calling the team’s offseason commitment encouraging while stressing there is still significant work ahead before the season begins.
Asked about newcomers, Kelly highlighted several transfer additions and freshmen who have made positive impressions during offseason workouts, while cautioning that evaluations will change once full-contact practices begin. He also pointed to competition across multiple positions, including cornerback, running back and wide receiver, saying the coaching staff will rely on performance during camp rather than a traditional depth chart.
On offense, first-year offensive coordinator Taylor Hausright said the team’s work ethic has stood out throughout the offseason.
“I feel like we have a group of great kids who care a lot,” Hausright said, crediting the culture established by Kelly and expressing confidence in the players’ commitment to improvement.
Hausright also discussed quarterback Caden Creel’s continued development after taking over the starting role last season. He said Creel has progressed from relying primarily on athletic ability toward mastering the mental aspects of playing quarterback, including decision-making, reading defenses and situational awareness.
The offensive coordinator also emphasized the importance of experience along the offensive line, particularly at center, while noting that competition throughout the roster should strengthen the unit heading into the season.
Defensive coordinator Brian Williams enters his second season with a defense that returns seven starters after finishing near the top of Conference USA in takeaways and total defense last year.
Williams said the biggest difference entering Year 2 is the familiarity players have with the defensive system and expectations.
He credited the group’s growth, leadership and understanding of the scheme for creating a stronger teaching environment while also praising the development of players across every position group.
Williams said the defensive line will continue to emphasize physical play at the line of scrimmage, while noting that improved communication and experience in the secondary should help reduce explosive plays after valuable lessons learned during the 2025 season.
Players participating in the media sessions included quarterback Caden Creel, wide receiver DeAndre Johnson, kicker Garrison Rippa, center Luke, linebacker Matt Sanders, defensive lineman Juwan Campbell, cornerback Strake Monfagans and safety Caleb Nix.
Creel credited daily practice repetitions and trust in his teammates for helping him grow into a leadership role after becoming the starter last season, while Johnson reflected on learning from adversity after an early-season benching before emerging as one of the nation’s most productive deep-threat receivers.
Nix said Jacksonville State’s emphasis on creating takeaways remains one of the defense’s core principles, noting that winning the turnover battle gives the Gamecocks a strong opportunity to win games.
Jacksonville State opens preseason practice Friday as preparations continue for the 2026 football season.
