New-Look Skyhawks Set to Kick Off 2026 Campaign

New-Look Skyhawks Set to Kick Off 2026 Campaign

8/20/2026 4:56:00 PM | Football

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MARTIN, Tenn. – A new season brings a new-look roster for the University of Tennessee at Martin football program, but the standard remains unchanged as the Skyhawks prepare to open the 2026 campaign under longtime head coach Jason Simpson.

As winners of four of the last five conference championships, including a stretch of four consecutive league titles from 2021-2024, the Skyhawks have set the expectation to compete for yet another championship run and playoff appearance.

Now entering his 21st season at the helm of the Skyhawk program, Simpson has experienced nearly every type of preseason during his tenure. This year's camp has presented a unique challenge with 53 newcomers joining a solid group of returners, leaving UT Martin to blend experience with a significant influx of new talent.

While Simpson knows the team's ultimate identity will not emerge until the Skyhawks have played meaningful snaps, he has been encouraged by what he has seen throughout the summer and preseason camp.

"I give the kids and the coaches credit; it's been a good mix," Simpson said. "It's been a good summer and a good camp, and the team has definitely gotten better. Honestly, I don't know if after 30 years of experience, or 21 years here, that the players truly know who we are yet either. We won't really have an identity or know our true talent level until a couple of games into the season. But as far as their work ethic and getting prepared to play, I've been pleased with this group."

For a roster featuring plenty of new faces and players stepping into expanded roles, Simpson has emphasized that improvement begins on the practice field. That message has resonated throughout camp. Simpson has been pleased with his team's willingness to work and its attention to the details required to prepare for the season.

"These guys have committed to getting better," Simpson said. "We've sold them on how important practice is—it's the baseline of the program. They're definitely tired today, but there have been very few days where I've had to push them to get going."

That commitment will be important for a team that does not enter the season relying on a handful of established stars. Instead, Simpson believes the 2026 Skyhawks will have to find success collectively. UT Martin enters the season with 16 players listed as seniors or graduate students, presenting a smaller veteran class than in years past. With that makeup, the Skyhawks will rely on contributions throughout the depth chart while several young and inexperienced players grow into larger roles.

If there is an early foundation for the UT Martin offense, Simpson points directly to the line of scrimmage. The offensive line has emerged as a potential strength of the unit entering the season behind key returners Dolapo Egunjobi, Andrew Smithberger, Eric Lane and Garrett Smith while adding newcomers Travis Gray and Santiago Macias into the mix. At tight end, the group of Kaleb Costner, Dawson Adams-Grenier, Jaren Bowling and Ololade Adeduro are all expected to contribute. That combination could prove valuable as UT Martin breaks in a new quarterback with either Julian Calvez or Tate Surber under center.

"I would tell you right now that the strength of our offense is probably the offensive line," Simpson said. "Those tight ends can block, and we have some returning depth there. The offensive line has a chance to excel this year, while the receivers and quarterbacks will be the ones that have to continue to grow."

Protecting the new signal caller and keeping the offense in manageable situations will be a priority, particularly early in the season. Simpson wants the Skyhawks to avoid consistently putting their quarterback in obvious passing situations and to make smart decisions when plays break down.

"You don't want to put a new quarterback in a bunch of third-and-long situations; you want to put him in advantageous spots," Simpson said. "That's not always possible, so there are times we'll just have to throw the ball away, check it down to the back, or just take a sack so we don't make it worse."

While at the skill positions, the Skyhawks return a potentially potent running back tandem in Tommy Ansley and Chris Franklin. The duo combined to rush for 1,015 yards and five touchdowns last season to lead the ground attack. Through the air, Phaizon Wilson returns to start his second season while dynamic playmaker Deuce Oliver is expected to take on a larger role. Keyshaun Pipkin and Anthony Carter also look to make a splash after missing last season with an injury while joining the fold on the perimeter are newcomers Kaleb Washington and Makhia Sherrard.

UT Martin's emphasis on playing as a complete unit extends to the defensive side of the football where a lot of new faces will contribute for the Skyhawks. The defensive line returns three players which played meaningful snaps last season in Chris Wilson, Broderick Tommie, Jr. and Duston Chavis while the group is looking for impact from John Betts III, Rasheen Duncan, Daveon Johnson and Jordyn Jackson for depth.

Outside linebackers Kennarius Chandler, Bryce Dailey and Malik Brown spotlight the group. Arguably the position which returns the least experience on the team is the inside linebacker unit. Division I transfers Jamarcus Smith (Illinois State), Porter Reynolds (Northern Arizona) and Reginald Allen, Jr. (Bryant) will look to make an immediate impact while Stefan Ponder and Brylan Jordan have pushed their way onto the depth chart.

The secondary features a good mix of internal candidates looking to take the next step after gaining valuable experience last season. Senior LaMarion Pierce boasts 33 games played under his belt while the rest of the secondary features a solid mixture of youth with Joel Castleberry, CJ Cobbins, Trey Cotton, Zamaryion Farmer-McCray, Quincy Hamilton, Jamal Mayers and Cameron Powell joining newcomers Ant Fisher and Farand Washington at either the cornerback or safety positions.

All-American specialist Hayden King returns for his second season as the team's primary long snapper. After serving as the team's kickoff specialist last season, sophomore Brandon Sims will be counted upon to assume place kicking duties. Meanwhile, following garnering All-American honors at the JUCO level, new punter Max Zuluaga will look to keep his momentum going in his debut season as a Skyhawk.

The Skyhawks will not have much time to ease into the new season. UT Martin begins its campaign with two consecutive FCS opponents at home, creating an immediate sense of urgency for a squad still working to establish its identity. Simpson's focus remains on getting his team prepared to perform at the highest level possible, but he also understands the significance of taking advantage of early opportunities at home.

"When you break it down, you need to win at home," Simpson said. "Our first two games are at home, both are FCS opportunities, and those are important. We need to protect our home-field advantage."

The early portion of the schedule should also provide the first true indication of what type of team the Skyhawks have assembled. With 53 newcomers, a new quarterback and several players preparing for their first significant collegiate snaps, UT Martin enters 2026 knowing there will be a developmental process. The Skyhawks are not expecting to have every answer before the opening kickoff.

What Simpson has seen, however, is a team willing to put in the work required to find those answers.

After a summer and preseason camp built around competition, preparation and daily improvement, the next step comes under the lights. The Skyhawks will begin discovering their identity one game at a time — with the expectation that their collective strength, experienced offensive front and commitment to preparation can provide the foundation for another championship-caliber season of UT Martin football.

The Skyhawks kickoff the season on Thursday, Aug. 27 when playing host to Central Arkansas. Purchase single-game and season ticket packages at www.utmsports.com/tickets!