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Initial Outlook: This is a unit that lost essentially all of its production to graduation and the portal. Cooper, Summers, Spriggs, and Boswell played just about every meaningful snap in 2025, so now it’s an entirely new cast being asked to fill the shoes of what had been steady linebacker play heading into 2026. Previously, I felt comfortable that linebacker would be in good shape no matter who was playing (due to coach Tibesar). However, that’s no longer where I’m at with the current situation. There are legitimate concerns going into the season due to a lack of FBS experience of every linebacker on the roster. None of the transfers really jump out as all-conference types, and losing Spriggs to the portal feels like a bigger deal at this point. There’s also just the reality that this group may need some time. Multiple players are being asked to adjust to FBS speed at once, and that usually doesn’t come together right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if it takes a few games before things start to settle in and linebacker play improves. Who are the newcomers? I don’t want to make it sound like there is no talent on the roster - because there is. Nunoo is a transfer from FIU who doesn’t seem to stand out in any one area, but should be able to adequately fill in at both linebacker spots. Jones is built more like a true MIKE and can come downhill in a hurry. He covers ground quickly sideline to sideline and shows a nice burst. In the game I watched, though, he had some issues in coverage as balls kept getting dropped in over him. So that’s clearly an area that needs to improve. Smith looks a bit undersized on film, but he moves well and, like Summers, just seems to find his way to the ball. He wasn’t on campus this spring, but with his JUCO degree already in hand, I’d expect him to arrive this summer. These three should take up the bulk of snaps early in the season. What about the returners? I’m still very high on the potential of Hocker, James, and Reeves. The question is when they’ll be ready to consistently contribute. The talent is clearly there, but it’s a matter of when it starts translating on a week-to-week basis at this level. Their time can’t come soon enough. One freshman: Curtis has been added to the mix, and like the three young linebackers just mentioned, also has plenty of upside and should be a good one down the road. Any other linebackers? As mentioned in the DL column, Duncan may now be playing linebacker. I haven’t seen any film of him at the position, nor did I see him in the spring, so I can’t really comment on what he’ll bring to the table just yet. My assumption is either the staff likes him enough and believes he can help us there, or the overall play at linebacker hasn’t quite been where it needs to be and Duncan is getting a look as a result. I’m hoping it’s the former. What’s next? Coach Moorhead said there are still three scholarships available so I wouldn't rule out another linebacker being added if the staff doesn’t feel great about things going into fall camp. Projected Depth Chart: MLB: Jones Hocker WLB: Nunoo Smith Returners: Hocker (R. So.) James (R. Fr.) Reeves (R. Fr.) In: Nunoo (R. Sr.) (Florida International) Jones (Jr.) (JUCO) Smith (Jr.) (JUCO) Curtis (Fr.) Out: Benenge = Albany Boswell = Texas Spriggs = Southern Miss Cooper = Graduation Summers = Graduation

Starting with the 2026 Spring Roster; I will update as I learn of recruits and transfers in or out. Goal Keepers Gavin Crain Brett Kaminski Lincoln McCarty Kael Taylor (Recruit) Defenders Idahir (Ricky) Deanda Freddy Kossehasse Logan LaMaina Nolan McGuire Johan N'Ganzadi Ndumbi Matthew Paiva Jamai Royer (transfer to Omaha University per IG) Kam Warnke Calan DeWalt (Recruit) Giannis Gazis (Recruit) Austin Thum (Recruit) MidFielders Joshua Bartels Matt Dreas Braxton Hayes Leo Morana Tyler Morck Thomas O’Rourke Jack Roman Londen Sears Jack Sullivan Noa Testa Cole Perez (Recruit) Forwards Remi Agunbiade Ignacio Alem Aiden Benitez Angel Lopez Martin Farrel Ngongang

I just locked in my seats the other day. I believe deposits were available the day after we won the MAC.

I always found it weird how Akron handles ticketing. For example, to me it would have made sense to start selling season tickets to mens basketball immediately after they won the MAC Tournament. Capitalize off the excitement. Perhaps some of those fans who went to the games in Cleveland had a memorable experience and would be open to season tickets with that excitement fresh in their minds. By the time it gets to July or August and tickets do go on sale people will be thinking of getting their kids ready for back to school and will be engulfed with football too much to care about basketball.

Wake Forest single game sales started today. One other thing. Do NOT buy tickets on the Akron side. The game will start in the early evening when the sun stays out longer. The seats are black and get sun all day. It is brutally hot on the visitors side. I sit in section 6. Even high up seats are a very good view. Edit: Further warning about the heat. If you look up a map of Wake parking options, there is a place called "Construction Zone" which traded large parts of the Blue and Orange lots for a mixed use development. This change has left fans with few options that include shade. It's going to be really hot on the asphalt parking lots. If you want any chance at shade and want to buy a parking pass, what's left of the Blue and Orange lots offer some shade. If you don't do well in the heat, go have dinner and drinks somewhere before going to the game. There is very little traffic so don't worry about spending a long time in traffic.

I am about as big of a soccer fan as there is, and my enthusiasm for the World Cup is modest, at best. I initially intended to go to several games in at least two different cities; now, I won't be attending any. Politics have ruined it for most people already. I think the residual enthusiasm for the program from the Elite 8 is more significant.

Hopefully, coming off the World Cup and the Zips Elite 8 run last year, there will be some decent crowds.