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Nevada’s defense and run game look solid, but QB play and new receivers must step up to turn a favorable 2026 schedule into real progress.
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The quarterback room must get better production. As a whole, the quarterbacks accounted for 10 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for the worst ratio in the country. UCLA transfer Luke Duncan and returner Carter Jones are battling it out. Jones was forced into action as a true freshman and ended the season strong.
The running back room returns some experience in Herschel Turner, Dominic Kelly, and Ky Woods. Turner averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season and Kelly is a power back. Redshirt freshman Carter Johnson should also see carries. Junior College transfer Janerious Jackson is one to watch.
The wide receiver room will need transfers to emerge. Marshaun Brown has the most returning production with 16 receptions. The additions of Jaceon Doss (Towson), Damien Morgan (Idaho State), Gary Givens III (Northern Illinois), and Donnie Cheers (Southeast Missouri State) will all see major opportunities in this offense.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Zach Cochnauer (All-MWC), Jack Foster, Snoop Leota-Amaama, Tyler Miller, and Henry Sellards. The additions of Jose Balver-Mendoza (Montana), Jacob Norcross (Memphis), and Ethan Newman (Memphis) are massive. Both Norcross and Newman will start.
The defensive line room returns one of the best in the Mountain West in Dylan LaBarbera (All-MWC, 17 tackles for loss). He is a future pro. Logologo Va’a, David Paine Jr., Tanner Vaughan, and Myles Williams also have experience. The additions of James Gillespie (Sacramento State), Brandon Amaniampong (Indiana State), and Chris Kalu (D2 Western New Mexico) will help this unit.
The linebacker room returns EJ Smith, who was off to a great start before an injury derailed his season. The additions of Jeremy Naborne-Owens (Colorado State), Poasa Utu (Oklahoma State), and Alosio Maluia (JUCO) are massive. Naborne-Owens was productive for the Rams last season.
The secondary returns some experience in Aiden Walker, Bryson Snelling, and Bishop Turner. The additions of Selman Bridges (Arkansas), Zion Jones (Eastern Washington), Joshua Scott (Eastern Michigan), Jaylen Webb (Boise State), and Larry Turner-Gooden (San Jose State) will all play significant roles.
Kicker Joe McFadden returns. He has been very consistent throughout his career and can hit from 50 yards. The punting duties should belong to Aussie freshman Ewan Baulch.
Nevada will need the passing attack to improve if any progress will be made. Jeff Choate is a straight shooter and a guy you cheer for in the coaching ranks. There are games to be had on this schedule, but a jump is needed in multiple areas.
