Football September 01, 2026 CUSA Insider: Kennesaw State Owls 2026 Football Season Preview The Kennesaw State Owls enter the 2026 college football season as the reigning Conference USA champions, looking to build on one of the biggest turnarounds in the country and prove they can remain at the top of CUSA. Josh Yonis is joined by former Owls offensive lineman and current KSU Owls Network analyst Brandon Sutton for an in-depth look at Jerry Mack’s squad heading into the new season. They break down the culture that helped transform Kennesaw State into a conference champion, the experience returning on defense, CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Baron Hopson, and what quarterback Rickie Collins can bring to the Owls offense in 2026. The conversation also dives into Kennesaw State’s offensive line, new faces in the backfield, the mentality behind the Owls’ “Hit Everything That Moves” defense, and the challenge of defending a championship with a target now firmly on their backs. Then, Sarah Rudolph sits down with Kennesaw State head coach Jerry Mack, linebacker Baron Hopson and offensive lineman Nikola Milovac at the 2026 Conference USA Football Kickoff. They discuss the lessons learned from last season’s CUSA Championship run, the program’s goals for 2026, leadership, team chemistry and what it will take for the Owls to become a consistent contender in Conference USA. Can Kennesaw State go back-to-back and defend its CUSA crown? Get an inside look at the Owls before the 2026 season kicks off on CUSA Insider, the official podcast of Conference USA.
