Champ Jackson's Mailbag: Remainder of 2025 Season & A Look Ahead to 2026

Welcome back to Champ Jackson’s mailbag! We’ve had a flood of fan questions come in, covering everything from the remainder of the 2025 season to realignment rumors and coaching changes. Let’s dive in and break it all down.

Question 1:

Who do you see winning the Sun Belt Championship this season?

It’s hard to look past Arkansas State right now. They’ve been a dominant force all season, and Jaylen Raynor is playing out of his mind. He’s been explosive through the air and on the ground, making them the team to beat. However, Coastal Carolina is never out of the mix, especially with their high-octane offense led by Ethan Vasko. If Coastal gets hot at the right time, they could surprise everyone. But right now, Arkansas State feels like the favorite.

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Question 2:

What’s going on with the rumors about Coach Joey potentially leaving Wyoming?

Ah, the Coach Joey rumors—definitely a hot topic! It’s not unusual to hear rumblings about a successful coach like Joey being courted by other schools. Word around the campfire is that Joey’s wife is eager to move to a location with more favorable weather, which has sparked the speculation. However, Coach Joey has built something special in Laramie. The team loves him, and the fans are incredibly loyal. If he does leave, it would be a massive shift for Wyoming football, but I’d say there’s still a good chance he stays and continues building on his success. It’s really going to come down to personal preference and where Joey and his family feel happiest.

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Question 3:

Are there any conference realignment rumors we should be aware of heading into 2026?

Absolutely! Conference realignment is the talk of the town these days. Two big Sun Belt schools, Texas State and Troy, have been making noise about potentially seeking new homes in C-USA or even the AAC. They’ve been looking for an opportunity to elevate their programs and expand their recruiting reach. If these moves come to fruition, it could shake up the Sun Belt entirely and have ripple effects across college football. There’s no solid confirmation yet, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Realignment rumors are far from over!

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Question 4:

What’s your take on the possible coaching carousel this offseason? I’ve heard Coach Khail at Troy could be on the move.

You’re spot on—coaching changes are always a big topic as we near the end of the season. Coach Khail has done an excellent job at Troy, especially after starting 0-2. There were whispers about him being on the hot seat early in the season, but he turned the team around. That said, he’s certainly drawn some attention from bigger programs. If the right opportunity arises, he may be tempted to make a jump. South Alabama’s Coach Mason is also under a bit of scrutiny. Although he’s had success on the field, the recruiting pipeline has dried up, which could indicate he’s planning to move on from Mobile in the near future. Realistically, we could be looking at a major coaching carousel in the Sun Belt and beyond.

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Question 5:

With all the changes and rumors floating around, where does Texas State fit in for 2026?

Texas State is in a precarious spot. While Coach Uncle Matt has been dealing with a tough season, there’s no denying that the Bobcats have made progress, even if the win-loss record doesn’t show it. They’ve lost multiple one-score games, and the fanbase is growing restless. However, if they can adapt and add some key recruits, there’s potential for a bounce-back season in 2026. Realignment could also play a role in Texas State’s future—if they manage to secure an invite to C-USA or the AAC, it could provide a new spark for the program.

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Question 6:

What do you think about the rumors surrounding potential conference shakeups? Are we about to see more movement?

Oh, absolutely. Conference shakeups have been one of the biggest storylines in college football, and it’s not slowing down. The AAC is always looking to bolster its lineup, and with Texas State and Troy potentially seeking new homes, I’d say we’re in for some exciting times ahead. Programs are constantly looking to position themselves better for recruiting, exposure, and postseason opportunities. Realignment is far from over, and the ripple effects will be fascinating to watch.

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Question 7:

We know the Heisman race is in full swing this year, but who do you think will surprise everyone in 2026 as a dark horse candidate?

Great question! Coastal Carolina’s Christian Washington is someone I’m keeping my eye on. If he can polish up his game and reduce some of those inconsistencies, he could emerge as a serious contender. His dual-threat ability is electric, and in Coastal’s offense, he’s always a threat to put up monster numbers.

Don’t forget about South Alabama’s Anthony Eager either. He’s another player who could break into the national spotlight if he continues to evolve. His explosiveness in the open field makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season.

And here’s a wild card for you: UNT’s Landon Sides. He’s not getting a ton of Heisman buzz yet, but his ability to make big plays in clutch moments is second to none. If the right system is in place, he could be a dark horse worth watching next season.

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Question 8:

What’s the deal with Coach Mason at South Alabama? Is he planning for the future in Mobile, or is something else going on?

This is a tricky one. Coach Mason has had a lot of on-field success, but the lack of recruiting activity in Mobile has raised some red flags. It’s almost as if Coach Mason isn’t building for the long term. There’s speculation that he could be looking at other opportunities, which would explain the drop-off in recruiting. That said, as long as he continues to win games, the Jaguars will stay relevant. The big question is whether he’s committed to South Alabama long-term or if he’s got his sights set on a different program.

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Question 9:

What should we expect from Wyoming going forward if Coach Joey stays?

If Coach Joey stays in Laramie, expect Wyoming to keep trending upward. He’s built a great culture there, and the team is in a good place. Wyoming has always had the underdog mentality, and Coach Joey embodies that perfectly. If he sticks around, expect the Cowboys to be competitive in the Mountain West year after year. The biggest challenge for them will be keeping talent in Laramie and continuing to build depth in recruiting. But under Coach Joey, Wyoming will always be a tough out for any opponent.

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Question 10:

What’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to in 2026, Champ?

Man, there’s so much to be excited about for 2026, but if I had to pick one thing, it’s watching the new wave of talent take over the sport. We’ve got guys like Santi Melendez, Tyler King, and Zach Evans who are poised to make a huge impact. And with all the coaching rumors, realignment, and potential playoff expansion, the landscape of college football is changing rapidly. It’s going to be wild to see who steps up and who falters. I’m ready for the chaos!

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And there you have it! As we head toward the 2026 season, there’s no shortage of excitement, rumors, and intrigue around college football. Keep sending your questions in, and I’ll be back to answer more of them as we get closer to the offseason!