The start of the 2026 college football season is less than 70 days away, meaning that preview season remains in full swing here at FCS Football Central.We continue our FCS conference previews with a deep dive into the OVC, which will be one of the most intriguing conference races in the country after Tennessee Tech's departure to the SoCon. UT Martin, SEMO, and Gardner-Webb will look to reclaim the throne, while new contenders like Lindenwood and Western Illinois look to emerge as the new favorites in the conference.Returning players who played over 200 snaps last season were classified as returning significant contributors. An exception was made for starters who suffered season-ending injuries, who would have been major contributors if they were healthy. Snap count data was collected from Pro Football Focus.For more in-depth team breakdowns, make sure to check out our individual team previews that will be released throughout the summer leading up to the first game of the season in August.Below is a complete preview of the OVC ahead of the 2026 college football season, including key returners for each team and our official predicted order of finish with an analysis section that contains our overall thoughts about the conference.Note: All the data below is based on available spring/summer rosters, as of June 2026. There could be late roster changes due to eligibility waivers, players returning after hitting the portal, players missing on the roster, or a multitude of other factors.Charleston Southern2025 Record: 5-7 (4-4 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Gabe Giardina (4th season, 10-25)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 8Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 14Projected SOS: 69thKey Returners:Steve Zayachkowsky (LB): 109 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FRAnthony Paulk (CB): 33 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 7 PBUs, 2 FFsJayden Hancock (CB): 18 total tackles, 2 INTs, 8 PBUsMekhi Campfield (WR): 32 receptions, 418 receiving yards, 13.1 YPC, 1 receiving TDHakeem Watts (RB): 85 carries, 450 rushing yards, 5.3 YPC, 3 rushing TDsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (5)- DT (4)- EDGE (2)- LB (1)- CB (3)- S (4)Notable Offseason Additions:- KD Dorsey (Georgia Southern, WR)- Dylan Mullins (Liberty, S)- Joshua Modupe (Benedict, LB)- Dwayne Wright (Newberry, RB)- Jackson Moseley (Lenoir-Rhyne, TE)- Kordell Lewis (Glenville State, WR)- Brendan Rolle (Clark Atlanta, OL)- Kendrick Clark (Austin Peay, CB)Eastern Illinois2025 Record: 3-9 (2-6 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Chris Wilkerson (5th season, 16-30)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 8Projected SOS: 31stKey Returners:Ja'Wuan Nickson (LB): 95 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 FFs, 1 FRCharles Kellom (RB): 191 carries, 711 rushing yards, 3.7 YPC, 3 rushing TDsSaipeti Maiava Jr. (S): 60 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 1 FRKaleb Lyons (CB): 30 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 2 PBUsTrevon Piggee (DT): 26 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 FFProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (1)- TE (1)- OL (2)- DT (2)- EDGE (1)- LB (2)- CB (1)- S (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Jaden Jude (Nebraska-Kearney, WR)- Antonie De Lau (Delaware State, OL)- Nasir Maryland (Merrimack, DB)- Premiere Whitley (Prairie View A&M, DL)- Lonnie Burt (Portland State, LB)- Jeremiah Salem (Eastern Michigan, QB)- Cole Roberson (Jacksonville State, OL)- Adam Kaminski (Central Michigan, DL)- Dajon Doss (Arkansas-Monticello, LB)- Samuel Gonzalez (MidAmerica Nazarene, WR)- Mafileo Tupou (Adams State, LB)Gardner-Webb2025 Record: 7-5 (5-3 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Kris McCullough (1st season)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 5Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 5Projected SOS: 38thKey Returners:Cole Pennington (QB): 61% comp, 1,601 passing yards, 7 passing TDs, 5 INTs, 1 rushing TDCarson Gresock (RB): 120 carries, 798 rushing yards, 6.7 YPC, 14 rushing TDsCahari Haynes (LB): 78 total tackles, 11 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 FFJosiah Harris (S): 57 total tackles, 1 TFL, 5 INTs, 8 PBUsTrey Weems (EDGE): 28 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (1)- DT (0)- EDGE (1)- LB (1)- CB (0)- S (3)Notable Offseason Additions:- Jabari Edwards (West Florida, OL)- Tye Holsey (Delta State, DB)- Preston Hamilton (East Texas A&M, DT)- Tae'Shaun Johnson (Hampton, WR)- Montez Green (Morehead State, WR)- Renardo Lewis (Stetson, DT)- Graysen Riffe (Eastern Kentucky, OL)- Maika Finau (Lindenwood, DL)- Tre Yanez (UTPB, LB)- Jamarion Ravenell (UTPB, S)- Ty Sanders (Appalachian State, DB)- AJ Mebane (Appalachian State, DL)- Brian Green Jr. (Georgia Southern, WR)- Randy Young (Marshall, RB)Lindenwood2025 Record: 6-6 (5-3 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Jed Stugart (9th season, 44-39)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 8Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 9Projected SOS: 76thKey Returners:Jalen Smith (WR): 40 receptions, 771 receiving yards, 19.3 YPC, 4 receiving TDsJared Rhodes (RB): 129 carries, 620 rushing yards, 4.8 YPC, 7 rushing TDsSteve Hall (RB): 137 carries, 612 rushing yards, 4.5 YPC, 8 rushing TDsJacob Waller (LB): 89 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 FFSam Owens (CB): 40 total tackles, 1 INT, 6 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (2)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (4)- DT (3)- EDGE (2)- LB (2)- CB (1)- S (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Trent VanBoening (Penn, OL)- Jahiem Williams (South Dakota, DB)- King Smith (Eastern Illinois, DT)- Jed West (Campbell, QB)- Jalon Jones (Ball State, DB)- Aiden Howard (Miami (OH), OL)- Keshawn Lyons (Northern Illinois, CB)- Isaac Edwards (Missouri Southern, DB)SEMO2025 Record: 4-8 (3-5 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Tom Matukewicz (13th season, 66-68)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 12Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 8Projected SOS: 46thKey Returners:Johnny Weber (QB): 59% comp, 1,110 passing yards, 8 passing TDs, 5 INTsAdrian Patterson (CB): 39 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 7 PBUs, 2 FFsMcCoy Casey (EDGE): 48 total tackles, 8 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FR (2024 stats, missed 2025 with an injury)David Jones (CB): 28 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 5 PBUsCole Dutkovich (LB): 38 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 sacksProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (2)- WR (1)- TE (2)- OL (6)- DT (2)- EDGE (1)- LB (1)- CB (2)- S (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Chance Wilson (Montana State, QB)- John Anthony (Lindenwood, WR)- EJ Fisk (Utah State, CB)- Tyrell Reed (ULM, RB)- Clayton Leonard (Illinois, LB)- Josh Stone (Arkansas State, DB)- Terrelle Elmore (Eastern Michigan, LB)- Khyair Spain (Memphis, RB)- Delano Brown (UConn, DT)- Toby Moore (UNLV, OL)Tennessee State2025 Record: 2-10 (0-8 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Reggie Barlow (2nd season, 2-10)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 7Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 11Projected SOS: 83rdKey Returners:Byron Davis (CB): 37 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 10 PBUs, 1 FFSammy Taylor (LB): 51 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FFJaylon Price (EDGE): 25 total tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks, 3 PBUsZack Simmons-Brown (RB): 101 carries, 456 rushing yards, 4.5 YPC, 2 rushing TDsSyncere Safeeullah (S): 17 total tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 4 PBUs, 2 FRsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (3)- DT (2)- EDGE (2)- LB (2)- CB (2)- S (3)Notable Offseason Additions:- Daylin Lee (WSSU, QB)- Richard Garrett (Western Carolina, DE)- Dashawn Carter (Youngstown State, DL)- Lookman Balogun (Southern Utah, OL)- Donovan Thompson (Campbell, OL)- Jaden Holloway (Lincoln-MO, WR)- Justin Logan (Arkansas, LB)- Tre Berry (Minnesota, RB)- Carlos Orr-Gillespie (Utah State, WR)UT Martin2025 Record: 6-6 (6-2 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Jason Simpson (21st season, 130-98)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 3Projected SOS: 51stKey Returners:Chris Franklin (RB): 89 carries, 450 rushing yards, 5.1 YPC, 3 rushing TDsLaMarion Pierce (CB): 39 total tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 7 PBUsPhaizon Wilson (WR): 35 receptions, 450 receiving yards, 12.9 YPC, 1 receiving TDZamaryion Farmer-McCoy (S): 39 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 PBUs, 1 FFJoel Castleberry (S): 34 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (2)- WR (1)- TE (0)- OL (3)- DT (0)- EDGE (0)- LB (0)- CB (1)- S (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Anton Pierce (Arkansas, DB)- Jamarcus Smith (Illinois State, LB)- Louis English (VMI, DB)- Reggie Allen Jr. (Bryant, LB)- Jordan Allen (McNeese, EDGE)- Rasheen Duncan (Morgan State, DL)- Greg Ard (Boise State, RB)- Jamauri Brice (Georgia Tech, WR)- Gabriel Cepicky (Memphis, LB)- Travis Gray (New Mexico, OL)- Malik Brown (Bethel, EDGE)- Kaleb Washington (WSSU, WR)- Wendell Smith (Wayne State, CB)- Brylan Jordan (Bethel, LB)- Kennarius Chandler (Olivet Nazarene, EDGE)Western Illinois2025 Record: 4-8 (3-5 OVC-Big South)Head Coach: Joe Davis (3rd season, 8-16)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 8Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 6Projected SOS: 78thKey Returners:Cason Carswell (QB): 61% comp, 2,054 passing yards, 16 passing TDs, 3 INTs, 1 rushing TDChristian Anaya (WR): 44 receptions, 458 receiving yards, 10.4 YPC, 4 receiving TDsDon Paul Keith (CB): 35 total tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PBUsJalen Nicolas (EDGE): 21 total tackles, 5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBUAa'zoriyon Bonner (S): 39 total tackles, 6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 QBHsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (0)- WR (1)- TE (0)- OL (6)- DT (1)- EDGE (2)- LB (0)- CB (1)- S (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Christian Garrett (Delaware State, DB)- Kennedy McGill (Central Washington, QB)- Anthony Stribling (Seton Hall, LB)- Jouvenson Romulus (Wagner, DB)- Josh Robinson (Lamar, RB)- Ihson Jackson-Anderson (Wofford, RB)- Cidney Johnson (Merrimack, DL)- Devon Anderson (CCSU, LB)- Israel Hiraldo (Post, WR)- Chance Harrison (Colorado State, DB)- Nick Reinicke (Iowa State, LB)Projected Order of Finish1. UT Martin2. SEMO3. LindenwoodT4. Gardner-WebbT4. Western Illinois6. Charleston Southern7. Tennessee State8. Eastern IllinoisAnalysis:Zach McKinnell: In my opinion, this will be one of the most intriguing conference races in the country next season. There are at least five teams that I think have a realistic shot at winning at least a share of the conference, but I'm going to stick with UT Martin as my projected champion.No other team in this conference has shown the consistency and reached the heights that the Skyhawks have under head coach Jason Simpson. This program won a share of this conference in 4 consecutive seasons from 2021-24, plus finished 2nd last season despite it being a real rebuild year. I trust this staff brought in enough talent to reload, but I don't think it will be an easy path.SEMO and Lindenwood both have the talent to make a real run at the conference crown. The Redhawks have the most returning offensive talent in the OVC, along with a solid core of defensive contributors. I like the returning defensive talent for Lindenwood, but I think the question mark at quarterback is too big to trust them right now, especially without a proven leader to turn to in the QB room.As for Gardner-Webb, the foundation is there for a big season in Year 1 of the Kris McCullough era. If Pennington can take a real step forward at quarterback, the Runnin' Bulldogs can make some noise in 2026. I also think Charleston Southern could be an intriguing team if the offense can match the production of the defense, which has been this team's downfall the past two years.One of my bold predictions for 2026 is that Western Illinois emerges as a real threat to win the OVC. I love what the Leathernecks brought in from the portal, including WR Israel Hiraldo and LB Anthony Stribling. This staff has done an excellent job at building this roster from one of the worst in the FCS, but now it's time to show that it can translate to wins on the field.The real x-factor is quarterback, where this team could have two of the most talented signal-callers in the conference. Cason Carswell was the OVC-Big South Freshman of the Year, plus LSC Offensive Player of the Year Kennedy McGill transfers in from Central Washington. It's a crucial year for head coach Joe Davis, but if the defense can improve, this team has the talent to turn some heads.I also expect Tennessee State to have a much better team than a year ago. The Tigers finished winless in the conference last season, but head coach Reggie Barlow made big strides in improving the roster, which should pay off on the field. Eastern Illinois looks to rebound from back-to-back 3-9 seasons, but will need to be way more consistent on offense after an abysmal end to the 2025 season.Timothy Rosario: With Tennessee Tech's move to the SoCon, it leaves a real gap at the top of the league. Historically, UT Martin and SEMO have been the teams at the top, and are the easiest programs to trust. I think this is one of the conferences where we get a real surprise champion, with arguments to be made for several teams.I'm going to stick with UT Martin as my pick to win the conference, even though the Skyhawks will have to replace a ton of talent defensively. Regardless, I still trust head coach Jason Simpson to get this done. The Skyhawks improved dramatically as the season went on in 2025, and they don't have a juggernaut in their way this season.Lindenwood is my surprise dark horse pick to make a big push in the standings. They need to figure out who will be the starting quarterback, but the rest of the offense looks great on paper. This program has some of the best skill players in the conference, along with one of the most experienced offensive lines.SEMO only won 4 games last season, but if history tells us anything, the Redhawks are due for a bounce back in 2026. I'm curious about the quarterback situation with returning starter Johnny Weber, but they also brought in Montana State transfer Chance Wilson. The Redhawks also have one of the best returning players in the conference in McCoy Casey.Gardner-Webb has an excellent duo at quarterback and running back with Carson Gresock and Cole Pennington. The rest of the team has a ton of question marks, which leaves me uncertain about them. Charleston Southern will be tough defensively, Western Illinois has an intriguing transfer class coming in, and Tennessee State has progressively gotten much better under head coach Reggie Barlow.Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow