The start of the 2026 FCS football season is under 60 days away, which means that preview season continues here at FCS Football Central.We continue our FCS conference previews with a deep dive into the CAA, which will have a completely new look after losing a handful of top contenders in the latest round of realignment. Rhode Island has a chance to establish itself as the new face of the conference as the Rams aim to win at least a share of their 3rd consecutive conference title.There are a ton of new hungry challengers that appear to be primed for big seasons, all aiming to break into the top tier of the conference. New Hampshire, Elon, and Monmouth have all been playoff contenders in the past 5-6 seasons, but teams like Towson, Stony Brook, Campbell, Maine, and Sacred Heart have their sights set on making a push for the conference title.Returning players who played over 200 snaps last season were labeled as returning significant contributors. An exception was made for players who suffered season-ending injuries, who would have been starters or 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.Below is a complete preview of the CAA 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 on the conference race.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, returning after entering the portal, players not being listed on rosters, or a multitude of other factors.UAlbany2025 Record: 2-10 (1-7 CAA)Head Coach: Tom Perkovich (1st season)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 4Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 4Projected SOS: 68thKey Returners:Dillon Dunathan (LB): 71 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1 sackTroy Berschwinger (LB): 51 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 FRJackson Nixon (OL): 773 snaps played, 4 sacks allowed, 26 QB pressures allowedEmmitt Harris (OL): 761 snaps played, 5 sacks allowed, 36 QB pressures allowedTavahri Groves (WR): 18 receptions, 272 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (0)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (2)- DT (0)- EDGE (1)- LB (2)- S (0)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Daniel Growney (Susquehanna, WR)- Steven Rose Jr. (Gardner-Webb, S)- Matthew Iuvara (West Chester, WR)- Kai Colon (Princeton, QB)- Rahshan La Mons (Susquehanna, RB)- Dana Johnson Jr. (Monmouth, DB)- Romero Lavalais Jr. (Susquehanna, DB)- Kion Wright (Delaware, DL)- Sidoine Djimbou (Stonehill, S)- Devan Taylor (Wagner, OL)- Rich Benenge (Akron, LB)- Jamari Young (Gardner-Webb, LB)- Luke McAuliffe (Monmouth, WR)Bryant2025 Record: 3-9 (1-7 CAA)Head Coach: Chris Merritt (8th season, 28-45)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 6Projected SOS: 84thKey Returners:Brennan Myer (QB): 57% comp, 1,193 passing yards, 7 passing TDs, 7 INTs, 2 rushing TDs (5 games)Jalen Johnson (CB): 19 total tackles, 4 PBUs, 15 receptions allowed, 3 TDs allowedGideon Bedada (EDGE): 18 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacksAidan Smith (OL): 668 snaps played, 2 sacks allowed, 20 QB pressures allowedWyatt Whalen (OL): 659 snaps played, 2 sacks allowed, 10 QB pressures allowedProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (2)- RB (0)- WR (0)- TE (1)- OL (3)- DT (1)- EDGE (2)- LB (0)- S (2)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- O'Shawn Ross (Long Island, RB)- Duke Bradley (Harvard, S)- D.J. Estes (North Carolina Central, DB)- Amare Townsend (SEMO, S)- JR Wilson Jr. (FAU, WR)- Jaden Roper (Georgia State, DT)- Elijah Oehlke (Wake Forest, QB)- Noah Braham (West Virginia, TE)- Jose Leon (Appalachian State, WR)- Jack Funke (Boston College, OL)- Kendrick Agenor (California (PA), RB)Campbell2025 Record: 2-10 (2-6 CAA)Head Coach: Braxton Harris (3rd season, 5-19)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 9Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 9Projected SOS: 57thKey Returners:Kamden Sixkiller (QB): 62.7% comp, 2,102 passing yards, 12 passing TDs, 5 INTs, 206 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDsDaVonyae Pettis (EDGE): 25 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 FFs, 7 QBHs, 3 PBUsKameron Durant (OL): 828 snaps played, 2 sacks allowed, 8 QB pressures allowedMason Merriwether (OL): 796 snaps played, 0 sacks allowed, 9 QB pressures allowedEvan Spivey (S): 25 total tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUs, 11 receptions allowed, 3 TDs allowedProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (2)- WR (3)- TE (0)- OL (4)- DT (4)- EDGE (3)- LB (1)- S (1)- CB (0)Notable Offseason Additions:- Charles Battaglia (Stonehill, LB)- Keynan Richardson-Cook (Georgetown, WR)- Jake Clemmons (Elon, OL)- Jon Gullette (Mars Hill, RB)- Jyron Waiters (East Carolina, WR)- Gavin Harris (Bowling Green, CB)- Evan Austin (Charlotte, WR)- O'Marion Lewis (East Carolina, DB)- Kareem Williams (Coastal Carolina, S)- Zach Lawrence (UMass, QB)Elon2025 Record: 6-6 (4-4 CAA)Head Coach: Tony Trisciani (8th season, 38-37)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 10Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 8Projected SOS: 89thKey Returners:Tony Hart III (S): 82 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 INTs, 4 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FRBrodie Carroll (LB): 104 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 FFsJimmyll Williams (RB): 104 carries, 673 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 143 receiving yardsLandyn Backey (WR): 26 receptions, 457 receiving yards, 17.6 YPC, 4 receiving TDsMichael Muldrow Jr. (OL): 677 snaps played, 4 sacks allowed, 20 QB pressures allowedProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (1)- WR (4)- TE (1)- OL (4)- DT (2)- EDGE (1)- LB (1)- S (2)- CB (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Brady Stober (Samford, QB)- Derek Hite (VMI, LB)- Nick Jones (Hampton, DB)- Gabe Navarro (North Carolina A&T, OL)- Remington Moss (Wisconsin, S)- Deshawn Leonard (Arkansas-Monticello, OL)- Trey Woods (Robert Morris, DE)Hampton2025 Record: 2-10 (0-8 CAA)Head Coach: Van Malone (1st season)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 10Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 9Projected SOS: 95thKey Returners:Cam Sturdifen (S): 68 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 4 PBUs, 2 FFsKorede Sogbesan (EDGE): 61 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 FRMarcellus Nash (EDGE): 46 total tackles, 6 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FRMarShawn Ferguson Jr. (WR): 27 receptions, 270 receiving yards, 10.0 YPC, 1 receiving TDGracen Goldsmith (RB): 79 carries, 323 rushing yards, 4.1 YPC, 6 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TDProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (2)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (6)- DT (3)- EDGE (4)- LB (0)- S (1)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Jalen Woods (Southern, QB)- Dedrick Borden (Alcorn State, TE)- Javen Johnson (Coastal Carolina, DT)- Jabari Henry (West Virginia State, DE)- Caimon Mathis (UTPB, CB)- Brandon Parnell Jr. (Miles, DB)- Iman Davis (Albany State, LB)Maine2025 Record: 6-6 (5-3 CAA)Head Coach: Jordan Stevens (5th season, 15-31)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 10Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 9Projected SOS: 43rdKey Returners:Rashawn Marshall (RB): 128 carries, 684 rushing yards, 5.3 YPC, 4 rushing TDs, 147 receiving yards, 1 receiving TDChris Bacon (EDGE): 35 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FRJamaree Gibson (CB): 34 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FR, 5 PBUsTa'kai Chisolm (EDGE): 30 total tackles, 5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FFBrayden Isaiah (CB): 30 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 5 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (1)- WR (3)- TE (1)- OL (5)- DT (1)- EDGE (2)- LB (2)- S (2)- CB (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Derek Berlitz (CCSU, DT)- Malik McNeeley (VMI, WR)- Erv Wiggins (UAlbany, CB)- Jeremiah Harris (Saint Francis, DB)- Keyon Concepcion (Concord, WR)- Ismael Taylor (Army, CB)- Ronalon Renwick (Air Force, DB)- Alex Nash-Lally (Delaware, S)Monmouth2025 Record: 9-3 (6-2 CAA)Head Coach: Jeff Gallo (1st season)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 9Projected SOS: 74thKey Returners:Tra Neal (WR): 29 receptions, 427 receiving yards, 14.7 YPC, 7 receiving TDsGavin Nelson (WR): 30 receptions, 514 receiving yards, 17.1 YPC, 6 receiving TDsJaeden Jones (S): 118 total tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, 4 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FRHunter Watson (EDGE): 29 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 FRChris Palmer Jr. (CB): 24 total tackles, 6 PBUs, 1 FR, 17 receptions allowed, 0 TDs allowedProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (1)- OL (1)- DT (3)- EDGE (1)- LB (3)- S (1)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Reed Collins (Lafayette, OL)- Amir Haskett (Richmond, DB)- Jake Davis (Penn, DL)- Caleb Newsome (Lafayette, WR)- Naz Treadwell (Holy Cross, RB)- Hugo Gil (Charleston Southern, DL)- Hasson Manning Jr. (Delaware, S)- Jahide Lesaine Jr. (Syracuse, LB)- Omar Ibrahim (Temple, CB)- Donovan Dyson (UMass, LB)New Hampshire2025 Record: 8-5 (6-2 CAA)Head Coach: Sean Goldrich (1st season)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 8Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 8Projected SOS: 75thKey Returners:Darren Burton II (CB): 39 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FRTrevor Barry (LB): 78 total tackles, 1 TFL, 42 solo tacklesSean Webb (CB): 20 total tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 8 PBUs, 13 receptions allowed, 1 TD allowedMyles Thomason (RB): 193 carries, 736 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDsLuke Rogers (OL): 860 snaps played, 0 sacks allowed, 9 QB pressures allowedProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (0)- RB (2)- WR (2)- TE (1)- OL (3)- DT (1)- EDGE (0)- LB (2)- S (2)- CB (3)Notable Offseason Additions:- Ryan Ricketti (Valparaiso, WR)- Rashaud Pernell (Virginia Union, EDGE)- Da'Quan Gonzales (Yale, CB)- Elijah Tarlton (Towson, EDGE)- Nijah Richards (Idaho State, CB)- Joquez Smith (Temple, RB)- Phillip Harris (James Madison, S)- Ja'Carree Kelly (Delaware, WR)- Micah Wing (Ball State, LB)- Austin Troyer (Delaware, QB)- Fatim Diggs (Syracuse, LB)- Nyair Domnie (Delaware, DB)North Carolina A&T2025 Record: 2-10 (2-6 CAA)Head Coach: Shawn Gibbs (2nd season, 2-10)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 9Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 6Projected SOS: 90thKey Returners:Jayvonne Dillard (WR): 43 receptions, 539 receiving yards, 12.5 YPC, 2 receiving TDsJonathan Kimbrough-Campbell (S): 67 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 2 PBUs, 1 FFElijah Kennedy (WR/RS): 25 receptions, 305 receiving yards, 705 kick return yards, 1 KR TD, 294 punt return yards, 2 PR TDsAmonte Jones (WR): 28 receptions, 408 receiving yards, 14.6 YPC, 1 receiving TDCameren Dalrymple (LB): 52 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBUProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (4)- TE (1)- OL (2)- DT (0)- EDGE (1)- LB (2)- S (2)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Andre Oben (Monmouth, OL)- Christopher Williams (South Carolina State, OL)- Amondi James (Saint Francis, DE)- Chance Pickard (Morgan State, DE)- Ahmarion McLeod (Elon, OL)- Donovan Frederick (Campbell, LB)- Nebanye Moore (Charleston Southern, TE)- Desmond Jackson (Coastal Carolina, OL)- Qae'Shon Sapp (FAU, OL)- Cardicus Stanley (Johnson C. Smith, DT)- Dray Duncan (Fort Valley State, DB)- KJ Spence (Fort Valley State, S)- Kartrell Townsend (Arkansas-Monticello, DB)Rhode Island2025 Record: 11-3 (8-0 CAA)Head Coach: Jim Fleming (13th season, 59-73)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 11Projected SOS: 67thKey Returners:Devin Farrell (QB): 65% comp, 3,745 passing yards, 24 passing TDs, 8 INTs, 3 rushing TDsMarquis Buchanan (WR): 78 receptions, 1,337 receiving yards, 17.1 YPC, 8 receiving TDsRohan Davy (LB): 101 total tackles, 13 TFLs, 7 sacks, 1 FRMoses Meus (LB): 110 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FFsTrey Lubin (CB): 40 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT, 8 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (0)- OL (2)- DT (3)- EDGE (1)- LB (3)- S (2)- CB (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Tyson Grimm (Dartmouth, DB)- Marvin Landy (Jackson State, TE)- Dane Picariello (Colgate, OLB)- Drew Cormier (Bucknell, S)- Toddrick Brewton (FIU, DL)- Jack Scala (Old Dominion, OL)- CJ Hawkins (Stanford, TE)- Jayden Bass (UConn, OL)- Oumar Conde (Central Michigan, DL)- Jadon Ladontant (Boston College, OL)- Felix Doege (Appalachian State, OL)- Sean Byrd (Grand Valley State, WR)Sacred Heart2025 Record: 8-4 (Played as FCS Independent in 2025)Head Coach: Mark Nofri (15th season, 82-72)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 8Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 13Projected SOS: 79thKey Returners:Jack Snyder (QB): 71% comp, 1,867 passing yards, 11 passing TDs, 3 INTs, 553 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDsMitchell Summers (RB): 197 carries, 1,061 rushing yards, 5.4 YPC, 12 rushing TDsDaimon Jacobs (S): 41 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 INT, 2 PBUsKenny Selby (CB): 36 total tackles, 10 PBUsJason Palmieri (WR): 34 receptions, 354 receiving yards, 10.4 YPC, 4 receiving TDsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (2)- TE (3)- OL (1)- DT (1)- EDGE (2)- LB (3)- S (4)- CB (3)Notable Offseason Additions:- Jaylon Herbert (Stonehill, DB)- Jeremiah Lewis (Cornell, DB)- Chris Williams (Stonehill, LB)- Janier Armstead (South Alabama, DL)Stony Brook2025 Record: 6-6 (4-4 CAA)Head Coach: Billy Cosh (3rd season, 14-10)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 4Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 7Projected SOS: 87thKey Returners:Quinn Boyd (QB): 66% comp, 1,457 passing yards, 8 passing TDs, 0 INTs, 2 rushing TDs (8 games)Anthony Ferrelli (LB): 109 total tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 1 FFAJ Roberts (LB): 50 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 1 FFMiles McGoy (CB): 30 total tackles, 1 TFL, 8 PBUs, 2 FRsJoseph Garcia (S): 32 total tackles, 4 INTs, 5 PBUsProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (0)- WR (0)- TE (0)- OL (3)- DT (1)- EDGE (0)- LB (2)- S (2)- CB (2)Notable Offseason Additions:- Reggie Darkah (CCSU, DL)- Ryan Barnett (ETSU, DB)- Lance Byndon (Morgan State, EDGE)- Connor Van Tassell (Saint Francis, OL)- Geno Calgaro (Saint Francis, LB)- DJ Linkins (Tennessee Tech, WR)- CJ Hester (UMass, RB)- Jeremiah Coney (Virginia Tech, RB)- Abraham Clinkscales (Albany State, DL)Towson2025 Record: 6-6 (4-4 CAA)Head Coach: Pete Shinnick (4th season, 18-17)Returning Significant Contributors (OFF): 6Returning Significant Contributors (DEF): 4Projected SOS: 55thKey Returners:Andrew Indorf (QB): 60% comp, 2,344 passing yards, 16 passing TDs, 4 INTsKemarrion Battle (RB): 81 carries, 374 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 138 receiving yards, 1 receiving TDKJ Brooks (OL): 677 snaps played, 2 sacks allowed, 16 QB pressures allowedZakaa Brown (CB): 21 tackles, 1 INT, 4 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FRProjected Returning Significant Contributors:- QB (1)- RB (1)- WR (0)- TE (1)- OL (3)- DT (1)- EDGE (1)- LB (1)- S (0)- CB (1)Notable Offseason Additions:- Eddie Jackson III (Furman, DB)- Seth Hampton (North Alabama, LB)- Xavier Pugh (Wingate, RB)- Destin Simmons (Holy Cross, DL)- Tristen Kenan (Gannon, RB)- Will Ennis (Shepherd, DB)- Jaydyn Johnson (Marshall, LB)- Josh Gaffney (UAlbany, OL)- Ashton Booker (Holy Cross, OL)- Jerald James (James Madison, DL)- Aidan Johnson (Ohio, OL)- Marquis Cooper (Buffalo, DB)- RJ Adams (New Mexico, OL)Projected Order Of Finish1. Rhode Island2. Stony Brook3. Elon4. New HampshireT5. MonmouthT5. Sacred Heart7. TowsonT8. CampbellT8. Maine10. Bryant11. North Carolina A&TT12. HamptonT12. UAlbanyAnalysisZach McKinnell: This is an extremely important year for the CAA, which needs a handful of teams to elevate and become relevant on the national stage. It feels like this is Rhode Island's conference to lose, especially with multiple returning All-Americans, including quarterback Devin Farrell. The Rams have expectations to make a real run at the semifinals, but the much bigger question is who will be the team to push them in conference play?My mind immediately shifts to Stony Brook as a team with all the pieces to compete near the top of the conference. It starts with returning starter Quinn Boyd, who was spectacular at the end of last season, but it really comes down to how this defense can be more consistent. With seven returning contributors, along with a loaded portal class, I think this defense is better equipped to compete against the top teams in the CAA.Elon, New Hampshire, and Monmouth are some of the other teams I would keep an eye on in this race. I like what Elon has coming back at the skill positions and on the defensive side of the ball, but there is a massive question mark at quarterback that needs to be addressed. The first-year head coaches at Monmouth and New Hampshire face big expectations, but both of these teams have the talent to be near the top of the CAA in 2026.It feels like Sacred Heart is being a bit overlooked as the conference's newest member. This team won 8 games as an FCS Independent last season, plus returns 13 significant contributors from a solid defensive unit. Add that to quarterback Jack Snyder and Freshman All-American running back Mitchell Summers on the other side of the ball, the Pioneers could make a splash in Year 1.Towson, Campbell, and Bryant feel like boom-or-bust teams, which could be dark horse threats, but need to address some major questions somewhere on their rosters. The Tigers should be solid offensively behind Andrew Indorf, but there are a lot of new faces defensively. Campbell and Bryant also have returners at quarterback, and return a ton of talent, but we haven't seen these teams be able to deliver on the hype. It's a "Prove It" year for both of these programs on the field.The rest of the conference is still in rebuild mode, especially UAlbany and Hampton, which both have new head coaches in 2026. North Carolina A&T should be improved, but there is still a long road ahead for head coach Shawn Gibbs before the Aggies are ready to challenge the top of the conference.Timothy Rosario: Rhode Island is the clear favorite in the CAA next season. With the departures to the Patriot League, it would be quite shocking if the Rams didn't find a way to take home the conference crown. The bigger question is how deep this team can go in the postseason? The expectations should be semifinals, but we'll have to see if the defense can support this high-flying offense.Stony Brook is at the top of the next tier behind Rhode Island. I'm extremely excited to see Quinn Boyd take the full-time starting job and I always trust a Billy Cosh offense. I think the biggest difference in this team will be the defense, especially the impact transfers added across the front seven.Elon, New Hampshire, Monmouth, Towson, Sacred Heart, and Maine make up what I'd view as the next tier of this conference. These teams all have a decent amount of returning contributors compared to what we've seen across the FCS, but these programs have really struggled to find consistency.Don't sleep on Sacred Heart, which is the newest team in the CAA, that won eight games a season ago, plus is set to bring back its starting quarterback and running back. In the next tier, I like what Campbell and Bryant have coming back. I think these two teams could be potential dark horses to shake up the conference race.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