CUSA Insider

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.

The New Mexico State Aggies are ready to make their mark in 2026. With third-year head coach Tony Sanchez leading the way, the Aggies enter the new season looking to build on their foundation and compete at a high level in Conference USA. 

Josh Yonis sits down with MJ Newsom, the voice of the Aggies, to get the inside scoop on everything happening in Las Cruces heading into the 2026 college football season. We take a closer look at the biggest storylines surrounding the program, the key players to watch, and what fans can expect from New Mexico State this fall. 

Then, Sarah Rudolph sits down with New Mexico State head coach Tony Sanchez, wide receiver TK King, and defensive lineman Henry Davis III. They discuss team chemistry, leadership, player development, and what it will take for the Aggies to come together and compete at a high level in 2026. 

Whether you're a die-hard New Mexico State Aggies fan, a Conference USA football fan, or simply looking to get caught up on one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2026 season, this episode has something for everybody!

The Jax State Gamecocks are gearing up for their fourth season as a member of Conference USA. Head coach Charles Kelly and his team enter the 2026 season looking to build on the success of their 2025 campaign and make another push for the CUSA title.

In this Jax State Gamecocks football preview, Josh Yonis sits down with Mike Parris, the longtime voice of the Gamecocks, to get the inside scoop on everything happening in Jacksonville during fall camp. We take a closer look at the new faces joining the program, the key returners back for another season, and the biggest storylines surrounding Jax State heading into the 2026 college football season.

Then, Sarah Rudolph sits down with Jax State head coach Charles Kelly, quarterback Caden Creel, and safety Caleb Nix. They discuss team chemistry, building relationships, leadership, and what it will take for the Gamecocks to come together and compete at a high level in 2026.

Whether you're a die-hard Jax State Gamecocks fan, a Conference USA football fan, or simply looking to get caught up on one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2026 season, this episode has something for everyone!

The WKU Hilltoppers enter the 2026 college football season with ambitious aspirations. Coach Tyson Helton returns for his eighth season at the helm, looking to lead his team to the CUSA mountaintop.

Our WKU preview opens with an interview between Josh Yonis and Jeff Nations of the Bowling Green Daily News. Jeff gives us the inside scoop on everything happening at WKU’s fall camp. QB Rodney Tisdale Jr. headlines the returning talent on the Hilltoppers’ roster, but there are plenty of other talented players ready to make a name for themselves this fall.

The episode concludes with an interview in which our own Sarah Rudolph chats with head coach Tyson Helton, offensive lineman Karsten Upchurch, and safety Jaylen Lewis. The three provide excellent insight into the state of the WKU roster heading into the season.

If you’re ready for WKU football, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are entering year three under head coach Derek Mason, and expectations are building as MTSU prepares for another season of Conference USA football. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the 2026 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and everything fans need to know heading into the college football season. 

Josh Yonis kicks things off with Emmy Fazenbaker, a multimedia journalist at MTSU, to preview the Blue Raiders’ upcoming season. They break down the biggest storylines surrounding Middle Tennessee Football, key returning players, position battles, fall camp expectations, and the areas that could define the Blue Raiders’ 2026 campaign. 

Later, Sarah Rudolph sits down with Middle Tennessee head coach Derek Mason, quarterback Roman Gagliano, and punter Ashton Logan to discuss the team’s culture, offseason progress, expectations for year three under Mason, and the goals driving MTSU into the 2026 Conference USA football season. 

Whether you’re a Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders fan, a Conference USA football follower, or simply preparing for the 2026 college football season, this episode delivers expert analysis, exclusive interviews, player insight, and everything you need to know about Middle Tennessee Football heading into the fall.

The FIU Panthers enter the 2026 college football season with momentum after a 7-6 record in Head Coach Willie Simmons' first year leading the program. As FIU Football looks to build on its postseason success and compete in Conference USA, we break down everything you need to know heading into the season.

Josh Yonis opens the episode with Kevin Barral, host of the Paws Up Podcast, for an in-depth FIU football preview. They discuss the Panthers' biggest storylines, key returning players, position battles, expectations for fall camp, and what fans should watch as the season approaches.

Later, Sarah Rudolph sits down with FIU Head Coach Willie Simmons, quarterback JJ Kohl, and defensive back Shamir Sterlin to discuss the team's culture, offseason development, expectations for 2026, and the goals driving the Panthers into another Conference USA campaign.

Whether you're an FIU Panthers fan, a Conference USA football follower, or simply getting ready for the 2026 college football season, this episode delivers expert insight, exclusive interviews, and everything you need to know about FIU Football.

Today’s preview episode features the Fightin’ Blue Hens of Delaware. Coming off a 7-6 campaign in their first FBS season, Head Coach Ryan Carty and company are looking to keep the momentum rolling in 2026.

Our program opens with Josh Yonis’ conversation with Scott Klatzkin (the voice of the Blue Hens). Scott gives you the inside scoop on the biggest storylines for the Blue Hens as fall camp rolls on. 

To close out the show, Sarah Rudolph chats with Head Coach Ryan Carty, Quarterback Nick Minicucci and Defensive End Noah Matthews to learn more about the details of how this Delaware team operates and what their goals are headed into this season.

The 2026 Conference USA football season is almost here, and CUSA Insider has everything you need to know from CUSA Football Kickoff. Hosts Sarah Rudolph and Josh Yonis break down the biggest storylines heading into the new season, with insights from Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod and all 10 CUSA head coaches.

Plus, Josh sits down with College Football Playoff Executive Director Rich Clark for an exclusive interview covering the current landscape of college football, the future of the CFP, and how Conference USA fits into the evolving national picture.

Whether you're looking for the latest CUSA football news, team outlooks, or College Football Playoff discussion, this episode has you covered ahead of kickoff.