Head coach: Charles Hammon (32-26 in five seasons here; 54-74 overall)
Returning starters: 2 offensive; 7 defensive
Key players: DT Luis Medina (6-1, 290); LB Jacoby Cottrell (6-1, 185); DB Dylan Woody (6-1, 200); DB Jamarious Mosteller (6-1, 170); RB Lashaun Lester (5-10, 210); OL Dez Jones (6-1, 250); QB Cash Allen (6-4, 190).
Team strengths: The defense could be coach Hammon’s best, led by FBS recruit Medina up front, a strong linebacking corps featuring Cottrell and ball-hawking DBs Woody and Mosteller.
Team concerns: The offensive side lost nine starters, including four senior starting linemen, as well as the transfer of Power Five conference running back recruit E.J. Lackey to Rome. Several players will be counted on to start both ways for the first time.