Look Ahead Opponent Preview: Western Kentucky
For this look ahead preview, we zone in on Western Kentucky!
We have been rolling through the look ahead opponent previews. Now we turn our attention to the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. MTSU’s homecoming game is against the Toppers. For the preview of the tops, we reached out to Steven Moffett of the Topper Talk Podcast.
Here is the conversation:
1. Projected starters on offense and defense?
QB Rodney Tisdale
RB Ajay Allen
WR KD Hutchinson
WR Zion Taylor
WR Nigel Johnson
TE CC Ezerim
C Alec Johnson
RG Roq Montgomery
LG Nonso Omezi
RT Karsten Upchurch
LT Tai Ray
DE Venson Sneed
DT Sekou Peters
DT Kiawan Murphy
JACK Trevion Thompson
WLB Garrison Madden
MLB Jordan Donald
CB Braxton Myers
CB Tony Newsome
STAR Christian White
FS Dave Herard
SS Jaylen Lewis
K Michael Buck
P Jackson Smith
2. A few players to watch on both sides of the ball? Standouts on O and D?
Year 2 of QB Rodney Tisdale
WR Zion Taylor
RB Ajay Allen - standout
LB Garrison Madden
SAF Christian White
SAF Jaylen Lewis - Standout
3. Strong suits of the team? Weaknesses and vulnerabilities?
Passing game will be a strength. Lots of WR weapons.
Secondary is a strength. Lots of experience.
DL is a vulnerability. Lots of new and unproven pieces. Run D has been a WEAKNESS
4. Breakout freshmen? Which freshmen are poised to make some noise this season?
If RB LeKamren Meadows can play himself onto the field, he may be a breakout player similar to Marvis Parrish last year, But he is behind a couple of upperclassmen to begin fall camp (Ajay Allen & Kalib Hicks)
5. Veteran players poised for a breakout season?
RB Ajay Allen - former 5* recruit. Could garner big carries & production as RB1
WR Nigel Johnson - 555 yards in 3 seasons, could/should surpass that in one year here
LB Garrison Madden - primarily special teams at USC - should be an impact LB here
CB Tony Newsome - BALL HAWK. Production. Moving up & will get chances to make plays
6. If you were setting the O/U for wins for WKU, what would you set it as? How many victories do you see for WKU?
7.5
The opener vs Nevada is the hinge game imo. Gotta win it to be 2-2 OOC, and then go 6-2 or 7-1 in CUSA play. I’d go with 8 victories.
7. What kind of recruiting class did WKU assemble last class? Did they go heavy on HS kids, or heavy in the portal?
Solid portal class. A little heavier on HS kids than normal, but still mainly portal for needed talent. Lots of quality talent stashed as true freshmen though.
8. What is the mood of the WKU fanbase? Thoughts on the coach? What are the expectations for wins in 2026?
The fan base feels pretty split depending on the result of the most recent games. A lot of people are very aware of the consistent success that Helton brings to the program. But we also haven’t broken thru for a CUSA title in a decade now. That needs to change. Helton does a lot of magic in portal replenishing lost talent & does the same with coaching staff hires. I’d love to see us go 2-2, 7-1; make a championship game appearance and finally win one, while hosting.
9. Where in the conference does WKU stack up, IYO? Where do you expect them to finish?
I think WKU is in the top tier with Jax State.
Liberty, Kennesaw, & Delaware are directly behind and will challenge for a title game appearance.
FIU, Mo State, & NMSU behind them.
MTSU & SHSU behind them.
I expect WKU to finish top 2 and make a championship game appearance.
10. Players WKU can not afford to get injured? Who are key guys that can’t get hurt?
WKU DBs Jaylen Lewis, Dave Herard, Christian White, & Tony Newsome. As the strength of our defense, it get A lot younger behind them on the depth chart. Our passing defense should be a strength if we stay healthy. If not, experience will be lacking and tested.