Conference USA Football 2026: Key Storylines from Media Day for Iowa Fans
ARLINGTON, TX – Conference USA held its annual media days on July 20-21, and for Iowa football fans, the biggest takeaway is the league's growing stability and competitive fire. Commissioner Judy MacLeod and all 10 head coaches addressed a packed room, covering topics from NIL reform to playoff expansion and the rise of new programs. The message is clear: CUSA is positioning itself for a stronger, more predictable future.
Commissioner MacLeod Calls for Federal NIL Action
MacLeod led off by championing the Protect College Sports Act, a bill now on the Senate floor. The legislation would set new rules for NIL, create a one-time transfer policy, and limit head coaches from jumping jobs mid-season. MacLeod said the bill isn't perfect for CUSA but is desperately needed.
“The state law preemption. The agent regulation. Codifying transfer and eligibility regulations. The student-athlete protections in there,” MacLeod said. “We've got to have something in there, because this is just not working and it's not sustainable.”
For Iowa fans, this matters because CUSA is a key pipeline for talent and coaching. A more stable NIL landscape means less chaos for programs that could feed into the Hawkeyes' schedule or recruiting battles.
Playoff Expansion: A Cautious Approach
On College Football Playoff expansion, MacLeod was measured. CUSA and the MAC are the only FBS leagues never to make the CFP. But she wants more data before backing a larger field.
“We haven't settled on a number yet, and we don't believe we have all the facts and the intended and unintended consequences by changing the number,” she said. “What is important to us is our student-athletes have a chance to earn their way in by their performance on the field.”
Iowa fans know the value of a fair path to the playoffs. MacLeod's caution reflects a conservative, merit-based approach that resonates with many in the heartland.
Realignment: CUSA Happy at 10 Teams
For the first time since 2022, CUSA added no new members. But it lost Louisiana Tech and UTEP to other conferences. MacLeod expressed comfort with the current 10-team setup.
“People ask, 'Are you gonna stay at 10?' We're always going to explore,” she said. “But we're gonna do it in a very strategic way. We're very happy with the 10.”
Stability is a welcome change for a league that has seen constant turnover. For Iowa, a stable CUSA means more consistent competition and fewer surprises in non-conference matchups.
Delaware's Ryan Carty: Quarterback Nick Minicucci Poised for Growth
Delaware's first FBS season was a success at 7-6, capped by a bowl win. Quarterback Nick Minicucci, the Preseason CUSA Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 3,683 yards and 23 touchdowns. Coach Ryan Carty wants him to improve his processing speed.
“Can I get better at processing?” Carty said. “One more year in this offense, one more year with the people around him. The faster we can get from read to read to read, the less sacks we'll take, the less turnovers we'll have.”
Iowa fans will appreciate Carty's focus on discipline and fundamentals – traits that define Hawkeye football.
FIU's Willie Simmons: Building a Connected Team
FIU posted its first winning season since 2018 under Willie Simmons. He credited camaraderie over talent.
“I took over a team that had a lot of talent,” Simmons said. “But when I spoke to the team, they said it wasn't for a lack of talent. They felt they were a talented team but a disconnected team. Our main goal was getting connected.”
Simmons' emphasis on team unity is a lesson for any program, including Iowa's.
Jacksonville State's Charles Kelly: Replacing the Nation's Leading Rusher
Cam Cook led the FBS in rushing with 1,659 yards last season but transferred to West Virginia. Coach Charles Kelly is confident in his replacements.
“Cam Cook was a great player for us,” Kelly said. “But we've got a lot of good players in our program. You will never replace a Cam Cook, but I'm confident in the guys we have.”
Iowa's own running back room could take notes from Kelly's committee approach.
Kennesaw State's Jerry Mack: Defending the Crown
Kennesaw State won the CUSA title in 2025, rising from 2-10 to 10-4. But four of six All-Conference players transferred. Coach Jerry Mack retained star linebacker Baron Hopson, the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
“Relationships still matter,” Mack said. “These guys really gravitate toward those relationships they have with coaches. That is his home. That is his place.”
Mack's focus on loyalty over money is a conservative value that resonates with Iowa readers.
Liberty's Jamey Chadwell: Bouncing Back from a Losing Season
Liberty went 4-8 in 2025, its first losing season since joining FBS. Coach Jamey Chadwell blamed turnovers and penalties.
“Why weren't we as good as we needed to be?” Chadwell said. “We turned the ball over way more than we ever have and had a lot of penalties. We'll be better than we were last year.”
Chadwell's accountability is a trait Iowa fans admire.
Middle Tennessee's Derek Mason: A Rising Star at Quarterback
Roman Gagliano started the final three games for Middle Tennessee, throwing for 304 yards per game with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Coach Derek Mason is high on him.
“Roman Gagliano was my first recruit,” Mason said. “He's a talented young man, but he's still a young guy. When you have the guy who's going to touch the ball on every snap working the hardest, the chances of you being pretty good are probably high.”
Iowa fans love a good quarterback story, and Gagliano's rise is one to watch.
Missouri State's Casey Woods: Handling QB Competition
New Missouri State coach Casey Woods brings experience from SMU, where he managed a quarterback battle that led to a College Football Playoff berth. Now he's overseeing a camp battle between Skyler Locklear and Henry Belin IV.
“First and foremost, it's always all about the team,” Woods said. “One of them has got to run away with the job, and one of them has got to be prepared to play.”
Woods' team-first mentality aligns with Iowa's culture.
New Mexico State's Tony Sanchez: Retention Pays Off
New Mexico State kept six defensive starters and three offensive starters, a big jump in returning production. Coach Tony Sanchez credits increased investment.
“A year ago, the conversations were hard because we just did not have the ability to keep the talent,” Sanchez said. “Now this year, we have some chips, we can play some poker.”
Sanchez's emphasis on retention over constant turnover is a conservative approach that works.
Sam Houston's Phil Longo: Stability After Chaos
Sam Houston went from 10-3 to 2-10 in 2025, losing nearly every starter and playing home games 70 miles away. Coach Phil Longo is focused on stability in 2026.
“We went through all kinds of adversity last year,” Longo said. “It was the most bizarre and most challenging I've ever had. It was just about football this spring.”
Iowa fans can appreciate the value of a stable program.
WKU's Tyson Helton: A Revolving Door at OC
Western Kentucky has its seventh offensive coordinator in seven years. Coach Tyson Helton is proud of the pipeline.
“I think it's an attribute to Western Kentucky that so many coaches that were highly talented got opportunities to go to other places,” Helton said. “That's part of my job, to help them get where they want to go.”
Helton's focus on developing coaches is a model for any program.
What This Means for Iowa
While CUSA is far from Iowa City, the league's trends – NIL reform, playoff access, and coaching stability – affect the entire college football landscape. For Iowa fans, a stronger CUSA means better non-conference games, more competitive recruiting battles, and a healthier sport overall.
As the 2026 season approaches, keep an eye on these storylines. They could shape the future of college football in the heartland.