As kickoff to the 2026 regular season becomes days rather than months, the West Texas A&M football team shares the same excitement as any other college team in America. Even during the heat of the day, the air of optimism was thick within the WTAMU Practice Fields in Canyon.

The numbers are up, the feelings are high and the hype for the showdown with Western Colorado, slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27 at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, is real.

According to WT head coach Josh Lynn, a total of 147 players reported for fall camp. Compared to last season, the overall number is up from 143. Going into his fourth season, Lynn is seeking to build from an 8-4 record, a Heritage Bowl victory and solid offseason.

“We’ve had a great offseason, and we’ve been excited all throughout the offseason,” Lynn said. “Our guys have been ready to go since last Christmas. It’s a good feeling to get back on the field.”

Even though the Buffs bring in an entirely new crew, the foundation is there. A major part of the foundation is based on the defensive side of the ball, with standouts in senior defensive back Cam Manahan, junior defensive back Miles Hill, teammate Javin Cash and sophomore linebacker Lucas Jarnagin. 

“They’ve only gotten better,” Lynn said. “They all had a great spring, and are doing a great job of leading in the fall. I just think we’re more athletic, we’re bigger and a year older. All of that is such a good deal.”

All defenders registered solid numbers in 2025, with Hill compiling 101 total tackles and one interception, Jarnigan’s 63 tackles, Cash’s 52 tackles, and Manahan’s 37 tackles and two interceptions. 

Jarnagin, the Idalou native, was thrilled to be back in the maroon and white. His mission, along with several notable returners, has been bringing the new guys up to speed.

“It feels amazing,” Jarnagin said. “We’ve been working all offseason, all spring and all summer. It’s awesome to see the growth of this team from last year. We’ve really made sure to set a great standard for the new guys. It’s also great to see them adapt to the culture so quickly.”

The Buffs’ offense will have a new look this season, with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Kevin Bleil, who comes down to Canyon following a two-year stint with Pittsburg State. Bleil guided the Gorillas’ offense to average 357 yards with 223 of those yards coming through the air.

“(Bleil) is an unbelievable offensive mind,” Lynn said. “We’ll carry over some stuff from last year, and he’s brought over a couple of nice packages.”

For the WT offensive engine to get humming in a hurry, it starts with Lynn’s pride and joy — the offensive line. This season, the Buff trenches will be spearheaded by senior center Hunter Mastin and sophomore offensive lineman Paul Gurrola. 

WT also has some weaponry in the backfield, led by senior running back Contae Cason. Then, there’s sophomore wideout Trace Clarkson. Clarkson will look to follow up on a season where the Aledo product reeled in 17 passes for 122 yards. 

All of them drew praise from Lynn.

“Those are some guys who are going to do great things for us this year,” Lynn said.

Clarkson is glad to put on the helmet and the pads ahead of the upcoming campaign.

“I’m excited to be back with all of my brothers,” Clarkson said. “I missed half of last season, due to a surgery. I’m just super stoked to be back out here with everybody.” 

While sophomore quarterback Knox Porter is the proverbial favorite to marshal the offense, Lynn is keeping the race for QB1 wide open.

“We’ll see, because we have several other quarterbacks,” Lynn said. “(Porter) is in that, along with (junior transfer) Jayden Macedo, who we brought in. There’s also (sophomore) Colt Mercer, who’s done a nice job. So, we’ll see how that lands.”

Both Jarnigan and Clarkson know that there are some things to enhance, as fall practices fold into the dawn of the regular season.

“There’s always room for improvement, that’s what we’re going to work on during fall camp,” Clarkson said. “It’s learning all the plays. We have to get the plays down. Coach Bleil and (wide receivers coach Blake Crandall) tell us to ‘know your position’ and ‘you need to know everything in case you get thrown in and someone gets hurt.’ The playbook is pretty thick, but we’re ready to bust it all out.”

For Jarnagin and the WT defense, it’s all about the exchange of information.

“Communication on defense is going to be huge,” Jarnagin said. “We’re great. We have the talent. We have the speed. It just comes down to talking together and working well together.”

Overall, Lynn is liking what he sees from his team, from the physical attributes and the chemistry to the receptive mindset.

“I really like the togetherness of our team,” said Lynn. “I really like the athleticism with us. We’re fast, we’re long, and most importantly, we have a whole bunch of good dudes. They like to be coached and they get after that.”  

Photo gallery by Tyler Anderson: