FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State football returned to the practice field this week to begin preparations for the 2026 season, carrying momentum from one of the most successful campaigns in program history while emphasizing that last year's accomplishments will have little bearing on what happens this fall.

The Thorobreds finished the 2025 season 9-3, earned the program's first NCAA Division II playoff appearance, and produced their best record in nearly a century. Head coach Felton Huggins Jr., however, has made one message clear as Kentucky State begins fall camp: 2026 represents a new challenge.

"What we did last year was great," Huggins said. "It was awesome — great for the community, great for the university, great for our program, and great for the alumni — but that was last year. This year is a whole new year, and everybody starts 0-0."

For Huggins, Kentucky State's success this fall will begin with the work completed throughout camp.

"With a new season comes new expectations," Huggins said. "Everybody is excited. Everybody feels like they can win it. But the proof will be in the work we put in during fall camp. That's going to decide who can go out there, win games, and win during the season."

Huggins has simplified that challenge into two daily questions for his players: Did they bring their best attitude, and did they give their best effort?

"If our guys make the right choice with those two things, we let everything else take care of itself," Huggins said.

Experience Returns on Defense
Kentucky State enters camp with significant continuity on the defensive side of the football, returning all but two starters from last season's unit.

Among the returners expected to anchor the defense are Elijah Henderson and Kendrick Curry, who Huggins said have emerged as leaders during the early portion of camp.

"Elijah Henderson has been awesome," Huggins said. "He's been a leader of the ball club. Elijah and Kendrick Curry have really been leading our guys."

Veteran defensive lineman Mark Clark also returns after spending four seasons in the program and has helped lead a position group that includes Jordan Diggins, Trevio Chambers, and Micheal Daniels.

The secondary has provided another early highlight of camp behind Roman Hernandez and Tray Blackmon, along with Kentucky Wesleyan transfer Jaheim Williams.

Williams joined the Thorobreds during the spring and immediately demonstrated his athletic ability beyond the football field, finishing second at the SIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship despite not training with Kentucky Wesleyan's track program before his arrival.

"Jaheim can fly," Huggins said. "He's 180 pounds, he's physical, and he's a guy who I think has a chance to be an NFL nickel. He's been very explosive, and we've been excited about him."

Kentucky State will also look for increased production from Carlos Bazert Jr., who transitioned from tight end to defensive end during the spring.

Huggins believes the position change could allow Bazert to help replace some of the production lost following the departure of 2025 sack leader Jordan Thompson.

"Carlos was a tight end for me last year, and we moved him to defensive end in the spring," Huggins said. "He is an animal. He has a nonstop motor and really gets after it. He'll chase the ball down from sideline to sideline."

Deep Receiving Corps Emerging
While Kentucky State must replace several offensive contributors from last season, Huggins believes the Thorobreds have developed considerable depth at wide receiver.

Darius Cyprian returns after serving as one of Kentucky State's primary offensive weapons during the 2025 season and is joined by Cam Tucker, Aiyo'n Carter, Joshua Thomas, and Alex Beard.

The return of Jaden Hale has provided another boost to the group.

Hale missed time after suffering an injury last season, but was cleared during the summer and has quickly impressed the coaching staff through the opening practices of camp.

"To see him come back and see that he still has the moves, he's still quick, he has good hands, and he's a leader — that's exciting," Huggins said. "He can make you miss in a phone booth." Huggins also pointed toward Carter as a potential breakout player.

"You've got to watch out for Aiyo'n Carter," Huggins said. "This kid out of St. Louis is going to be explosive."

The combination has created one of Kentucky State's deepest position groups entering the season.

"With Jaden back, that just legitimizes your receiving corps," Huggins said. "That room is very, very deep. I'm excited about those guys. Jaden and Cyp are leading the charge."

Competition Continues at Quarterback
Denim Johnson returns with extensive experience in the Thorobreds' offense, while transfer Marcus Freeman has joined the program and made an immediate impression.

Freeman previously played at South Carolina State before starting at Judson University. "He came in and was vocal right from the jump," Huggins said. "It brings more competition and continues to raise the ceiling of that quarterback room."

The quarterback competition will continue throughout camp as Kentucky State evaluates its offense, which returns approximately six starters from last season.

New-Look Backfield Taking Shape
Perhaps no offensive position will undergo a greater transformation than the running back position.

Kentucky State entered camp replacing its entire 2025 running back rotation following the departures of Chad Elzy, Jaylen Middleton, Mike McGowan, and Donovan Journey.

Among the newcomers expected to compete for significant opportunities is Trevion Jenkins. Jenkins produced more than 1,100 all-purpose yards at St. Ambrose last season and has already impressed Huggins with his preparation and command of the offense.

"He has come in and really taken on that leadership role," Huggins said. "We're really young in that room. We've got some talent, but we've got a long way to go. Trey has come in, picked up the offense, and really worked hard this offseason."

Effort Setting the Standard Early
While position battles and personnel evaluations will continue throughout camp, Huggins has been encouraged by the energy Kentucky State displayed during its opening practices.

"The first couple of days have been great," Huggins said. "On the first day of fall camp, everybody is rusty — even myself. We're all going to make mistakes. But the one thing I don't want them to shortcut is playing with effort, energy, and enthusiasm, and going out there and having fun."

Kentucky State's returning players and newcomers have embraced that message early.

"Young guys and transfers coming into the program, it takes them a minute," Huggins said. "But one thing they are doing is playing hard, playing fast, and giving good effort. That's always a great foundation for a winning ball club."

After establishing a new standard during the 2025 campaign, the Thorobreds now begin proving themselves again.

"We've got a really good ball club, but each and every year we've just got to go out there and prove who we can be and what we're about," Huggins said. "It's a new year, new expectations, and an opportunity to go out there and do the things that we do — play football and build a winning program.

"We're going to go out there and try to continue to earn our respect each and every Saturday."

2026 Season Begins at Rival Central State 
The Thorobreds will open the 2026 season on the road against rival Central State on Saturday, Aug. 29, with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. in Wilberforce, Ohio. 

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