The Sun Belt (Fun Belt) should be more entertaining with as many as 10 teams competing for the Sun Belt championship appearance. The obvious could be Troy and Coastal Carolina again. However, Appalachian State and South Alabama are right on their tail. Southern Miss and Marshall are dark horses in the Sun Belt. The Georgias (Southern and State) must address weak spots for bowl appearances at least. Unfortunately, James Madison won’t play for a conference title for another year due to NCAA rules for new FBS teams. However, JMU could repeat with 8 wins or more and spoil someone’s season. It remains to be seen if Old Dominion will improve this season, but the rest will likely not see sunshine and rainbows until 2024 and beyond.

EAST DIVISION

COASTAL CAROLINA CHANTICLEERS

Positives: Coastal Carolina may have a foundation to win and return to the conference championship. Quarterback Grayson McCall returns, and his presence is paramount for this offense that returns eight players with a highly touted transfer in center Evan Jumper (Furman).

Negatives: Grayson McCall originally wanted to transfer, but his academics wasn’t enough to make him eligible for it, so he’s kind of stuck playing at Coastal for his final season. His motivation and sideline demeanor will play into how this team plays overall this season. Defense wasn’t great last season, and they return only four starters and trying to address those spots. Tim Beck is the new coach and has a decent resume, but he’s a very new coach and his knowledge is offense. Can he keep McCall and the offense humming while they figure out how to improve the defense’s overall performance? Their schedule looks fair, but it’s unknown how Coastal will do without coach Jamey Chadwell (now at Liberty).

APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS

The Mountaineers look for redemption this season after finishing 6-6 and fail to make a bowl for the first time in seven seasons. They had moments of success, including wins against Texas A&M and Troy. Then they ran into plenty of unexpected losses against Texas State and Georgia Southern. They also went winless on the road in Sun Belt play. Their bounce back starts with the quarterback, and Joey Aguilar and redshirt freshmen Ryan Burger (who signed an NIL deal involving burgers) compete for the job. The winner benefits with experience including running back Nate Noel, offensive line led by Isaiah Helms, and talented pass catchers. They hired a new defensive coordinator, and he arrives having to questions with depth. Their early schedule will test App State’s roster, but things become challenging in October. They host Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, Marshall, and Georgia Southern at home, but they must win road games as well to win the division.

JAMES MADISON DUKES

James Madison could be the next former FCS team from Virginia to stay above .500 in their second straight season since Liberty. However, they must replace most of their starters at quarterback, running back, and receiver. Quarterback Jordan McCloud should win the starting job. He has starting experience and should be in a better position with all their returning offensive line. Receivers have transfers in Phoenix Sproles (North Dakota St.) and Omarion Dollison (McCloud’s teammate from USF). Kaelon Black is in line as the starting running back, and defense should be as good as last years. They handled Sun Belt competition in their first year and took down Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina. That should motivate the Dukes for a repeat performance, but hopefully they don’t get complacent. They’re ineligible for the postseason for one more year, but the NCAA could allow it if they can’t field enough bowl-eligible teams.

MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD

This roster has a chance to make a run for a Sun Belt title appearance. Quarterback Cam Fancher could improve this year along with an offensive line that returns four. Marshall loses 1,000-yard rusher Khalan Laborn, but Rasheen Ali returns from last season’s injury and was 1,400-yard rusher with 23 touchdowns in 2021. Marshall’s defense was one of the best in the Sun Belt and nation last season. They have experience at linebacker, but every other position must be filled. Marshall could surprise this year and their non-conference schedule could go their way. However, they need improved quarterback play from Fancher and hope Ali stays healthy and dominates the ground game like he did two seasons ago. A lot might be put on their defense to stay consistent.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES

Georgia Southern was reluctant to go bowling last season thanks to wins over Nebraska, James Madison, and upsetting Appalachian State. Having similar results in 2023 is possible, but they need help from their defense after allowed 31.6 points per game. The answer will come from the transfer portal, which they used to shore up the secondary. The offense should be fine and acquiring Tulsa transfer quarterback Davis Brin puts him in great hands with coach Clay Helton. Brin plays alongside a group of experienced players, including four returning offensive line led by left tackle Brian Miller, receivers Khalen Hood and Derwin Burgess Jr., and running back Jalen White. Georgia Southern may have the most toss-up games of any Sun Belt team. Even the non-conference schedule is manageable, but their defense must improve to win their one-possession games (4-4 last season).

GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS

The Panthers regressed to 4-8 after going bowling in three straight seasons. It was due to five failed attempts at winning one-possession games. The offense should improve and also be relieved after quarterback Darren Grainger’s return. Running backs Marcus Carroll and KZ Adams also return and could be dangerous. Losing receiver Jamari Thrash (Louisville) and returning one experienced offensive lineman makes this offense skeptical. Defense has work to do and losing their top two defensive backs makes things complicated. However, the front seven could improve and adding Clemson transfer Kevin Swint up front should help. Four-year linebacker Blake Carroll returns from an Achilles tear to lead the middle. Georgia State has a tough draw on their schedule, but losing five one-score games along with an offense that’s set to improve gives the Panthers hope for a postseason. If their defense slightly improves, they could surprise in the Sun Belt.

OLD DOMINION MONARCHS

It looked like Old Dominion would impose their will against most of their foes after upsets over Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina while starting the season 3-3. After that, they collapsed with six straight losses to end the season. They return plenty of starting receivers, but it’s tough to say for the rest of the roster with only two offensive lineman and no answer at quarterback. There could be depth at running back, but that remains to be seen after averaging only 92 yards per game. Defense must find answers with linebacker Jason Henderson commanding a unit that returns only three starters, including him. Their only bright side could be special teams with all their kickers returning. If Old Dominion puts the right pieces together, they could play spoiler against any foe on their schedule once again.

WEST DIVISION

SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS

South Alabama may have a shot at their first Sun Belt title appearance since jumping to the FBS level. After finishing under .500 in five straight seasons, they instantly improved from five wins in 2021 to 10 wins last season. They had an easier non-conference schedule and nearly upset UCLA and were a touchdown away from defeating Troy. Quarterback Carter Bradley returns with nearly every key position at each level. The defensive line should be the strength again along with most of the middle defense returning. The secondary should improve now that Ricky Fletcher returns from injury. Unlike last season, their 2023 non-conference schedule is tougher with Tulane and Oklahoma State. If South Alabama overcomes a tough non-conference schedule and win at James Madison and Troy, the Jaguars will play another game in December.

TROY TROJANS

After a dominating performance against Coastal in the conference championship and a defensive performance against UTSA, Troy hopes to repeat. They have a capable offense, led by quarterback Gunnar Watson, running back Kimani Vidal, and plenty of pass catchers. However, Watson must cut down on turnovers and the offensive line that returns only two from the right side must improve on pass protection after allowing 46 sacks. Despite losing leadership in the middle of the defense, they return Richard Jibunor along with defensive end T.J. Jackson and multiple year starting safety Dell Pettus. Troy should compete for the West division title again, but the loss of leadership from linebacker Carlton Martial could be felt in critical moments. The offense must progress if they want to ensure their return.

SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES

The Golden Eagles will go as far as Frank Gore Jr. takes them. Clemson transfer quarterback Billy Wiles likely starts, but Holman Edwards is right behind him. They have the receivers, and most of their offensive line back (with improved pass protection) but quarterback production must improve if they want to compete for the West. The defensive front seven was the bright spot, and they return five of those seven while adding two key players from the transfer portal. The secondary was the problem and must be addressed. Safety Jay Stanley is the only returner, but him and Mississippi State transfer Dylan Lawrence will man the back end of the coverage until the cornerbacks are sorted out. Southern Miss could bowl for the second straight season as long as Gore Jr. stays healthy, and they get decent quarterback play.

TEXAS STATE BOBCATS

Former Tulsa quarterback from 12 years ago, GJ Kinne, led Incarnate Word to the FCS Semifinals in his one and only season as a first year ever head coach. Now, he arrives at San Marcos to hopefully do the same for the Bobcats. He brought in transfers, including most of his players from UIW, and potentially their best transfer in quarterback Malik Hornsby (Arkansas). Defense will determine Texas State’s 2023 season, but if Kinne can put this offense together with Hornsby commanding under center, the Bobcats could make steady improvement from their 21-point scoring average last season. It could also mean their first ever postseason since joining the FBS.

UL MONROE WARHAWKS

UL Monroe is still searching for ways to win more than four games and improve anywhere on their roster. It’s difficult to make because there’s too much turnover in nearly every position. Quarterback Jiya Wright has some experience and returns with receiver Tyrone Howell and three offensive linemen. They added a few transfers to help with pass catchers and running backs. Defense could make some progress with 10 plus transfers filling spots and increasing depth. They’ll be led by defensive back Lu Tillery and linebacker Tristan Driggers. There’s a world where the Warhawks could win more than four games this season, but there’s too much unknown on this roster to believe.

LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS

Louisiana’s been hit with changes last season and now this season. Last offseason, Coach Billy Napier leaving for Florida and Levi Lewis departing for the NFL led to changes, and more departures and transfers during the offseason could lead to a decline. Quarterbacks Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge are capable starters but were limited by injuries during the offseason. The receiving corps was hurt most by the transfer portal, but they retain Peter LeBlanc, Jacob Bernard, and tight end Neal Johnson while adding a couple of transfers in return. The bright side is that they return four offensive linemen and probably have some depth in the running back position. Issues on defense come from depth and leadership. Defense returns only two starters after supposed returning safety Kam Pedescleaux transferred right next door to Tulane. Their schedule is a toss-up, but with depth playing a factor, Louisiana could further decline into full rebuilding mode.

ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES

Arkansas State’s continuing their rebuild, but Butch Jones’s recruited well and will make progress going into next season. For now, here’s what the Red Wolves are faced with. They receive in an abundant of transfers on offense to help improve depth. The offensive line returns only two, but they add transfers to fill spots quick, which could help with protection for J.T. Shrout. Shrout’s a journeyman who started out his career at Tennessee and move on to Colorado. Now, he’s here looking for a starting opportunity. Defense needs an identity somewhere. They were anything but good after allowed 31.4 points per game and gave up over 400 yards per game. The back seven return and should improve, but the front four is going through changes. They do, however, add defensive tackle Micah Bland (North Alabama). The positive for this defense is their positive turnover differential. They forced 11 fumbles and netted six interceptions. If they can recover more than one fumble, the team could steal a couple of wins.