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| FCS All-American Joshua Stoneking (95) is one of eight starters returning on Furman's defense. Photo courtesy of Furman |
As the professionalization of college football - especially at the Power Four level - continues, it has ripple effects across all levels. For most FCS teams and conferences, that leads to a greater unknown going into each season.
Furman was picked to finish sixth in the Southern Conference this year by the league coaches. That's probably fair considering the Paladins tied for fifth place last season and the fact that there's a new team joining the league in reigning Ohio Valley/Big South champion Tennessee Tech. Given the roster overhauls at every SoCon school, what else do you really have to base a prediction on other than last year's results?
While not as many as most, Furman had its fair share of roster turnover. Last year's top offensive Paladin, FCS freshman All-American receiver Evan James, is now at Iowa. Last year's quarterback, Trey Hedden, is now the starter at New Mexico State. Last year's leading rusher, Gavin Hall, entered the transfer portal and doesn't appear to have landed anywhere.
The Paladins managed to retain the All-American services of defensive end Joshua Stoneking, who led the FCS in sacks (14.5) and tackles-for-loss (23.5) last season. Stoneking is one of eight starters returning on Furman's defense, but that unit could also have a bit of a different look under new solo defensive coordinator Chad Byers. For the past four seasons Byers and Duane Vaughn served as co-defensive coordinators before Vaughn left for Western Michigan this offseason.
At the SoCon Media Day event in late July, Furman coach Clay Hendrix pointed out that changes aren't always a bad thing. He's been encouraged by what he's seen since thus far in 2026.
"I think it's been one of the best offseasons we've had since I've been back here. That's just in terms of kids being into it, being dependable, low maintenance and hard working. " Hendrix said. "We've had really good production and a great spring.
"We've made lots of changes - X and O and every individual technique stuff. We've really done that at every position and I think it's all been really good for us."
Hendrix said among the areas that were musts for getting better at was quarterback.
"We've just got to be more productive there and take care of the ball better," Hendrix said. "We lost too many games from turning the ball over."
Those competing for that starting quarterback job include Jake Garcia, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound grad transfer from Michigan who was a starter at East Carolina and fellow California native, Nehuel Garcia, who's been in Furman's program since 2023. Sophomore Connor Ackerley threw for 2,999 yards and 30 touchdowns at Western New Mexico last season. The youngest newcomer in the mix is 6-foot, 205-pound true freshman Trey Smith, who enrolled in January.
Following a practice last Saturday at historic Sirrine Stadium, Hendrix felt that separation in that quarterback competition could really take shape this week.
"By next Saturday, we'll have 12 days before we play. ... At some point, you have to reorganize your reps," Hendrix said. "We've got a bunch of guys competing and doing good things, but we will need to figure that out as well as a few other positions."
A couple of new faces to Furman, but not to FCS football, provided probably the two biggest plays of last Saturday's scrimmage at the Paladins' old home. Wide receiver Daniel Haughton, a grad transfer from Dartmouth, went up among tight coverage along the sideline to make a haul in a difficult catch. The defensive play of the day came from Aaron Davis. The grad transfer from Bucknell came flying up from his safety position to blow up a screen pass to the right flat.
Haughton played just two games for Dartmouth last year before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
"He's been totally cleared from the injury, but we've still tried to be smart. Today was one of the few times we really cut him loose," Hendrix said. "He's certainly shown the ability to help us."
Another newcomer should also help the passing game this season, just not like some might have originally thought. Banks Bouton, who played quarterback at Greenville and Gaffney during his high school career, came in competing at quarterback. Now the 6-foot-2, 217-pound freshman, who's the son of Furman Hall of Fame linebacker Will Bouton, is on the roster at receiver.
Just a few weeks after his high school career ended, Bouton enrolled at Furman in January. It quickly became evident to coaches that the question wasn't if Bouton would play this season, but where would he play?
"The way the (eligibility) rule is now, he's just too valuable not to get on the field somewhere. I think he's going to play a big role in special teams," Hendrix said. "He was one of the most impressive guys on our entire team this spring and he's had a really solid August.
"There's been some good freshmen that have clearly shown up. There's no reason not to play them and a couple of them are going to play a lot of significant reps. The other new guys we've added have all shown that they're going to be contributors."
Furman Fan Day set for early start
Furman's annual Football Fan Day festivities for Saturday have changed a bit due to forecasted hot temperatures. Gates are now set to open at 9 a.m. and practice will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Paladin Stadium. Music, inflatables and a food truck are still planned for the event.
Fans will have the chance to take pictures and get autographs as they interact with Paladin players and coaches after practice.
Furman opens the season Aug. 27 against Anderson. Kickoff at Paladin Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
