A New Era for the Chippewas
Central Michigan University’s football program, under head coach Matt Drinkall, finished the 2025 season with a 7‑6 record, marking the first winning campaign since 2021. The team has adopted the mantra “Own The Ugly,” a call to embrace challenges and focus on the details that separate competitors.
The defensive side of the ball will look markedly different. Key contributors such as Brenden Deasfernandes and Kalen Carroll, along with the senior class, have moved on, leaving eight of eleven starting positions to be filled by newcomers. Only Korver Demma, Quavion Bird and Jaion Jackson return with meaningful experience, creating both uncertainty and an opportunity for fresh talent to step up.
On offense, Drinkall has shifted to a more dynamic system that features a three‑quarterback rotation. Six players are competing for snaps, including veterans and developmental candidates. Senior quarterback Joe Labas has graduated, opening the door for Angel Flores and Jadyn Glasser to expand their roles in the mix.
The backfield will be anchored by Brock Townsend, who is expected to lead the rushing attack. Transfers Vaughn Blue and Jayden Clerveaux are slated to share carries, adding depth to a group that aims to balance power running with the new aerial concepts.
The schedule opens with a highly anticipated matchup against New Mexico, a program eager to prove itself in the Mountain West Conference. Following that, the Chippewas will travel through a gauntlet of Mid‑American Conference opponents, including three straight games against Ohio, Western Michigan and Miami (Ohio), before the rivalry clash with Western Michigan that fans hope to reclaim.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership, the team enters the 2026 campaign hopeful that the “Own The Ugly” philosophy will translate into on‑field resilience. The combination of a revamped defense, a versatile offense and a demanding slate of games sets the stage for a season that could define the program’s next chapter.