Spotlight on the Bears' Emerging Talent
Conference USA announced its 2026 football preseason watch list on July 16, spotlighting standout players from each of its ten member schools.
Among the honorees are five athletes from Missouri State, each recognized for their performance on the field and potential impact this coming season.
Jeron Askren, a third‑year Bear, earned All‑Conference USA honorable‑mention honors in 2025 after a decisive game‑winning touchdown against Marshall on September 6, 2025.
Tim Brantley Jr. contributed 32 tackles, including 11 solo stops, 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack, having started the final two games of the previous campaign.
Matthew Greene, who started six games at right guard and played in twelve consecutive contests, helped the Bears' offense average 392.2 yards per game during their inaugural FBS season.
Jared "Bird" Lloyd, a starter in all 13 games last year, posted a team‑high 77 tackles, 33 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Jmariyae Robinson finished the season with career‑high numbers of 44 receptions for 632 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a fourth‑team nod from Phil Steele.
Both Askren and Lloyd will represent Missouri State at the Conference USA Kickoff event in Arlington, Texas, while the CUSA Preview Show will stream live on ESPN+ on Monday, July 20.
The Bears open the 2026 season on September 5 at No. 11 Texas A&M, a matchup that promises to test the early momentum built by the watch‑list honorees.