Kennesaw State and Missouri State name 2026 starting quarterbacks

What Happened

Kennesaw State selected Rickie Collins as its starting quarterback after he won the competition over JUCO transfer Landon Varnes. Collins started five games for Syracuse in 2025, throwing for 1,042 yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions while adding 126 rushing yards and one score. Missouri State named Skyler Locklear its starter under first-year head coach Casey Woods. Locklear made 16 starts for UTEP across the past two seasons, totaling 3,001 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 633 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He beat out Duke transfer Henry Belin IV.

Why It Matters

• Kennesaw State replaces 2025 starter Amari Odom with a quarterback who has starting experience but is still seeking his first win as a starter.
• Missouri State gets a veteran FBS starter for its second season at that level, giving Woods an established option while installing his offense.
• Both decisions close fall-camp competitions before the programs open the season, removing quarterback uncertainty from the first depth-chart test.

THE PATE STATE READ

THE PATE STATE READ: Both staffs chose experience, but the two choices carry different questions. Collins has played major-college football and can add yards with his legs, yet his Syracuse sample included more interceptions than touchdowns. Kennesaw State’s task is to make the offense serve his strengths while cutting down the giveaways. Locklear brings a larger body of starting work and stronger passing totals, but Woods still has to transfer that production into a new offense and a new program phase. These moves settle the depth charts. They don't settle the quarterback play.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• Sept. 3: Kennesaw State opens against West Georgia at Fifth Third Stadium, giving Collins his first start for the Owls.