Lone Star Conference 2026 Football Media Day Highlights

When and Where the Spotlight Begins

Thursday, July 23 marks the Lone Star Conference’s annual football media gathering at McKinney ISD Stadium’s Community Event Center in McKinney, Texas. The venue is already booked for a major event later this year, as McKinney ISD Stadium will host the NCAA Division II Football National Championship Game on December 19, 2026. This setting underscores the conference’s growing profile as it gears up for its 95th season.

Meet the Teams and Their Leaders

All ten member schools will be represented by a head coach and two star players. Angelo State sends Coach Jeff Girsch, who is in his eighth year, along with junior running back Cameron Dischler and senior defensive back Eugene “Tre” Liger. Central Washington’s squad is led by first‑year mentor Scott Power, joined by senior RB Justice Taylor and senior OL Tyler Luzan.

• Eastern New Mexico: Art Briles (1st year), junior OL Dathan Yeary, junior LB J.J. Silver
• Midwestern State: Rich Renner (3rd year), senior OL Paul Ledet, senior DL Charles McKnight
• Sul Ross State: Lee Hays (2nd year, head coach), sophomore RB Diego Oaxaca, sophomore LB Emmanuel Osom
• Texas A&M‑Kingsville: Scott Parr (2nd year), senior WR Christian Kretz, junior DB Jeremiah Conaway
• UT Permian Basin: Chris Softley (1st year), senior WR Traylen Suel, sophomore DL Godgive Ugochukwu
• West Texas A&M: Josh Lynn (4th year), senior RB Contae Cason, junior DB Miles Hill
• Western New Mexico: Billy Hickman (4th year), senior OL Daniel Gonzalez, junior DB Clayton Zentner
• Western Oregon: Arne Ferguson (22nd year), senior QB Jordan McCarty, senior DL Nijawn Sterling

Each coach will also share insights from conference commissioner Jay Poerner, who will announce the preseason watch list, players of the year, and the latest poll. These signals give fans an early glimpse of who could shape the LSC’s competitive landscape.

Season Kickoff Calendar

Central Washington opens the campaign on Saturday, September 5, looking to defend its recent title. The remaining nine teams have staggered start dates—four begin on Thursday, August 27, while five kick off on Saturday, August 29. This staggered approach provides varied rhythms for coaches to assess early momentum.

Looking ahead, the same McKinney venue will play host to the Division II national championship later in December, highlighting the conference’s expanding role on the national stage. The media day not only previews the fall battles but also positions the LSC as a pipeline for talent heading into championship contention.