Coastal Carolina Looks to Reignite Sun Belt Football under Ryan Beard

Coastal Carolina enters the 2025 campaign with a renewed sense of purpose after a season that fell short of the lofty expectations set by the program’s rapid rise. The Chanticleers, now in their tenth year of FBS competition, aim to replicate the dominance they showed from 2020‑2022 under Jamey Chadwell. Ryan Beard, hired as the head coach, is tasked with turning the pieces he assembled at Missouri State into a Sun Belt contender.

Season Overview and Ambitions

After a disappointing 2024 that saw the team finish 117th in the nation in passing and 116th in total offense, Beard’s staff is looking to inject more explosiveness into the attack. The previous regime produced 20 wins and three straight bowl appearances, but the program hungers for another championship run. A solid run game and improved turnovers will be crucial for Beard’s squad to stay bowl‑eligible.

The Chanticleers finished 0‑6 when they failed to reach 100 rushing yards, highlighting a reliance on the ground attack. With a handful of transfers and returning starters, the coaching staff believes they can balance the offense and create scoring opportunities. Home games in Conway are expected to be the backbone of any push toward the Sun Belt title.

Ryan Beard’s Coaching Vision

Beard brought offensive coordinator Nick Petrino along from Missouri State, hoping the high‑octane passing attack that ranked second in Conference USA can be replicated. Petrino’s units have shown the ability to generate big plays, and Beard expects similar results despite a patchwork offensive line. The defensive side will be led by LD Scott, who arrived with a reputation for designing aggressive schemes.

Scott’s previous defense recorded only 16 forced turnovers, but Coastal Carolina’s 2024 unit collected two or more takeaways in six games. Beard’s staff sees this as a blueprint for a more disruptive defensive identity. The linebacking corps adds depth with transfers like Marcellius Pulliam and Braxton Starnes, while the secondary is bolstered by veterans Ja’Marion Wayne and safeties Dre Pinckney and Myles Woods.

Key Players and Transfer Impact

The quarterback battle will shape the season’s tempo. Freshman Deuce Bailey brings mobility and familiarity with the new staff, while senior Trever Jackson offers arm talent and dual‑threat ability. Both have the potential to lift a passing game that struggled with three different signal‑callers in 2024.

Tristian Gardner, a sophomore receiver from Missouri State, is expected to be the deep‑threat option after averaging 15.5 yards per catch as a freshman. His addition joins Clayton Coppock and veteran Karmello English, creating a multifaceted receiving corps. On the ground, Daelen Alexander from Rice adds size, complementing backs like Dominic Knicely and Jevon Edwards who averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

Defensive stalwart Tray Brown returns at inside linebacker, providing a physical presence after posting 90 stops and five sacks over the last two seasons. Safety Azarel Juste, a 6‑2, 195‑pounder from Bryant, is slated to plug into a secondary that already features 61‑tackle cornerback Ja’Marion Wayne. The defensive line also sees new contributors, though pass rush remains a work in progress after losing Ezekiel Durham‑Campbell to West Virginia.

Transfer Portal Highlights

Beard’s staff was active in the portal, bringing 11 former Missouri State players to Conway. The influx includes offensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive backs aimed at shoring up depth. Notable signings such as Azarel Juste and Braxton Starnes are expected to fill critical gaps.

Despite the roster reshaping, the biggest loss comes on the edge, where Ezekiel Durham‑Campbell’s 5.5‑sack season cannot be replaced overnight. The defensive front will still need to generate pressure while limiting rushing yards, a weakness that cost the team six losses in 2024. The offensive front also lost tackle Nick Del Grande and guard Julius Tate, leaving questions about how quickly the line can gel.

Statistical Snapshot

• Onside Kicks: Coastal Carolina recovered 2 of 3 attempts, opponents recovered 2 of 2.
• First‑Quarter Scoring: Opponents outscored the Chanticleers 123‑57.
• Fumbles: Both sides lost 10‑11 turnovers after 28 total fumbles.

Keys to a Successful Season

Turnovers are the most obvious hurdle; Coastal Carolina gave the ball away 23 times last year, a pattern that must be reversed. The defense allowed an average of 444 yards per contest, so limiting the opponent’s ground attack is essential. Finally, the offense needs to develop a more explosive passing game to stretch defenses and create play‑action opportunities.

The biggest worry remains the run defense; the Chanticleers surrendered 200+ yards seven times and over 300 yards to Old Dominion and Georgia Southern. Strengthening the line and adding pressure will be vital to avoid repeat defeats. The October 16 clash at Appalachian State serves as a measuring stick, echoing a dramatic comeback win from the previous season. Success there could set up a strong home stretch, with six of the next nine games on the road.

CFN projects a 6‑6 finish for the Chanticleers, acknowledging the roster rebuilding while expecting incremental growth. The schedule’s toughest test is a lone Power‑Four matchup at West Virginia, but the team’s home slate and upcoming mid‑October surge could still secure bowl eligibility. With Beard’s vision taking shape and the portal adding talent, Coastal Carolina is positioned for a more competitive Sun Belt campaign, even if the final ledger mirrors the recent trend.

Follow the journey as Coastal Carolina attempts to turn Dean’s vision into a championship-caliber squad, balancing experience with the fresh energy of portal transfers. The 2025 season will serve as the litmus test for Ryan Beard’s ability to build a sustainable program in Conway.