UMass Football Spring Practice - Part 3

by Kevin McCaskill Jr.

4/13/26 * 1:30 PM

(AMHERST, MA) The Minutemen continue to prepare for the upcoming 2026 season with their Spring Practice sessions.

The QB competition is getting even more interesting. All 3 QBs improved from last week’s practice. RJ Johnson III still needs work on his accuracy; Aedan McCarthy has the strongest arm of the three QBs but also needs work on his accuracy. Overall, “Pop” Watson looks the best of the group.

The TE group has been impressive in these practices. TE Reece Adkins praised the new offensive system and feels confident TEs will be utilized more this season. They all can catch passes well. They look like they should hold up well blocking defenders during the season.

The defense made good plays when they were simulating game situations. There was no tackling but the defense showed good anticipation and being where the ball is.

There was a HS football team that visited Spring Practice. Some of the young men were eager to see the action of an FBS practice and tried to get as close as they could.

The Special Teams for the Minutemen should improve in the 2026 season. They were working on coverages when punting the ball. Look out for some youth this season returning kicks 👀 ➡️

Offensively, Justin Williams Thomas could have a breakout year. His elusiveness and breakaway speed could lead to big yardage gains and/or TDs. JWT 📈

Another note - the Minutemen still have 15+ incoming Freshman that are still in HS. There are currently six true Freshmen @ Spring Practice: McCarthy; WRs David Moore Jr. & Drew Alsup; OL Will McNamara; CBs Terion Johnson & Corey Warner.

In closing, we’ve heard multiple Minutemen (players and coaches) claiming to be moving on the from the 0-12 season. “I wasn’t here for that”; “We’re not thinking about that”; “We’re moving on”…

The winless season happened however. The Minutemen haven’t beaten an FBS team since October 2023.

The volatile, currency-centric College Athletics landscape has UMass in the Mid-American Conference, playing a game @ Sacramento State this upcoming season. Everyone has to accept these things as they are. The only way for the Minutemen program to get out of the mire is WINS.

The talent is here, especially for the opponents the Minutemen face this season.

The University System has invested in the program. “Is it enough?”, is for another discussion.

The Mass Collective and Midnight Ride have helped in the NIL space.

The current coaching staff, led by HC Harasymiak, have to use all the elements they have, that no other coaching administration has had, and get wins, this season.