MOREHEAD, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Eagles will open the season at home on Aug. 27 against Ohio Dominican. With just over a week between media day and kickoff, Morehead State is quickly shifting its focus to the regular season.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from media day.
QB1 battle
The competition at quarterback remains ongoing.
With the graduation of Carter Cravens, Morehead State entered the offseason searching for its next starter. Bryce Patterson appears to be the leading candidate.
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The returning Eagle appeared in five games in 2025, throwing for 239 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed six times for 10 yards.
While Patterson appears to have the inside track, the job is not locked up. Allen Garnett and Will Prichard remain in contention for the starting role.
Strong presence on defense
Consistency is working in the defense's favor.
Morehead State returns a veteran group with plenty of experience, along with its entire defensive coaching staff.
That continuity has allowed the Eagles to establish a defensive identity built on speed, aggressiveness and physicality.
The defense is also heavily represented in Phil Steele's preseason honors. Of the nine Eagles recognized, the majority play on the defensive side of the ball.
Year three under Jason Woodman
Jason Woodman took over the program in 2024 and led the Eagles to a 7-5 record in his first season. Morehead State followed that up with a 6-6 campaign in 2025 and enters 2026 looking to take another step forward.
When asked where he has grown the most as a head coach, Woodman said he has become more comfortable in his coaching style and vision for the program.
He believes the team's culture and roster now fully reflect his philosophy, beginning with recruiting student-athletes who embody the qualities he values on and off the field.
Woodman said this year's roster and coaching staff are the strongest he has assembled during his tenure and believes the program is well-positioned heading into the 2026 season.
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