CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay football team will play its first game of the 2026 season in less than a month. The team is set to take on Gardner-Webb at home on Thursday, August 27, to kick off the season, so let’s take a look at five players worth keeping an eye on during 2026-27.
After narrowly missing out on the FCS Playoffs in 2025, everybody knows what the goal is in 2026- winning a championship. Head coach Jeff Faris and star quarterback Chris Parson have both spoken about that goal this offseason, and this roster is clearly built to contend, which brings us to our first player to watch out for.
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1. QB Chris Parson
Let’s start with an obvious one. The Govs will go as far as Chris Parson takes them. Parson threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, and you have to imagine if he duplicates that performance, the Govs will be in good shape.
Parson didn’t just shine passing the ball though. The former Mississippi State transfer was also the Govs’ leading rusher, with 743 yards rushing and 14 rushing touchdowns. The dual-threat ability of Parson is what makes him dangerous, and I expect that to be a huge part of his game again in 2026.
Parson is one of the best quarterbacks in the FCS, which automatically puts the Govs in a great position.
2. TE Jackson Head
Jackson Head is another player the Govs were thrilled to have back this offseason. The tight end caught 22 passes for 303 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
Head showed off his potential in APSU’s 2025 matchup with Abilene Christian. The tight end caught a season-high seven passes for a career-high 132 yards receiving. Even more impressive was the fact that the performance was against Abilene Christian, who was one of the best opponents the Govs faced all of last season.
Head has been with the Govs since 2024, and he’s gotten better each season. If that trend continues in 2026, Head could be one of the top tight ends in the FCS.
3. WR Jaden Robinson
Jaden Robinson is another key offensive playmaker the Govs were thrilled to see return. Robinson spent the 2024 season with Kennesaw State and transferred to Austin Peay for 2025. In his first season as a Gov, Robinson played in all 12 games and finished with 43 catches for 579 yards and six touchdowns.
Robinson surpassed the 100-yard mark in two different games in 2025. His best performance was against Eastern Kentucky when he caught eight passes for 145 yards. Robinson now has a full year of chemistry with Parson, so the two should pick up right where they left off in 2026.
Don’t be surprised if Robinson ends the season as the Govs’ leader in catches and receiving yards.
4. DL David Portu
David Portu is a new addition to the team this offseason. Portu came to the Govs via the transfer portal after spending the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Charleston Southern. In 2025, Portu played in 12 games and racked up 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Coach Faris brought Portu to UAC Media Days this offseason, which signifies the large role the team has planned for him. Faris also specifically mentioned Portu back in April when spoke with Clarksville Now about his 2026 team.
In 2026, Portu should be expected to be the tone setter on the Govs’ defensive line. The defender has FBS experience after starting his career at Coastal Carolina, and he’s been battle tested across multiple seasons.
5. DB Trevor Hardy
Finally, we have defensive back Trevor Hardy. Hardy is another veteran who opted to return to Austin Peay for the 2026 season. In 2025, Hardy played in 11 games and collected 49 tackles, three pass deflections, and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Of all the defensive players returning for the Govs, Hardy had the most tackles in 2025. With Ellis Ellis Jr., Raylyn Manley and Myles Wiley no longer around, Hardy will be looked at as the veteran leader of the secondary.
Don’t be surprised to see Hardy lead the team in tackles and interceptions in 2026.