Rhode Island kicked off spring practice on Saturday and going into the 2026 season, the Rams are looking to win their third straight CAA title and make a deeper run in the playoffs.
Several players who were staples during the recent run have graduated but the Rams return a slew of players who will make an impact most notably quarterback Devin Farrell and wide receiver Marquis Buchanan on offense and linebacker Moses Meus and defensive tackle Case Mankins on defense.
The Rams are more than equipped to win a third straight CAA but they have to plug a few holes and that process begins this spring.
Here are storylines as spring practice opens.
1. Restocking the trenches: Replacing Thomas Buxton and Brock Bethea will not be easy for the time CAA champions but Jim Fleming and his staff have recruited well and they like what they have returning along the offensive line. Tre Alexander returns at guard and the Rams also added some depth and competition in the transfer portal including former Syracuse and UConn lineman and former Springfield Central standout Jayden Bass.
2. Big shoes to fill at running back: The Rams have always had great production at running back and this year so be no different. Returners Carson Harwood and Terrance Campbell both figure to get a lot of work this spring and the Rams have also dipped into the portal signing
- New faces must emerge in the secondary: The secondary needs to replace Ayinde Johnson and Jordan Campbell. Both a big loses but once again, the Rams have quality depth behind them. Andre Depina Gray returns to lead a secondary that feature some talented young corners such as Tremel States Jones and Trey Lubin.
What we are looking for in spring practices:
The wide receivers: Buchanan is back which is big but who will fill out the other spots?
Offensive tackle: Who replaces Brock Bethea? Those are big shoes to fill, literally and figuratively.
Transfers: Perhaps no program in the region has done more in the portal in recent years than URI. Jim Fleming and his staff utilize the portal well. Excited to see who they brought in.