GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's inside linebacking corps sports a pair of proven returning veterans who possess the potential to elevate the Paladin defense in 2026.

Raleigh Herbert (6-2, 227, R-Jr.) and Ryan Earl (6-1, 235, R-Jr.), both entering their fourth seasons as Paladins, have combined for 22 starts and 164 tackles, but the duo hasn't shared a lot of field time the last two years.

Head coach Clay Hendrix is hoping that changes this fall.

Herbert, a preseason first team All-SoCon pick, started every game a year ago and totaled 72 tackles.  His 47-yard interception return keyed a 31-13 win over Samford.

Earl saw action in 11 games and made three starts in 2024 on the way to 49 tackles and selection to the SoCon All-Freshman Team.  A preseason All-SoCon pick a year ago, he appeared set to take his game up a notch before an early season ended his 2025 campaign.

"Ryan had a terrific 2024 alongside (Paladin All-American) Evan DiMaggio.  He was preseason All-SoCon last year and played in two games before suffering what is called a "jersey finger," where his finger got caught in a jersey.  It was a freak injury, but you have to fix it or lose the use of it.  It sidelined him for the season, which hurt us.  He's a proven guy who is back full-go now.

"Raleigh had a solid season 2025.  He's played a lot of football and is a terrific leader.  Having him and Ryan on the field together has us feeling good about that group."

Highly regarded Caleb Ellison (5-11, 230, R-Fr.) appears set to be the next major contributor in the linebacking corps.

"Caleb is a guy we planned to play a year ago, but I believe it was the Campbell game where he made a couple of plays but then got hurt, which put him out for awhile and we decided to redshirt him.  He had as good of offseason as anybody on our team.  He's ready to go.  I see him playing a big role for us."

In addition to Ellison, other returnees who look to be candidates for meaningful playing time — Luke Smith (6-2, 225, R-Jr.) and Nick Simmons (5-11, 226, R-Fr.).

"Luke's a four year guy who has battled injuries.  When he's healthy, he done some good things and is capable of making plays.  Nick has a chance to play a big role."

Will McQueen (5-9, 202, R-So.) and Jacob Hanson (5-11, 208, R-Fr.) also will figure into the mix.

"Will suffered an injury in April and had surgery, which delayed his return.  We will get him back.  He's been a terrific special teams guy for us.  Jacob, who redshirted a year ago, has a good future if he continues to progress."

The newest additions to the group include Braylon Hood (6-0, 212, Fr.) and Preston Patterson (5-11, 215, Fr.), who played prep ball for Furman Hall of Famer Ingle Martin at Christ Presbyterian (Tenn.) Academy.

Furman kicks off its 2026 season on Thursday, August 27, when it entertains Anderson in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Paladin Stadium. 

Click HERE for Furman's 2026 schedule.

Paladin fans can renew or purchase new season tickets online by clicking HERE, or by contacting the Furman Box Office at 864-294-3099.

Furman's football program will take a trip down memory lane on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a practice at Sirrine Stadium in downtown Greenville from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m..  Gates are scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. Admission is free.

Paid parking ($20 per car) for all Furman football games this season will be cashless. Fans are asked to have credit cards ready when entering Timmons Arena or Furman Chapel Lots. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple and Google pay.