Note: This story is featured in the 2026 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football's Summer Magazine, which you can order here.

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A non-conference schedule that started with games against SMU and Florida State derailed the 2025 season for East Texas A&M before it could get started. Injuries mounted up after those clashes and kept the Lions from reaching their true potential in head coach Clint Dolezel’s third season in charge. He enters Year 4 in charge of his alma mater with a 7-27 record and high hopes that 2026 is the year they turn the corner.  

“We showed that we’re right there, and each year that I’ve been here, we’ve improved,” Dolezel said in the spring. “Now it is time to get over the hump and win those close games that we haven’t closed in the previous years. The good news is that we’re not playing the SMUs and Florida States this year, so hopefully we can be healthier going into conference since we start that part of our schedule so early this year.”  

Transition has defined the East Texas A&M athletic department over the last few years, from the move to Division I to a name change that satisfied older donors and alumni. With those moves now in the rear-view mirror, the focus for the Lions is squarely on turning potential into victories. Four of the seven losses to FBS programs last year were by 10 or fewer points. They started the season 0-4 last year, but two of those losses were to ACC programs and the other two were by a combined 11 points.  

“We felt like we left some games out there,” Dolezel said. “There were three or four games that we felt would go differently if we make a play here or catch a break there. We could’ve had three more wins in our win column very easily.”  

To offset the loss of 26 seniors from last year’s squad, Dolezel & Co. signed 34 new players in the winter window, restocking the pond and adding proven winners to a roster that needed a jolt. The coaching staff was also overhauled and Dolezel believes fresh blood is exactly what the Lions needed to take the next step in their evolution in the Southland Conference.  

“This finally feels like my coaching staff,” he said. “I only have one left from my original staff, so there are a lot of new, eager coaches in the building and I like what we got going right now.” 

The quarterback room, which includes Jack Jacobs and transfer Reese Mooney, must cut down on turnovers after throwing 15 interceptions in 2025. The Lions added Navarro transfer Micah Simpson to the wide receiver room after he caught 34 passes for 557 yards and six touchdowns in the JUCO ranks last season. Right tackle Jadin Jones and center Trent Savage lead an offensive line that will open holes for running back EJ Oakman, who ran for 357 yards and led the Lions with nine rushing touchdowns a year ago.  

But the star on offense might be tight end Sean Sallis, who missed last season with an injury. Dolezel believes he’s the best receiving tight end in the FCS and he’ll pair with Reid Thornberry to give the Lions a 1-2 punch at tight end which will create mismatches for whomever wins the quarterback job.  

The biggest addition, literally and figuratively, for East Texas A&M this offseason was JUCO defensive tackle Kai Baugh, who was a first-team all-conference performer at Butte Junior College in California. He’ll anchor a defense that also returns safety Orion Kupu and cornerback X’Avion Bryce.  

This should be the Lions' most talented roster, at least on paper. And early-season conference matchups against SFA on Sept. 5 and Northwestern State on Sept. 12 provide the Lions with early opportunities for upsets and to make a statement in a crowded Southland Conference.  

“I think we’re going to give the conference everything they want,” Dolezel said. “We’ve been competitive, but I think it is time that we’re going to get over the hump and this is our year to do that.” 

DCTF Take  

Head coach Clint Dolezel spent decades away from the 11-man football world as he built a Hall of Fame career in the Arena League and then a coaching career at the eight-man level of football around the world. Now in Year 4 at his alma mater, Dolezel feels like he’s caught up to the new reality of college football and will field his most talented team at East Texas A&M.  

The Lions won’t be Southland Conference favorites, but they can play spoiler and win six or seven games if they cut down on mistakes, especially turnovers at quarterback and on special teams, while improving on the defensive side of the ball. A big transfer portal class reshaped the roster and provided hope in Commerce for a breakout season.