Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
2026-27 Positional Preview: Guards
10/19/2026 4:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The countdown to tipoff is underway for Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball, and with the 2026-27 season less than a month away, it's time to break down the roster, starting in the backcourt.
The Blue Raiders return three familiar faces, including 2026-27 Preseason All-Conference USA selection Jahvin Carter, Jax Howard and Marcus Whitlock Jr. Joining the returning trio are transfers Kevin de Kovachich and Quintero Barnett, along with freshmen Landyn Colyer, Braylin Davis and Garrison White.
Leading the Blue Raiders' backcourt is Carter, who enters his junior campaign with heightened expectations after earning preseason honors. Carter averaged 10.8 points per game during the 2025-26 season while leading MTSU with 114 total assists. Alongside playmaking prowess, Carter is a three-level scorer capable of creating offensive opportunities from anywhere on the floor. The floor general is expected to take on an increased role, serving as the primary playmaker responsible for running the offense.
Beyond offensive production, Carter will provide a veteran presence for an MTSU squad featuring several freshmen and newcomers. Described by the coaching staff as the "glue that makes everything stick," the Alcoa, Tennessee, native has emerged as a natural leader whom his teammates gravitate toward.
Another returning face expected to have a larger role is Whitlock Jr., whose athleticism and explosiveness make him one of the Blue Raiders' most dynamic guards. Fans can anticipate a breakout season for the Monticello, Georgia, native, who is expected to emerge as a double-figure scorer.
The senior appeared in 21 games in his first season as a Blue Raider, averaging 3.9 points while logging 11.7 minutes a game. Whitlock poses a threat from the perimeter, shooting 35.8 percent from 3-point range, highlighted by a career-high eight made three-pointers in a 25-point performance against FIU.
Rounding out the familiar faces for Blue Raider fans is sophomore Jax Howard. The Shelbyville, Tennessee, native brings a versatile skill set as a quick-twitch playmaker and a disruptive off-ball defender. Since arriving in Murfreesboro, Howard has increased his strength and will have an increased role after not seeing playing time his freshman year.
While MTSU returns several faces in the backcourt, North Alabama transfer Kevin de Kovachich is among a cast of newcomers looking to carve out a role this season. Prior to his arrival, the 6-foot-4 guard spent two seasons as a member of the Lions, averaging 11.5 points and 2.0 assists per game during his sophomore season while recording 37 steals.
Capable of playing all three perimeter positions on the court, de Kovachich brings versatility and two seasons of Division I experience to the Blue Raiders' backcourt. The junior is fearless and possesses an ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor on any given night.
Another newcomer looking to make an immediate impact is Division II transfer Quintero Barnett, who spent two seasons at Walsh before joining the Blue Raiders. A natural three-level scorer, Barnett averaged 14.6 points per game during his sophomore season, shooting 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. Barnett uses his 6-foot-4 frame to attack downhill to create pressure on opposing defenses. Defensively, the Brunswick, Ohio, native can match up with the opposing team's top scorer while bringing physicality on both ends of the floor.
Completing MTSU's revamped backcourt are freshmen Landyn Colyer, Braylin Davis and Garrison White, who enter their first collegiate seasons looking to make their mark.
Colyer, a three-star recruit from IMG Academy, tallied 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his senior season. The 6-foot-6 Chicago native is a do-it-all guard who brings high energy with two-way versatility to the backcourt. Known for his aggressive style of play, the freshman excels at attacking the basket and finishing through contact. Colyer has already emerged as one of the team's top rebounders in practice.
Davis, who arrives at MTSU following a senior season at the University School of Nashville, where he averaged 33 points per game alongside 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals. Davis has added strength and size since arriving on campus and has been adjusting to the speed of collegiate basketball. The freshman brings positive energy and a strong work ethic to the court as he continues to develop his game.
Wrapping up the backcourt is McCallie School alumnus White, who enters his freshman campaign looking to carve out his role with the Blue Raiders. The 6-foot guard joined MTSU as a walk-on, bringing a strong basketball IQ and consistent effort, in part, from playing under his father, current McCallie head coach Kenneth White.
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