Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders set to open spring practice on Tuesday
4/5/2026 5:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee football program will officially open spring practice on April 7 as head coach Derek Mason and his staff begin preparations for the 2026 season. The Blue Raiders will conduct 10 practices in an NFL OTA-style format, concluding on April 28.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Blue Raiders' football social media accounts to stay up with everything happening inside the program. On X and Instagram it's MT_FB, while on Facebook just look for Blue Raider Football.
This spring, Middle Tennessee will utilize an organized team activity (OTA) approach — emphasizing teaching, installation, and player development through a more controlled, high-repetition practice structure.
"We're approaching this spring with an OTA mindset," said Mason. "It's about maximizing reps, teaching at a high level, and allowing our guys to develop in a structured environment. We want to be efficient with our time and intentional about how we build this team."
The Blue Raiders enter the spring with a blend of experience and new energy, returning eight total starters — including five on defense, two on offense, and one specialist — along with 30 lettermen. The roster will also include 37 newcomers, creating competition across every position group.
"With the numbers we have and the new faces coming in, this format allows us to evaluate and develop guys the right way," Mason said. "We can slow it down when needed, focus on fundamentals, and still get the competitive work we need."
One of the key storylines this spring will be the continued development of quarterback Roman Gagliano, who emerged late last season as a playmaker and leader. Gagliano, who threw for 911 yards in three games as a starter, helped lead the Blue Raiders to wins in two of their final three games, providing momentum heading into the offseason.
"Roman finished the season playing some of his best football," Mason said. "Now it's about building on that — continuing to grow his command, his leadership, and his consistency within the offense. He's put in the work, and we're excited to see that carry over."
The Blue Raiders' strong finish to the 2025 campaign serves as a foundation as the program looks to take the next step.
"You saw a team at the end of last year that was starting to figure it out," Mason added. "The challenge now is to bring that same energy and focus into the spring. Momentum only matters if you build on it."
Spring practice will focus on fundamentals, situational awareness, and establishing identity on both sides of the ball as the staff evaluates personnel and builds depth heading into fall camp.
"Our goal this spring is to develop discipline, toughness, and consistency," Mason said. "If we can do that while teaching our systems and building chemistry, we'll be exactly where we need to be."
The Blue Raiders will wrap up spring practice on April 28 as the program eyes the start of the 2026 season on Sept. 5 at home against Murray State. Season tickets are on sale now. Click here to get yours today.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Blue Raiders' football social media accounts to stay up with everything happening inside the program. On X and Instagram it's MT_FB, while on Facebook just look for Blue Raider Football.
This spring, Middle Tennessee will utilize an organized team activity (OTA) approach — emphasizing teaching, installation, and player development through a more controlled, high-repetition practice structure.
"We're approaching this spring with an OTA mindset," said Mason. "It's about maximizing reps, teaching at a high level, and allowing our guys to develop in a structured environment. We want to be efficient with our time and intentional about how we build this team."
The Blue Raiders enter the spring with a blend of experience and new energy, returning eight total starters — including five on defense, two on offense, and one specialist — along with 30 lettermen. The roster will also include 37 newcomers, creating competition across every position group.
"With the numbers we have and the new faces coming in, this format allows us to evaluate and develop guys the right way," Mason said. "We can slow it down when needed, focus on fundamentals, and still get the competitive work we need."
One of the key storylines this spring will be the continued development of quarterback Roman Gagliano, who emerged late last season as a playmaker and leader. Gagliano, who threw for 911 yards in three games as a starter, helped lead the Blue Raiders to wins in two of their final three games, providing momentum heading into the offseason.
"Roman finished the season playing some of his best football," Mason said. "Now it's about building on that — continuing to grow his command, his leadership, and his consistency within the offense. He's put in the work, and we're excited to see that carry over."
The Blue Raiders' strong finish to the 2025 campaign serves as a foundation as the program looks to take the next step.
"You saw a team at the end of last year that was starting to figure it out," Mason added. "The challenge now is to bring that same energy and focus into the spring. Momentum only matters if you build on it."
Spring practice will focus on fundamentals, situational awareness, and establishing identity on both sides of the ball as the staff evaluates personnel and builds depth heading into fall camp.
"Our goal this spring is to develop discipline, toughness, and consistency," Mason said. "If we can do that while teaching our systems and building chemistry, we'll be exactly where we need to be."
The Blue Raiders will wrap up spring practice on April 28 as the program eyes the start of the 2026 season on Sept. 5 at home against Murray State. Season tickets are on sale now. Click here to get yours today.
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