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The University of Tulsa kicked off its preseason camp on Wednesday, and head coach Tre Lamb found plenty to be pleased about—not just in the execution on the field, but in the overall maturity of a squad that is now in its second year under his leadership. Lamb noted that the Golden Hurricane appears considerably more advanced than at this point last season, thanks to a productive offseason spent building within the program.
"We've got more experience," Lamb said. "You can tell this group's focus is a little bit more than it has been. Today's really a continuation of the offseason because of how much work you can do during the summer."
Vertical Passing Game Shows Signs of Life
One of the biggest takeaways from the opening practice was Tulsa's ability to stretch the field offensively. Lamb believes the Golden Hurricane has significantly more explosive-play potential than it showed during the 2025 season, when downfield completions were few and far between. "I like where we're at in the throw game," Lamb said. "I think we have more in our repertoire to get the ball down the field, but you've got to establish the line of scrimmage first." He cautioned that a better evaluation will come once the team begins practicing in shells and full-contact situations later this week, particularly during inside run and play-action periods.
Bigger, Stronger Roster Enters Year 2
Lamb credited the NCAA's expanded offseason practice opportunities for helping accelerate the program's development. Players spent eight weeks together before camp and reported in excellent condition, with only one cramp occurring during Wednesday's practice. "I think we look bigger, faster, stronger," Lamb said. "We've gained weight, we look more explosive. A lot of guys are growing up, and that's what it's like when you're trying to build a program."
Physical Development Starts Up Front
As camp progresses, Lamb said his biggest evaluation areas will be along both the offensive and defensive lines. While quarterbacks remain critical, he emphasized that true improvement up front can't be measured until players begin practicing in pads. "You can't replicate physical team reps in the summer," Lamb said. "The O-line and D-line are the two positions I'm looking forward to seeing develop." The defensive front wasted little time making an impression. Hudson Ball, Thomas Davis, and Arias Nash each recorded sacks during the opening practice, with Lamb specifically praising Ball's offseason development. "Last year he was just playing hard," Lamb said. "Now he's added more to his pass-rush repertoire, he's stronger, and I thought he had a really good day."
Secondary Dealing with Injury
Tulsa will be without preseason All-American cornerback Elijah Green for the time being after he suffered a knee injury during offseason activities. Lamb said the injury does not involve ligament damage and described it as an issue involving Green's kneecap. The coaching staff plans to be patient with one of its top NFL prospects. "I'm not going to rush that," Lamb said. "I think he's an NFL player, and he's still got two years left." Despite Green's absence, Lamb expressed confidence in Tulsa's depth at cornerback, pointing to Tyson Williams, Caldra Williford, NuNu Campbell, and J.D. Drew as experienced options who have played significant college football.
Running Back Committee Taking Shape
Unlike last season, when Dom Richardson and Ajay Allen handled the bulk of the workload, Tulsa expects to rotate several running backs in 2026. Lamb said keeping the position fresh will be a priority as the Golden Hurricane looks to lean more heavily on the running game. "I've never had a season where a running back didn't get injured," Lamb said. "You've got to keep those guys fresh." He also revealed the offense plans to involve running backs much more in the passing game after relying heavily on tight end Brody Foley as a safety valve last season. "This year that's going to be the backs," Lamb said. "A good coach uses what he has."
Baylor Hayes Remains QB1
Lamb again made it clear there is no quarterback controversy. Baylor Hayes remains the unquestioned starter after representing Tulsa at conference media days, though backup Dexter will receive meaningful reps throughout camp and could be utilized in specific short-yardage packages. "Baylor's our guy," Lamb said. "It's his job." Still, Lamb likes the experience behind his starter, noting Tulsa has more than 20 combined career starts between its top two quarterbacks. "I've watched every career snap of both players," Lamb said. "I think we can win with both of them."
Camp Schedule Designed for Recovery
For the first time as a head coach, Lamb is implementing a three-days-on, one-day-off practice schedule. The goal is to balance physicality with recovery while maintaining a high level of intensity once the team puts on pads. "When we're in shells and full pads, we're going," Lamb said. "That's the expectation."
Originally reported by newson6.