Brenden Reese, a sophomore linebacker at the University of North Texas, is preparing for an expanded role in the 2026 season. The Longview High School graduate spent his freshman year primarily on special teams, recording three tackles across 12 games. With the arrival of new head coach Neal Brown, Reese anticipates playing more snaps at linebacker while continuing to contribute on special units.
Brown joins the Mean Green after serving as a special assistant to Steve Sarkisian at Texas. His coaching history includes stints at Troy from 2015 to 2018 and West Virginia from 2019 through 2024. During his ten seasons leading those programs, Brown guided them to seven bowl games, accumulating a career record of 72-51.
Reese noted that adjusting to a new coaching staff has been a recurring theme in his college career. He previously adapted to Eric Morris, who led UNT to a 12-2 record before moving to Oklahoma State. Reese described the transition to Brown as positive, stating that the coach has instilled a sense of trust and brotherhood within the team.
"I wasn’t sure, but he’s instilled a thing in me where I know I can trust him," Reese said.
The linebacker’s coaches have indicated that his spring performance was strong and that he is moving in the right direction. They have encouraged him to be more vocal in his leadership, with Reese expressing a desire to help teammates improve their understanding of the scheme. "I want you to see me do it, but I also want you to do it," he said.
