KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island's quarterback room enters the 2026 season with proven production at the top and competition among the group behind it.
Coming into training camp, fourth-year Ram Devin Farrell (Stockbridge, Ga.) was firmly established as Rhode Island's top quarterback. His career numbers speak for themselves. Farrell ranks fourth in program history in both career touchdown passes (36) and passing yards (5,474). His career completion percentage of 62.7 ranks second in program history, trailing only JaJuan Lawson's 63.3 percent mark from 2017-18.
Farrell is coming off a standout 2025 campaign in which he threw for 3,745 yards and 24 touchdowns. Both totals rank among the best single-season performances in program history, trailing only Tom Ehrhardt's numbers from the 1984 and 1985 seasons. Entering his fourth year with the Rams, Farrell has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the FCS.
Behind Farrell, Rhode Island entered training camp with an opportunity for someone to emerge following the transfer of 2025 backup Connor Kenyon to Central Connecticut State. Third-year Ram Alex McClelland (Barrington, R.I.) and Georgia Southern transfer Tyler Budge (Matthews, N.C.) have both competed for reps throughout camp.
McClelland saw limited action at quarterback last season, including appearances in goal-line and wildcat packages. After not appearing in a game in 2024, he played in five games for the Rams a season ago and rushed for a 6-yard touchdown in Rhode Island's victory at Elon on Nov. 8.
Budge enters his third season of college football and his first with Rhode Island. After appearing in one game for Georgia Southern in 2024, he did not see game action last season. Budge brings significant starting experience from his high school career, throwing for more than 3,000 yards as a senior at Weddington High School in his home state of North Carolina.
The Rams have two additional quarterbacks on the roster. Second-year Ram Ben Roden (Woodbury, Conn.) and true freshman Elliot Newcomb (Charlotte, N.C.) round out the position group as Rhode Island prepares to open the 2026 season Friday at Merrimack.
Inside the Position Room is a training camp series highlighting each Rhode Island Football position group leading up to the 2026 season. Follow along at GoRhody.com as the Rams continue preparations for the upcoming season.
