Changing of the Guard: Baugess and Jurs Ready to Fuel the FBS Era

By BCDME Athletics Media

July 1, 2026

As the BCDME Travellers officially transition into the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the American Athletic Conference this fall, they face the dual challenge of elevated competition and massive shoes to fill.

Senior QB Casey Baugess in 2025 Action

The historical back-to-back FCS National Championship appearance runs of 2024 and 2025 were fueled by arguably the most lethal aerial duo in program history: quarterback Marcus Vance and wide receiver Devonte Adams Jr. Vance leaves Evanston as the school’s all-time career passing leader (13,420 yards, 118 TDs) and single-season record holder (4,815 yards, 45 TDs in 2024). Meanwhile, Adams Jr. practically rewritten the receiving record books, holding the career marks for catches (284), yards (4,110), and touchdowns (46), alongside a jaw-dropping 108-reception, 19-touchdown single-season masterclass in 2024.

Losing that kind of production right before jumping to the FBS level would paralyze most programs. But head coach Taylor Smith's squad isn't most programs. The Travellers possess a pair of terrifyingly talented elite juniors and seniors ready to take the mantle and ignite the American Athletic Conference.  

The New General: Casey Baugess

Stepping under center is senior quarterback Casey Baugess, an elite 94-overall signal-caller from Las Vegas, NV, who has bided his time and mastered the playbook. Boasting an incredibly live arm and sharp decision-making, Baugess isn't running from the ghost of Marcus Vance—he’s honoring it.  

"What Marcus did here was legendary, period," Baugess said after a recent summer practice. "He set the blueprint for how to lead this offense, and I learned a lot just watching how he commanded the huddle during those championship runs. But I didn't come to Evanston to be Marcus Vance. I came to be Casey Baugess. This offense has all the weapons it needs, and going into the AAC, my expectation is to keep this train moving without missing a single beat. We’re ready for the big stage."

Junior WR Bre Jurs

The Next WR1: Bre Jurs

Taking over the WR1 spot is junior wideout Bre Jurs. Matching Baugess with a spectacular 94-overall rating, the Chicago native brings a physical, explosive dynamic to the perimeter that will keep opposing defensive coordinators awake at night. With Devonte Adams Jr. moving on, Jurs is prepared to become the primary target.  

"Devonte is the standard for BCDME receivers, and he showed me what it takes to dominate at this level every single day," Jurs stated confidently. "I appreciate everything he did for this program and for my own development. But the standard doesn't graduate. Casey and I have put in an insane amount of work on our chemistry this offseason. Opponents might think there's going to be a drop-off in our passing game just because the names on the back of the jerseys changed, but they're going to find out real quick that this air attack is just as dangerous as it's ever been."

The Verdict

While the legendary Vance-to-Adams connection will forever be enshrined in the BCDME history books, the Baugess-to-Jurs era promises to be just as explosive. Backed by a 98-overall star in halfback Jae Thiele and a dominant offensive line anchored by 96-overall center David Haas, the Travellers have the horsepower to make an immediate, loud statement in the FBS.  

The guard has officially changed in Evanston, and the sky is the limit.