How Should We Rate Dowell Loggains After App State's 2-0 Start?

Two games into the 2026 season, Dowell Loggains has given Appalachian State plenty of reasons for optimism.

The Mountaineers are 2-0 after opening the season with a dominant 55-3 victory over Maine before traveling to Greenville and holding off East Carolina 27-24. It is still far too early to draw sweeping conclusions, but the opening fortnight has provided a useful glimpse at where App State stands in Loggains' second season.

The offense has taken a step forward

The biggest encouragement has been the consistency of the offense.

Against Maine, App State produced 647 yards while quarterback Malachi Singleton completed 22 of 24 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. The Mountaineers then followed that performance by putting 27 points on the board against ECU on the road.

That matters because improving the offense was one of the major objectives entering Loggains' second season. The early returns suggest the team is playing with greater confidence and has found a quarterback capable of directing the attack.

The ECU win tells us more

The Maine game was impressive, but the ECU matchup offered a much better test.

App State had to play on the road, deal with a hostile environment and respond when the Pirates made their late push. The Mountaineers eventually escaped with a three-point victory, improving to 2-0.

That is perhaps the most encouraging part of Loggains' start. His team did not simply win when everything went according to plan; it was forced to manage adversity and protect a lead late in the game.

So, what grade does Loggains deserve?

Early grade: A-

An A- feels appropriate after two games.

The 2-0 record is difficult to argue with, the offense has been productive, Singleton has quickly emerged as an important piece and App State has already secured a meaningful road victory.

The deduction comes from the fact that the season is still in its infancy. Maine is an FCS opponent, while ECU is now 0-2 after opening against Alabama. The tougher portion of App State's schedule is still ahead, beginning with Charlotte before a trip to NC State.

For now, Loggains has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Last season ended 5-8, making this 2-0 start a welcome change in Boone. But the real test will be whether App State can maintain this level once Sun Belt play arrives.

Two games do not make a season. They can, however, change the conversation.

And after two games, the conversation around Loggains and App State is certainly a lot more positive than it was entering the season.