Bethel Wildcats Football Prepare for 2026 Campaign

McKENZIE (August 10) —  Coming off a 4-5 campaign in Coach Chris Springer’s first season at the helm, the Bethel University Wildcats enter year two with optimism, a talented roster and expectations that are continuing to rise.

The Wildcats improved throughout the season last year and expect that improvement to continue. 

With 51 players returning, including 11 returning starters, and 83 newcomers joining the program, Bethel enters the season with a roster filled with competition, athleticism, and opportunity.

“We have a young talented roster that’s eager to compete,” Springer said. “Our veteran leaders have done a great job setting the tone, and we’re excited about the potential of this group.”

Every successful team needs leaders willing to set the standard. This will be a huge key for the Cats after losing standouts, Jaden Taylor, Rayshawn Harvey, and Darrien Lewis. All were all-conference selections last year.  

Bethel will lean on six seniors — Jordan Jackson, Brandon Hall, Brenton Hall, Christian Harden, Luke Streeter, and Tatum Oliver — as the Wildcats begin their quest to make their mark on the upcoming season.

The Wildcats have also named Christian Harden, Ryan Kirk, Clay Powell, Durrell Miller, and Tatum Oliver as team captains. Miller was a first team All-MSC performer last year. 

That group will be charged with setting the tone for a roster that features a blend of returning experience and a massive influx of new talent.

The message is clear. The standard is rising.

The Wildcats have reloaded this offseason, bringing in 83 newcomers who will compete for roles throughout the roster.

Among the key additions are players from Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, including:

Isaiah Bishop, Caleb Murphy, Hunter King, Jackson Stickles, Keyden Hunt, Myles Mahan, Wyatt Wise, Keaton Beach, Keith Postell, Cordarius Johnson, Layne Vaughn, Dave Jones, Carson Kelly, Andre Small, Makai Owens, Isaiah Thomas, Anthony Carnahan, Diezal Ward, Justin Beasley and Jamarion Dowdell.

The new Wildcats aren't coming simply to fill roster spots. They're coming to compete.

“Our newcomers have added quality depth and competition across the roster,” Springer said. “We made it a priority this offseason to improve our depth on the offensive line, added length and speed at wide receiver, and feel really good about our linebacker core.”

If there's one area where experience could make an immediate difference, it's up front.

The defensive line enters the season as Bethel's most experienced position group, giving the Wildcats a veteran presence in the trenches. But experience doesn't mean anything is guaranteed.

Competition will be fierce at the secondary and offensive line positions, where players will battle throughout the season for opportunities to make their impact felt.

That competition could become one of Bethel's biggest strengths as the season progresses.

Every season has players ready to break through.

For the Wildcats, Ryan Kirk enters the season as one of those players.

Kirk has been identified as a player poised for a breakout season, while Justin Bruce and David Williams have earned recognition for their improvement heading into the new campaign.

And with a roster this deep, Wildcat Nation could see plenty of new names emerge as the season unfolds.

Several newcomers will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact, including Isaiah Bishop, Caleb Murphy, Hunter King, Jackson Stickles, Keyden Hunt, Myles Mahan, Wyatt Wise, Keaton Beach, Lamarkus Grigsby, Keith Postell, and Cordarius Johnson.

For Springer and his staff, the challenge is turning that talent and competition into a team that continues to improve every Saturday.

The road ahead won't be easy. Bethel's non-conference schedule provides a strong test, while the Mid-South Conference remains one of the most competitive environments in the country.

“We’re excited about this year’s schedule,” Springer said. “Our non-conference slate is strong. The Mid-South Conference is always well rounded and highly competitive, so we know every game will prepare us to be at our best.”

Every game will matter. Every practice will matter. Every rep will matter.

Bethel wants to put itself in position to play for a conference championship.

“Our expectations are to compete at a high level every day, continue improving throughout the season, and put ourselves in position to compete for a conference championship,” Springer said. “We have a group that’s willing to work and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

The returning players know what it takes. The newcomers bring competition. The captains bring leadership.

As Coach Springer enters the season with a team ready to find out just how far it can go, he will do it with several new faces and key returning veterans on his coaching staff. 

Coach Springer and the Wildcats know the work ahead will be demanding, but they're embracing the challenge.

“We are excited for the upcoming season and grateful for your continued support,” Springer said. “Our team is working hard with passion, discipline, and commitment to represent Bethel University the right way.”

A solid foundation was built in year one.

Now, the Wildcats are ready to build something bigger.

Year two starts now.

For a complete look at the 2026 schedule and other info on Wildcats, visit:

www.bethelathletics.com