HOBART BEARCATS
Coach: JOE JONES
6-5
Hobart heads into the 2026 season under new leadership and with a strong returning core on both sides of the ball after finishing 6-5 in 2025. First-year head coach Joe Jones takes over a Bearcats program that expects to remain physical and competitive while adjusting to his vision. With seven starters back on offense and seven on defense, Hobart brings valuable experience into a schedule that will test it weekly. The Bearcats believe that combination of familiarity and fresh energy on the staff can help them take the next step this fall.
Offensively, Hobart will operate out of a spread look designed to get its playmakers in space. Senior running back Eli Frank (5-9, 195) is a key piece after carrying 176 times for 996 yards last season, giving the Bearcats a proven workhorse on the ground. Junior back Cooper Gray (5-7, 175) adds another threat after rushing for 281 yards and four touchdowns, providing depth and explosiveness in the backfield. Junior quarterback Callen Moore (6-0, 170) returns after totaling 384 yards and four touchdowns, giving Hobart continuity under center. On the perimeter, senior receiver Hayes Porter (6-0, 165) is a top target coming off a 17-catch, three-touchdown season, while junior wideout Teashawn Calip (6-3, 175) brings size and length to the passing game. With a strong group of skill players returning, the Bearcats expect to spread the field and attack all levels of the defense.
Defensively, Hobart will line up in a 4-2-5 base that emphasizes speed, physicality and sound tackling. Frank returns at linebacker after recording 54 tackles and eight tackles for loss, providing a physical presence in the middle. Senior defensive end Jack Madden (5-9, 175) brings disruption off the edge after posting 26 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks. Senior linebacker Bryer Smith (5-9, 175) led the team with 64 tackles and added six tackles for loss, giving the Bearcats another reliable presence at the second level. In the secondary, Porter contributed 25 tackles and four interceptions at corner, while Calip added 34 tackles and two interceptions from the other corner spot, and senior free safety Noah Tolar (6-1, 165) chipped in 29 tackles and three pass breakups. With that experienced core, Hobart expects its defense to create negative plays, take the ball away and keep the Bearcats in every game.
8-28 – at Minco
9-4 – vs. Sayre
9-11 – at Mangrum
9-18 – vs. Tishomingo
9-25 – at Southwest Covenant
10-9 – at Apache
10-15 – vs. Empire
10-23 – vs. Thomas-Fay-Custer
10-30 – at Mooreland
11-6 – vs. Carnegie
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