Bryant Team Preview

Bryant’s dynasty shows no signs of slowing down.

The defending Class 7A state champions enter the 2026 season riding a 26-game winning streak after completing a perfect 13-0 campaign last fall. The Hornets have won seven of the past eight Class 7A state championships, have not lost to rival Benton since 2005, and once again begin the season as the team everyone is chasing.

The first challenge comes immediately, when Bryant hosts Benton in the annual Salt Bowl on August 28 at Bryant Stadium.

Fourth-year Bryant head coach Quad Sanders (36-2) said last year’s championship team was one of the most talented groups he has coached.

“We ended up getting there and getting tested pretty good,” Sanders said. “Across the state, that class was one of the most talented. Being part of

those moments last season, especially our come-from-behind win [against Rogers in the semifinals], really propelled us into the state championship game.”

Even after another championship, Sanders said every title run has been unique.

“Every one of them is different,” Sanders said. “Winning 26 in a row, everyone is special and none is the same. It’s a different group of kids every year. Those moments are special and nobody can take them away.”

Bryant will again enjoy home-field advantage for the Salt Bowl for the first time in more than 20 years.

“It is good to have another home game,” Sanders said. “We’re looking forward to it. I cannot pay much attention to the crowd, but we expect a packed house and a crazy atmosphere. So many former players will be back, and they’ll be in the end zone cheering us on.”

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Senior Kyler Shelby (6-0, 185) enters fall camp as Bryant’s projected starter after throwing for nearly 1,000 yards while sharing quarterback duties with Jeremiah Motes during last year’s championship season. Shelby earned 7A-Central All-Conference honors and owns an offer from Northwest Missouri State.

“If we played today, Kyler would get the start and we’d see how it goes,” Sanders said. “Everybody else is new except for Kyler. Hopefully he grows throughout the season, because if he does, it means we’ll have success.”

Sophomore Judah Summers (5-11, 185), one of Arkansas’ top sophomore prospects, also will compete for playing time.

Running Backs

Replacing last year’s experienced backfield is one of Bryant’s biggest questions, but the Hornets have plenty of talent with junior Kaleb Leak (5-10, 190), who owns 4.6 speed and a 415-pound squat, junior Jamarion Greer (5-9, 180), sophomore Tavion Morris (5-11, 185), who already owns an Arkansas offer, and senior Corey Ellison (5-9, 200) as the short-yardage back.

“I think we have talent,” Sanders said. “Sometimes talent beats experience, but we have to get experience really fast.”

Wide Receivers

Bryant once again boasts one of the deepest receiving corps in Class 7A. Seniors Dantrell Wilkins (5-11, 175) and Jaden Hasten (5-10, 180) lead the group after Hasten made the move from defensive back.

Junior Chase Slater (6-4, 185), a transfer from Mills University Studies, gives the Hornets another explosive target after recording more than 700 receiving yards last season. Slater owns scholarship offers from Appalachian State, Kansas, Texas State and UTSA.

Junior Evan Hicks (5-11, 170) returns after rotating into the offense as a sophomore. Inside receivers include junior Crews Thomason (5-10, 175), who has impressed during summer 7-on-7 competition and carries a 3.9 GPA, sophomore Quinton Sykes Jr. (6-2, 200), who already owns offers from Arkansas and UTSA while drawing interest from Ole Miss and Arkansas State, junior Abram Pendergrass (5-11, 185), sophomores Taylen Woods (5-11, 170) and Taylor Brewer (6-0, 160), and seniors Logan Lee (6-4, 190), Michael Wynne (5-8, 165), Keaton Herman (6-4, 185), Turner Whittington (5-8, 170) and Jayden Davis (5-8, 170).

DEFENSE

Offensive Line

Bryant returns two starters up front in junior tackle Xavier Freeman (6-2, 230) and junior Amarii Clary (6-2, 235). The rotation also includes seniors Lyric Berry (6-0, 280), Ian West (6-1, 280) and Xavier Smith (5-11, 275); juniors Cameron Daniels (6-1, 250), Kelvin Shavers (6-2, 260), Braden Owens (6-2, 265) and Gideon Banks (5-9, 255); and sophomores Will Dickinson (6-2, 260) and Jaxon Pederson (6-0, 270).

Special Teams

Bryant returns one of Arkansas’s top specialists in senior kicker and punter J.D. Olson, who earned 7A-Central All-Conference honors after converting all 34 extra-point attempts last season. Olson owns offers from Hendrix College and Lyon College and carries a 3.5 GPA. 

Defensive Line

Bryant’s defense again begins up front, where All-Conference seniors Jacquez Suggs (6-3, 230) and Sam Nelson (6-4, 240) anchor one of the state’s top defensive fronts. Suggs owns offers from North Texas and Arkansas State, while Nelson committed to Oklahoma in the spring.

“If they don’t play well, we won’t play well,” Bryant head coach Quad Sanders said. “They’re going to be the determining factor.”

The Hornets also feature outstanding depth with seniors Chris Bonds (6-1, 200), Lincoln Wicks (6-1, 300), Ramon Williams (6-1, 190), Brylen Hendrix (6-3, 220) and Evan Casey (5-11, 215); juniors Evan Kennemer (6-2, 255), Mikhel Jones (6-0, 240), Brenden Hill (5-11, 250), Lyric Brown (6-0, 250) and Byron Coffee (6-2, 245); and sophomores Braedon Johnson (6-2, 180), Josyiah Blevins (6-0, 200) and Jackson Haynes (6-0, 220).

Linebackers

Bryant returns a veteran linebacking corps led by senior All-Conference selection Kaveion Smith (6-2, 230), who started multiple games last season and combines a 425-pound squat with 4.7 speed. Seniors Quinterious Waller (6-0, 205) and DeAndre Brewer (5-11, 200) move from the secondary, with Brewer bringing elite speed after winning the Class 7A state championship in the 100 meters. Senior Sam Forte (5-11, 195) also returns, while juniors Jack Sanders (5-11, 190), Brandon Johnson (6-0, 225) and Ke’Ton Smith (6-0, 175), who runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, provide additional depth. Sophomores Braydon Jones (6-2, 175), Keegan Desquare (5-11, 175), and Rizer Rue (5-9, 180) round out the unit.

Secondary

Bryant’s secondary is anchored by senior All-Conference honoree Terriun Jones (6-1, 175), who intercepted seven passes last season, returned one for a touchdown against Little Rock Christian, and helped set up another score in the state championship game. Senior All-Conference performer Aaron Austin III (6-1, 165) also returns after starting throughout last season.

The Hornets also feature Mikaelyon Peoples (5-8, 160); juniors Malik Shipp (5-10, 170), Jeremiah Smith (6-1, 170), and Anthony Ellis (6-1, 165); and sophomores Tristan Heard (6-2, 180), Landon Tableriou (5-11, 180), Dariyon Summons (5-9, 160), and Deunte Grimes (5-9, 165). νNate Olson