Harding Football 2026

[OldBison]

Didn’t realize until today that Nii Addy had entered the portal . That will hurt unless they can pick up a transfer to replace him. DEs and two upperclass LB coming back. Digger was hurt for most of the playoffs. His back up looked pretty good, I thought. We’ll miss Griffin. I’m always amazed how each year I think there’s going to be a drop off in the defense but by the playoffs Mote has them playing really well.

[Bisons10]

A WHOLE lot of turnover for the Bison. I’ll be a realist, no telling what next season looks like. Could be a slight drop-off could be same ole same ole. But it is obvious the offensive side was not glamorous in departures and there are reasons. No point in not being real.

[OldBison]

I am intrigued by this comment. Do you think the offense puts up the better or worse performance than last year? If so, why? Also I think it is hard to see the defense getting better after losing Griffin and Dugger two all americans. I would enjoy to hear more.

Hard to say at this point. I definitely think there will be a drop off in offensive production at least initially. Even during the years when there were no coaching changes there would be a period of about 6-8 weeks in the regular season when a new Flexbone QB would struggle to get his reads and timing in sync. With the our two DTs hitting the portal and Dugger and Griffin gone, I’m beginning to think our defense is going to have some building to do. With a new OC and two new other offensive staff this is starting to feel more like a 2-4 year rebuild. One thing is for sure - the days of trying to stop Bisons by loading up the box or run blitzing the Flexbone are over. I can’t wait to see the new Flexbone.

[Predatory Primates]

The last 4 years were unprecedented for HU. Some of the Harding fans referring to that as the norm kind of crack me up.

To be clear, I expect them to still be a playoff team and a really tough out. Great culture, super solid in the fundamentals, etc...

That said, Keylon and Jay were both once every decade or two type players at their respective positions. They both benefited from 2 great FBs in a row over their 4 years. That's off the top of my head without knowing much about who they'll lose at OL or other positions.


Will they just reload generational talent and continue to be a truly elite, top 2 or 3 team nationally? Its definitely possible, but the odds are against it, especially in the portal era.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

The last 4 years were unprecedented for HU. Some of the Harding fans referring to that as the norm kind of crack me up.

To be clear, I expect them to still be a playoff team and a really tough out. Great culture, super solid in the fundamentals, etc...

That said, Keylon and Jay were both once every decade or two type players at their respective positions. They both benefited from 2 great FBs in a row over their 4 years. That's off the top of my head without knowing much about who they'll lose at OL or other positions.


Will they just reload generational talent and continue to be a truly elite, top 2 or 3 team nationally? Its definitely possible, but the odds are against it, especially in the portal era.

I still expect Harding to win the GAC but they may not be the favorite to win SR4.

Will Ouachita Baptist or Southern Arkansas have enough there to challenge them and take advantage?

There have been so many coaching and player changes in SR4 that NW Missouri/Pitt State may be the regional favorites now.

[OldBison]

The last 4 years were unprecedented for HU. Some of the Harding fans referring to that as the norm kind of crack me up.

To be clear, I expect them to still be a playoff team and a really tough out. Great culture, super solid in the fundamentals, etc...

That said, Keylon and Jay were both once every decade or two type players at their respective positions. They both benefited from 2 great FBs in a row over their 4 years. That's off the top of my head without knowing much about who they'll lose at OL or other positions.


Will they just reload generational talent and continue to be a truly elite, top 2 or 3 team nationally? Its definitely possible, but the odds are against it, especially in the portal era.

I’m not sure exactly why but historically Harding has not depended on, been hurt by nor been significantly helped by the portal. If there have been significant changes (good and bad) due to the portal, they’ve been on defense. Harding’s offense depends heavily on developing the player that has potential, but because of size or speed, no one wants. Defense is another matter. Things may be changing especially if we shift the offense to a version of the Flexbone that adds more passing and QB in the shotgun. We’ll see. My hunch is this coming year we pick up some defensive talent via transfers and portal and the offense begins the process of developing a new generation of QBs and slots to compliment Miller and his back up.

[D2_connoisseur]

If Harding has to depend on the portal, they will never be a national power. Harding has acquired many great players from the portal, but it is not a new squad every year where they depend on the portal. The main core always remaining the same of players who showed up there as freshman. I am excited to see how the 2026 squad fares. A few shoutouts of players I think will be great next season that do not get talked about a lot. First new QB Malik Young is going to be great at the helm. Next two returning offensive lineman Cobe Williams and David Gomez. Cobe is a bow legged beast! And David has the best trap blocks I have ever seen!

[WonderboysATU]

Harding getting Creed Vega from Dardanelle and the Rogers QB is big time… honestly more impressed with the Rogers qb. Bet he transitions to be a wicked slot back. I do wonder where creed fits in.

[Divisiontwo]

Harding getting Creed Vega from Dardanelle and the Rogers QB is big time… honestly more impressed with the Rogers qb. Bet he transitions to be a wicked slot back. I do wonder where creed fits in.

Right where he’s been playing. getting the RB from mountain home also big time. Sure looks a lot like Andrew miller in high school.

[FoothillBison]

Harding getting Creed Vega from Dardanelle and the Rogers QB is big time… honestly more impressed with the Rogers qb. Bet he transitions to be a wicked slot back. I do wonder where creed fits in.

I've heard quite a few claim that he might have been the most dominate player in the State this year. Doesn't have D1 measurables though. Great fit for Harding.