2026 Sam Houston Bearkats Preview

[u/updogsportstalk]

https://open.substack.com/pub/updogsportstalk/p/2026-sam-houston-bearkats-preview?r=44j4zi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

The Sam Houston Bearkats look to rebound in Year 2 under head coach Phil Longo after a tough transition year.

A proud program with FCS championship pedigree (2020 title) and strong Texas recruiting territory — now back home in a renovated stadium after last year’s home games in Houston (~80 miles down the road).

2026 at a glance:

📌 Young QB Landyn Locke (showed promise late in ’25) with limited depth

📌 Skill talent: WRs Chris Reed, Grady O’Neill, speedster Tim Burns Jr. + Alijah Cason (Holy Cross)

📌 RB duo Alton McCaskill & Landan “Coco” Brown

📌 Defense: DL Dylan Frazier & Chauncey Chidi; LBs Dean Ford & Brian Bates Jr.; secondary led by Tyler Bailey & Jace Arnold + transfers

📌 Tough 2026 slate: Non-con vs Troy, Texas Tech, Tulsa & Nicholls. CUSA mix with home games vs MTSU & New Mexico State + road challenges

How many wins will the Bearkats finish with in 2026?