2026 Preview: Mountain View Cougars

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Mountain View Cougars</h1>   Mountain View enters the 2026 season with expectations as high as any team in the state. The Cougars finished 10-2 a season ago, capturing another impressive campaign before falling to eventual 5A state champion Silverton in the semifinals. Under head coach Brian Crum, Mountain View has become one of Oregon's premier 5A programs, winning two of the last three Intermountain Conference championships while reaching three state semifinals and two state championship games during that stretch.   If this offseason is any indication, the Cougars have no plans of slowing down. Coach Crum described it as "incredible," with the program reaching record participation numbers and taking 107 players to its annual Linfield Team Camp. Beyond the football field, Mountain View has continued to emphasize leadership development, team bonding, and strength and conditioning, areas Crum believes are just as important as wins and losses. From leadership training in the spring to team yoga, lake days, and weight room sessions throughout the summer, the Cougars have made building a connected team a priority.   "The bar has been set high here at Mountain View," Crum said. "This senior class wants to finish their career with a state championship." The Cougars understand the road won't be easy, especially with another challenging schedule that includes an early-season matchup with rival Summit, but they expect to once again compete near the top of both the Intermountain Conference and the 5A classification.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2>    Already committed to Washington State, Gillam headlines one of the state's most talented rosters. The standout tight end has also collected offers from San Diego State, Sacramento State, UC Davis, and Eastern Washington thanks to his rare combination of size, length, athleticism, and relentless motor. Whether lining up on offense or rushing off the edge defensively, Gillam has the ability to change a game.     Nichols anchors the trenches for the Cougars as a two-year starter on both sides of the football. Coach Crum described him as a college-level player who is incredibly difficult to move defensively while paving the way in the run game as an offensive tackle. He'll once again be one of the leaders up front.     Carpenter put together an outstanding junior season, rushing for more than 800 yards and 15 touchdowns while splitting carries in Mountain View's backfield. His game-breaking speed and explosiveness make him a constant big-play threat, and his athletic ability extends beyond football, as he is a talented baseball player as well.     Few players in the program have improved as much over the last two seasons as Capers. He has developed into a reliable receiving threat offensively while using his explosiveness to create problems as an edge defender. Coach Crum also believes Capers deserves much more attention from college coaches heading into his senior season.     After an unfortunate battle with mononucleosis interrupted his junior season, Wheir returns healthy and ready to lead the offense. Coach Crum praised his accuracy, athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, believing he has developed into one of the better quarterbacks in Oregon's 5A classification. He is another player the staff believes will be playing college football.     Sahagian has grown into more of a leadership role. After quietly handling center duties a year ago, he has become one of the vocal leaders of Mountain View's offensive line heading into his senior season. Expect a big season from the Cougars returning starting center.     Mountain View's linebacker depth is one of the best in the state, and Loch is another major reason why. He combines surprising speed with physicality, giving the Cougars valuable versatility by contributing on both offense and defense.     Bottemiller has already established himself as one of the premier linebackers in Oregon after earning First Team All-Intermountain Conference honors as a sophomore. The emotional leader of the defense, he brings toughness and leadership while also giving the Cougars another weapon in the backfield.     Wimmer burst onto the scene last season, earning both First Team All-Conference and All-State recognition. He has a tremendous feel for the game, consistently finding the football while showing the athleticism to make plays from sideline to sideline. Coach Crum believes he is another player who deserves more recruiting attention.     Harrison's junior season was cut short by a knee injury just two games into the year, but his hard work throughout rehab has him poised for a big senior campaign. Before the injury, he was Mountain View's top receiver and defensive back, and the coaching staff expects him to quickly reestablish himself as one of the team's top playmakers.     LeFeber has made an impressive return after suffering a knee injury early last season. Following months of rehab, he has emerged as a dependable receiver and linebacker whose work ethic has elevated his game. LeFeber adds another talented piece to both the receiver and linebacker rooms.     Jangala gained valuable experience by starting a playoff game at cornerback as a freshman and looks ready to become an impact two-way player thanks to his coverage skills, physical tackling, and willingness to block.     Speed is Nosler's calling card. The reigning 5A state champion in the 100 meters has elite track speed that immediately translates onto the football field, allowing him to stretch defenses vertically while also making plays in the secondary.     Fresh off a state championship in wrestling, Jones was Mountain View's top freshman player last season. His physicality and athleticism have already put him in a position to contribute at both running back and linebacker if called upon. Jones is a player we will be hearing from for years.     One of the younger names to know, Ballweber has impressed throughout the offseason. Coach Crum noted that the sophomore has stepped into valuable quarterback reps this summer and has already shown the intelligence and skill set to contribute within the Cougar offense.    Mountain View has become the standard in the Intermountain Conference, and nothing about this offseason suggests that will change in 2026. The Cougars return proven stars, boast one of the deepest rosters in the state, and continue to build a culture centered around leadership and development. With another challenging schedule ahead, including an early showdown with Summit, Mountain View will have every opportunity to prove it belongs right back in the hunt for a 5A state championship. Mountain View opens up the season on August 28th at home vs West Albany.

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.