2026 Team Preview: Princeton Tigers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: ATH Brad Mossor - QB Chance Barker - WR Wyatt Cline - OL Jimmy Bowling Jr - EDGE Kalum Kiser - OL Kolten Shockley - LB Landon Crane - OL Zayden Neely</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Princeton had a season that will be remembered for generations, finishing 14-0 and capturing the program's first state championship. After falling just short of the title in 2023, the Tigers returned with a veteran, battle-tested senior class that delivered on the program's ultimate goal. Their undefeated regular season set the stage for an unforgettable postseason run, which ended with a thrilling 36-35 victory over Nitro in one of the best title games in recent memory. Although that championship roster saw many key contributors graduate, the confidence and culture built during that historic season under first-year head coach Nathan Tanner give Princeton plenty of momentum heading into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Capital <br>9/4: at Bluefield<br>9/11: at Oak Hill<br>9/18: at Chapmanville<br>9/25: at Graham (VA)<br>10/9: at George Washington<br>10/16: vs Woodrow Wilson<br>10/23: at Herbert Hoover<br>10/30: vs Hurricane<br>11/6: vs South Charleston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>14-0 (State Champions)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some faces may be different, but don't expect Princeton to take a major step backward in 2026. Several players spent the past few seasons waiting behind one of the most talented senior classes in program history, and many are now ready to step into expanded roles with valuable experience already under their belts. The Tigers still have plenty of talent throughout the roster, along with the confidence and expectations that come from winning a state championship. Princeton should again find itself among the top contenders in Class AAA and has every opportunity to make another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864598"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The undoubted leader of Princeton's offensive line is 2027 OL Landyn Moore, a four-year starter and the #2 overall prospect in West Virginia's 2027 class. Moore possesses the size, length, and nastiness that have made him a D1 recruiting target, but it's the way he plays that separates him. The Marshall commit sets the tone with a physical, aggressive style, looking to finish every block through the whistle while driving defenders off the ball. He's the alpha up front for the Tigers and the type of cornerstone offensive tackle every championship-caliber team wants to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19481587/6937394ad058afc355870bd1u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc937dc9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154940"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's been plenty of curiosity surrounding 2027 Princeton WR/EDGE Isaias Selen, and after finally getting the chance to evaluate his film, it's easy to understand why. Selen brings an impressive combination of size and athleticism with a 6'3 215 frame, giving him the physical traits college coaches look for at the position. He's still developing and far from reaching his ceiling, but the upside is evident throughout his film. As his technique continues to catch up with his natural tools, Selen has the potential to become a highly coveted prospect. Expect him to have a huge senior year on both sides of the ball for the Tigers in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19529747/697093290c31ccbf65ba0ff3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc937e92"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["862731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The keys to Princeton's offense now belong to 2027 ATH/QB Jake Belcher, who is expected to take over as the Tigers' starting quarterback while sliding back to safety on the defensive side of the ball. After contributing in a variety of ways during Princeton's state championship season, Belcher enters his senior year with the opportunity to become one of Class AAA's top playmakers. His athleticism, football IQ, and versatility give Princeton a dynamic player on both sides of the ball, and don't be surprised if he puts together a breakout campaign while leading another deep playoff run for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19263045/697265a1f505cc1e9e43f11du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc937f64"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864438"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patience could pay off in a big way for 2027 WR/DB Logan Whittaker this season. After carving out an important role on Princeton's championship team, Whittaker is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Tigers' graduation losses at wide receiver while also sliding back to safety from OLB on defense. A rangy, athletic playmaker, he covers ground quickly with good closing speed on defense and plays with the type of relentless motor that shows up throughout the game. With an expanded role on both sides of the ball, don't be surprised if Whittaker emerges as one of Princeton's breakout performers during his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19475955/6a1f5f92c3509c5c8043e7b1u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc938025"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689890"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709211a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While 2027 LS/LB Bud Tipton is expected to be a key contributor at inside linebacker this season, his long-term future is likely at long snapper. Tipton possesses a big 6'1 240 frame and has developed into one of the state's top long snappers, giving him legitimate college potential at the position. Defensively, he'll step into a rotational role at inside linebacker, where his size and physicality should make him an important piece of the Tigers' front seven. His ability to contribute on both defense and special teams makes him one of Princeton's more underrated seniors entering the 2026 season and an under-the-radar player to know. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CarterTipton33/status/2068019681722540379","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CarterTipton33/status/2068019681722540379 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692169"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Princeton's success up front isn't expected to slow down with 2028 OL Colby Justus returning to anchor the interior of the offensive line. After stepping into a starting role as a sophomore during the Tigers' state championship run, Justus established himself as one of the top young linemen in the state. He plays with a physical, nasty mentality, consistently finishing blocks while generating movement in the run game, and his athleticism allows him to be just as effective climbing to the second level. Already one of the cornerstones of Princeton's offensive front, Justus is well on his way to developing into one of West Virginia's top interior offensive line prospects in 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21736266/6976b55ce217d951e82b264fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc938154"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1880458"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most dynamic athletes on Princeton's roster is 2028 ATH Alex Cox. After flashing his playmaking ability on both sides of the ball during the Tigers' state championship season, Cox is expected to take on an even larger workload as a junior. His speed, lateral quickness, and ability to change direction make him a dangerous weapon offensively, while his range and physical style allow him to make plays all over the field on defense. With his versatility and natural athleticism, don't be surprised if Cox puts together one of the biggest breakout seasons in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24163167/69a4935919764bc99a39b334u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc93820d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716418"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest offseason additions in the state was Princeton bringing in 2029 RB Aaron Hood Jr Following an outstanding freshman season at Mount View, Hood enters the year ranked as the #10 overall prospect and #2 running back in West Virginia's 2029 class. His combination of burst, vision, and big-play ability gives the Tigers an exciting new weapon as they look to replace production in the backfield. Stepping up to Class AAA will be a new challenge, but Hood has the talent to make an immediate impact and has all the tools to become one of Princeton's next standout playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26866404/697ee44326774eee8afb4c03u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc9382cd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1675743"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High expectations have followed 2029 OL Aiden Robinson for a long time now, and he's ready to live up to them as a sophomore. Robinson is expected to take over as Princeton's starting center this fall after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman while continuing his development on the JV team. He also turned heads on the camp circuit this offseason, earning his first college offer from Concord and reinforcing why he's regarded as one of the state's top young offensive linemen. Anchoring the middle of the line for the defending Class AAA state champions is no small task, but Robinson has the talent, maturity, and upside to become a cornerstone of Princeton's offense for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22411579/690e14f6df5b76d55b3115c3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67cdc93837c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josyah Keatley - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patrick Reed - 2027 WR/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RJ Coatney - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daethon Thomas - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taijae Williams - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaiden Baker - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole Murray - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Howard - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Garrett Owens - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyrone Hawkins - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->