2026 Team Preview: Capital Cougars

<!-- 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: RB David Robinson Jr (TR) - OL Jason Martin (TR) - OL/DL Zion Pitts - QB De'Sean Isabell (TR) - TE Camden Bulger (TR) - TE/LB De'Azra Fuller (TR) - LS Timothy McIntyre (TR) - WR/DB Demajaih Spencer (TR) - EDGE Tramel Musgrove (TR) - EDGE Trevaun Tyson (TR) - WR Turay Rush (TR) - RB/LB Cam Harris - DB Christian Robinson - DB Jamal Dotson - DB Damian Johnson - EDGE Jakori Clark - TE/DL Josiah Greene - OL/DL Tomas Cintron - ATH Fernando Valdivia </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capital took a step forward in 2025, finishing 5-6 and earning a spot in the Class AAA playoffs before falling in the opening round. While reaching the postseason marked progress, the Cougars likely came away feeling they were capable of even more with the talent on last year's roster. The offseason also brought change on the sidelines, giving the program a fresh start as it turns the page toward 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Princeton<br>9/4: vs Cabell Midland<br>9/18: at St. Albans<br>9/25: at South Charleston<br>10/2: at Huntington<br>10/9: vs Oak Hill<br>10/16: vs Spring Valley<br>10/23: at George Washington <br>10/30: vs Nitro<br>11/6: vs Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>5-6 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new era begins at Capital with former Cougar Turan Rush taking over as head coach. It's no secret the program has faced a difficult offseason, losing a large group of seniors while also seeing many key players transfer, leaving plenty of holes to fill across the roster. From the outside, it looks like a challenging year ahead, but there are still quality athletes returning who can keep the Cougars competitive in several winnable games. Long term, the key will be rebuilding stability within the program and finding a way to keep more of the area's talented players at Capital.</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":["2104065"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5e27"} --> <!-- 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>Capital has an exciting junior returning in 2028 WR Jordan Whitehead, a player who looks ready for a much larger role this season. Whitehead flashed his playmaking ability as a sophomore and gives the Cougars an explosive option who can create big plays with the ball in his hands. He's dangerous working from the slot, where his burst and athleticism make him difficult to match up with in space. With more opportunities expected this fall, Whitehead has a chance to become one of the focal points of Capital's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JordanWhit6735/status/1974953157726994693","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/JordanWhit6735/status/1974953157726994693 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224522"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5ecf"} --> <!-- 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>With several new faces stepping into larger roles, 2028 DB Darius Thomas becomes an important returning piece in Capital's secondary. Thomas quietly put together a solid sophomore season and now has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the leaders on the back end of the defense. He plays with confidence, competes well in coverage, and gives the Cougars a reliable defensive back they can build around. Expect Thomas to be one of the players Capital leans on most as it works to replace several key contributors from last year's secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22703485/691e04453b1528311f53abe0u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee925a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1316083"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f1a"} --> <!-- 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>Capital has another promising junior in 2028 WR/DB Elijah Davis, who should play an important role in the secondary this season. Davis brings good size and length to the safety position, allowing him to challenge receivers and make plays on the football. With several openings in the defensive backfield, he'll have every opportunity to emerge as a key player on both sides of the ball this season. Capital has produced plenty of quality defensive backs over the years, and Davis has the traits to be the next one to emerge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23340193/68fd28e5e012c26d443171fcu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee92df"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2045494"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f66"} --> <!-- 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>One player who could see his role grow considerably this season is 2028 LB Laurenzo Auguste. Auguste flashed plenty of promise as a sophomore, showing the ability to close quickly and play with a physical edge when attacking the football. With several graduation losses at linebacker, the Cougars will need players like him to step into larger responsibilities this fall. If he builds on what he showed last season, Auguste could become one of the key pieces of Capital's defense and a breakout candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22940500/69431619b866e10e7ce0110cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee935c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2104114"],"_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-6a4e5f2db6019"} --> <!-- 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>Capital will be counting on 2028 OL Nasir Jeffries more than ever this fall after earning valuable varsity experience as a sophomore. With several openings to fill in the trenches, Jeffries is one of the linemen the Cougars will look to as they rebuild the front. He has plenty of physical traits to work with and is another young blocker capable of growing into a cornerstone of the offensive line. How quickly that group comes together could go a long way in determining Capital's success the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/28632158/692c37f7733bfca19ff7e72bu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee93ce"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716463"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5fab"} --> <!-- 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>2029 DL/OL Cartier Smith is one of the foundation pieces for Capital's future after making an impact as a freshman. Smith is expected to play on both sides of the ball again this season, giving the Cougars a physical presence in the trenches wherever he's lined up. His 5'8 360 frame makes him difficult to move and allows him to control the line of scrimmage with his strength. Capital has a good one to build around in Smith, and he'll be a name to know over the next three seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26835031/69fcf65daa135e244785c816u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee943c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111873"],"_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-6a4fcd4ee9482"} --> <!-- 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>Capital won't have to wait long to get another talented defensive back on the field in 2029 DB Mizaiah Harris. Harris put together a strong freshman season at the JV level and now has a chance to compete for meaningful varsity snaps with several openings in the secondary. He covers ground, breaks well on the football, and has the athleticism to make plays in space. With the Cougars needing younger players to grow up quickly, Harris is one sophomore who could make an immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25791422/69195888dc5adf429deefdd4u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fcd4ee94a8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716412"],"_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-6a4e5f2db605f"} --> <!-- 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>One of the younger players who will be asked to contribute sooner than expected is 2029 RB Tony Rush. Rush impressed on the JV level as a freshman when healthy, flashing the burst and footwork to become an explosive runner. With Capital replacing production in the backfield, he'll have an opportunity to earn meaningful carries earlier in his career than expected. If he settles into that role, Rush has the athleticism to give the Cougars another playmaker on offense and could have a breakout year on varsity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joshua Sharp - 2029 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->