2026 Team Preview: University Hawks

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 SEASON RECAP</h2>   Biggest Losses: P Jimmy Gregg - LB Marcos Kniska - LB Roman Konchesky - ATH Glenn Brown - DL Ryder Hastings - ATH Jack Byrer   University continued its upward trajectory in 2025, finishing 9-4 and advancing to the Class AAAA semifinals. The Hawks highlighted their postseason run with an impressive upset victory over Huntington in the quarterfinals before their season came to an end one game shy of the state championship. A small but impactful senior class now departs, leaving several manageable holes to fill heading into 2026. The deep playoff run marked a significant step forward in head coach Eric Snyder's second season and provided more momentum for a program that continues to trend upward.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h2>   8/28: vs Musselman 9/4: at Parkersburg South 9/11: vs Washington 9/18: vs Wheeling Park 9/25: at Fairmont Senior 10/2: vs Linsly 10/9: at Jefferson 10/16: at Spring Mills 10/23: vs Preston 10/30: at Morgantown   2025 Record: 9-4 (Playoff Semifinals) 2026 Prediction: 8-2   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h2>   University has every reason to believe last year's playoff run was just the beginning. The Hawks return a large portion of the roster from a team that reached the Class AAAA semifinals, giving them plenty of experience and continuity on both sides of the ball. Graduation leaves important holes at linebacker and punter after the loss of several high-level contributors, but there is enough depth within the program to expect those spots to be filled. With so many proven players back and a roster that's already experienced a deep postseason run, University has the talent to make another legitimate push toward Charleston and compete for a state championship.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   University returns one of the state's top prospects in 2027 OL Luke Braham, who has quickly become one of the biggest names in West Virginia's 2027 class as our #1 prospect. His recruitment exploded over the past year, leading to multiple P4 offers before ultimately committing to Virginia Tech. Braham's combination of size, athleticism, and ability to move in space makes him a difficult matchup up front, whether he's creating movement in the run game or protecting the edge in pass protection. The growth in his game has been evident, and he still has plenty of room to keep improving physically and technically. He's the type of player every offense wants to build around and will be a major piece of University's push for another deep playoff run.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Few receivers in the state offer the combination of production and versatility that 2027 University WR Kaleil Lewis brings back to the Hawks. Lewis hauled in 41 catches for 611 yards and eight touchdowns last season while also making an impact defensively with 50 tackles and three interceptions. His 6'4 205 frame makes him a difficult cover, especially in contested catch situations where he can use his length and athleticism to win the football. There's also value in his ability to contribute on defense, giving colleges another avenue to evaluate him as a potential athlete. Lewis has taken noticeable strides each season, and another productive fall should keep him firmly on the radar of more D1 programs.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 WR Hayden George gives University another proven playmaker after putting together one of the state's most productive seasons a year ago. George finished with 92 receptions for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also making his presence felt defensively with 22 pass breakups and seven interceptions. His route running is what separates him from many receivers in the class, showing a natural feel for creating space with sharp breaks, good tempo, and an understanding of leverage. George consistently finds ways to get open and has become a dependable target in every area of the passing game. His production on both sides of the ball, paired with his polished skill set, should keep D1 programs paying close attention throughout his senior season.      RETURNING STANDOUT   University returns one of the state's top quarterbacks in 2027 QB Harrison Helbig, who is coming off a breakout junior campaign. Helbig has climbed to the #1 QB ranking in West Virginia's 2027 class and recently picked up his first D1 offer from Morgan State, with more schools likely to get involved this fall. He gives the Hawks an experienced leader behind center and someone the offense can rely on to keep the passing game productive. Having a quarterback with his experience and ability back under center is a major reason University enters the season with championship expectations.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 DB Jaedyn Katchur developed into a dependable piece of University's defense last season and brings plenty of production back to the secondary. He totaled 89 tackles and an interception while also providing a spark offensively late in the year, rushing for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Katchur's versatility gives the Hawks another player who can impact the game in multiple ways, making him a valuable piece on both sides of the ball. After taking a big step forward as a junior, he'll be counted on in a much larger role as University makes another playoff run.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Another experienced defender back for the Hawks is 2027 DB Kyle Weaver, who will also be utilized at receiver. He's a versatile defender in his alignment and role, allowing him to stay involved against both the run and pass while matching up with a variety of offensive personnel. Weaver's versatility gives University another talented option in the secondary and adds flexibility to their defensive scheme. His experience and ability to fill multiple responsibilities will make him a key contributor again this season.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   University welcomes back an important piece in 2027 OL Jack Gamble, who returns after missing his junior season due to injury. Before the setback, Gamble had already shown he could compete at a high level and is a very valuable addition to the Hawks' offensive line. Getting him back healthy adds experienced depth and another dependable option in the trenches for a team with championship aspirations. If he returns to the form he showed earlier in his career, Gamble can make a significant impact on University's success this season.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 K Brady Goodenow gives University an experienced specialist ready for a larger spotlight after spending last season alongside Syracuse signee Jimmy Gregg at punter. While much of the attention went elsewhere, Goodenow quietly put together an impressive season by converting 62 extra points and 6 field goals, including a long of 39 yards. He now gets the chance to take center stage on special teams and should be one of the more reliable kickers in the state. Goodenow has already attracted strong D3 interest, and we believe he could get looks from the D2 level as well.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   Another senior expected to play a key role up front is 2027 EDGE Gavin Stone, who has continued to elevate his game over the last few years. Stone recently cracked the state rankings at #7 among edge defenders after earning that recognition through steady improvement and consistent camp performances. He's developed into a dependable piece of University's defensive front and brings an experienced presence to the position. Stone's continued growth has also put him on the radar of D2 and D3 programs heading into his senior season, giving the Hawks another college-caliber defender in the trenches.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   University brings back another experienced defender in 2027 EDGE Devon Williams, who has steadily worked his way into a larger role over the past few seasons. Williams made the most of his opportunities on a talented defense last year, earning valuable snaps and producing when his number was called. He may not have the size of some edge rushers in the class, but he plays with good effort and has continued to improve through hard work and technique. With more opportunities available this fall, Williams has a chance to become a bigger contributor for the Hawks.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2028 University ATH Brody Kehler gives the Hawks another talented athlete back after an injury cut his sophomore season short. Before the setback, Kehler was off to a strong start and had already shown why he's considered one of the top prospects in West Virginia's 2028 class. His versatility gives University plenty of options, whether that's in the secondary, running back, or anywhere else his athleticism is needed. A healthy season could make Kehler one of the biggest difference-makers on the roster.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2028 University WR Branden Custer looks primed for a breakout year after carving out playing time in a loaded receiving corps last season. With defenses expected to focus plenty of attention on Hayden George and Kaleil Lewis, Custer should find more opportunities to make plays in the passing game. He showed encouraging flashes as a sophomore and has continued trending in the right direction, giving the Hawks another reliable target to work with. A strong junior season could put Custer firmly on the radar as one of the better receivers in West Virginia's 2028 class.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2028 ATH Nico Maisel gives University another versatile athlete who is expected to take on a larger role this season. Better known by many for his success on the wrestling mat, Maisel earned meaningful varsity snaps as a sophomore and is in line to make an impact in the secondary while also serving as the Hawks' backup quarterback. He may not be the biggest player on the field, but he competes with plenty of toughness and isn't afraid to play a physical brand of football. That competitive mindset should make him a valuable part of University's defense throughout the season.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2028 ATH Colton Lawless is another junior who should see his role expand in University's offense this fall. His speed is among the best on the roster as a track athlete, giving the Hawks a receiver who can challenge defenses vertically and force secondaries to respect the deep ball. Lawless is still putting everything together on the football field, but the talent is easy to see. With so much attention likely going to University's other playmakers, don't be surprised if Lawless takes advantage of those opportunities and puts together a productive junior season.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2028 WR/DB Michael McKenzie Jr. is another versatile athlete who should factor into University's plans this season, primarily in the secondary. He picked up meaningful varsity snaps late in his sophomore campaign and has the athleticism to compete for a starting role at corner this fall. McKenzie also earned an offer from Glenville after a strong 7v7 showing this offseason, giving him an early boost on the recruiting trail. His athletic ability gives the Hawks another player who can be a meaningful contributor this fall      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   The future is bright up front for University with 2029 DL Keenan Brown, who is already regarded as one of the top young linemen prospects in West Virginia. Brown made an immediate impact as a freshman, contributing in the trenches on both sides of the ball while playing with the toughness and physical style that helped University throughout the season. His production stood out early, and his football background shows in the way he approaches the game and understands his assignments. With several years still ahead of him, Brown gives the Hawks another talented young piece who should remain an important part of the program's success moving forward.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>   Evan Toler - 2027 WR/DB   Luke Padula - 2028 OL   Elijah Morris - 2028 RB/LB   Evan Christopher - 2028 K/P   Waylon Fowler - 2028 DL   Cooper High - 2028 LB

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!