Ardmore Tigers OK 2026 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2026 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Ardmore Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ardmore Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class 4A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Josh Newby - 12th Season - 80-46 Record At Ardmore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (8-4 Record - Lost In Class 4A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Lost To Altus 36-22<br>Sept. 5th - Lost To Ada 41-31<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Shawnee 49-48<br>Sept. 26th - Lost To Tuttle 51-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Chickasha 42-21<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Madill 51-14<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Blanchard 33-25<br>Oct. 23rd - Beat Bethany 55-36<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Harrah 66-28<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Tecumseh 62-26<br>1st Round - Beat Elk City 28-21<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Cushing 49-43</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 40.4 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 33 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ardmore Tigers came into the 2025 football season as a borderline top ten team in Class 4A. After going 6-5 and making the playoffs in 2024, Ardmore brought back almost everyone on both sides of the ball and they looked like a team that could take a massive step forward. That was the case as the Tigers ended up being one of the final eight teams in Class 4A, making it to the quarterfinal round and going 8-4 on the season. The most noticeable change with the Tigers was their offense. They went from a team that averaged a little over 20 points per game in 2024 to averaging 40 points per game in 2025. They lost their first two games and three of their first four games but didn't lose again in the regular season. In their final six games, the Tigers went 6-0 and scored 50+ points on four different occasions. They finished the season with a 7-3 record and finished second in the district behind eventual state champion Tuttle. In fact, that loss to Tuttle in week four ended up deciding the district title and Ardmore didn't lose another game in the regular season. They opened up the playoffs with a 28-21 victory over Elk City. It had been a few years since Ardmore had won a playoff game but the Tigers moved on. They met Cushing in the quarterfinals and in one of the more high-scoring games of that round, Ardmore came up short, losing 49-43 and the season came to an end with the 8-4 record. But there is no doubt that Ardmore took a step forward and now as we look ahead to the 2026 season, there's no reason to think that they can't do it once again this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ardmore comes into the 2026 season in a very familiar situation to last year. They bring back almost everyone on both sides of the ball and the bar has definitely risen. Ardmore is considered one of the serious contenders for the state championship heading into 2026 and rightfully so. Ardmore brings back nine starters on the offensive side of the ball. They bring back their quarterback and all of their production from the skill positions. They'll need to replace two offensive linemen but the Tigers are not lacking talent in that department. Ardmore made an improvement of 18 points per game from 2024 to 2025. We're not suggesting that they could make that same jump this season. But it wouldn't surprise us if they are one of the highest scoring teams in Class 4A this season. Defensively, the Tigers also bring back nine starters from last year's team. But that was a defense that gave up a lot of points in some of the biggest games of the season. So for Ardmore to truly become one of the top contenders in Class 4A, they need to avoid those shootouts that ultimately ended their season in the quarterfinals. If this defense can come together and get some stops, get off the field and let their offense go to work, Ardmore will be in a very good position when the playoffs roll around in November. Now, for Ardmore, the playoffs will feel like they are starting early. Their week ten match-up with defending state champion Tuttle could end up deciding the district title. The Tigers will build towards that throughout the season, as they look to take another major step forward in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSS TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benson Le - Offensive Lineman<br>Kieran Ballard - Offensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2246873"],"_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-6a54d03ddecaf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2029 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='2246873' first='Clay' last='Newby'] returns after starting last season as a freshman. He'll be one of the vocal leaders in the secondary and potentially considered the quarterback of the defense. Which makes sense considering he will also serve as the team's backup quarterback. And if the Tigers run into any issues on the offensive side of the ball, Newby has the potential to step in and help them out at quarterback. But when we look at his overall impact he can have on this season, there is no doubt that it starts with what he's able to do on defense. If he can help the Tigers improve on that side of the ball, Ardmore is going to be in a really good spot in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1939112"],"_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-6a54d03dded24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1939112' first='Da'Rai' last='Washington'] was hands down one of the top freshmen to play in Oklahoma last season. Washington enjoyed a breakout season on both sides of the ball. It didn't matter if he lined up at running back or linebacker, Washington was an instant impact player for the Tigers. But when we go back and look at his production, it's hard not to gravitate to what he was able to do on the defensive side of the ball. We don't have stats from every freshman from the 2025 season. But it's hard to imagine any 2029 prospect having more tackles than Washington had last fall. And he's just scratching the surface on what he can be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1829829"],"_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-6a54d03dded9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Ardmore did have to replace a couple guys on the offensive line but they weren't lacking talent there. 2027 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1829829' first='Jacoby' last='Jefferson'] is a big reason why we said that. Jefferson checks in at 6'5 and over 300 pounds. He has the potential to be the cornerstone of what Ardmore does offensively this season. Jefferson comes into this season as one of the top guys on the Ardmore offense and can help pave the way for a unit that might flirt with averaging 50 points per game. We really like what Ardmore brings back in the skill department but nothing happens without Jefferson setting the tone up front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651151"],"_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-6a54d03ddedea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We got a chance to watch 2028 running back and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1651151' first='Jamane' last='Stubblefield'] at a 7v7 tournament this spring and we instantly became fans of his game. Stubblefield is one of those players that is going to instantly pass the eye test when you see him in person. And that's before the ball is snapped. Then you watch him go to work with a rare blend of size, strength, athleticism and overall burst. Stubblefield has the makings of becoming a breakout star for the Tigers this season. All signs point towards him doing just that. If Ardmore takes that next step and contends for a state championship, don't be surprised if Stubblefield turns into a star in the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1350351"],"_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-6a54d03ddee34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's hard to write about Ardmore's potential this season without talking about 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1350351' first='K'Drien' last='Miller'] and the experience and overall playmaking ability he brings to the table. Miller was thrown into the fire during his freshman season. That was a freshman season where the Tigers struggled to a 1-9 record. Now, Miller is going to be one of the most experienced players in the state, regardless of class in 2026. He'll be a four-year starter at the quarterback position and he was a big reason why they made a major jump as a unit last season. Now, we can't help but wonder what kind of jump Miller and this Ardmore offense will make in 2026 to become a title contender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["946188"],"_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-6a54d03ddee7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='946188' first='Tyson' last='Laster'] continues to be one of the more underrated players around the state. He hasn't been for us and last season was a good indication of that. Laster was an All State 3rd Team selection at defensive back because there was no doubt that he was one of the best in Oklahoma at that position. This year, Laster will look to cap his successful high school career by helping guide Ardmore to the top of 4A football. Offensively, he can impact the game in a variety of ways. As a running back or as a pass catcher. Defensively, he is one of the best defensive backs in the state. We're looking forward to seeing what kind of impact he has on the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State 3rd Team Selection)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1828134' first='Chenoah' last='Joe'] - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1730678' first='Geno' last='Odom'] - 2027 Linebacker<br>JB Shannon - 2030 Tight End/Defensive End<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1828136' first='Kaziah' last='Andrews'] - 2027 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1828132' first='Marcus' last='Addison'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1837005' first='Marcus' last='Foard'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>Matt Felder - 2027 Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sept. 4th - Ada</strong><br>- The 2026 football season will kick off with the annual rivalry game with Ada. Ardmore hosts the Cougars in week one and will be looking to turn things around in this rivalry. The Tigers have dropped three of the last four, including last year's 41-31 decision. But more importantly, Ardmore will be looking to get some momentum right out of the gate.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT Durant</strong><br>- Ardmore heads over to Durant in week two and these two southern Oklahoma programs will go head to head for the first time since 2019. These two teams met every year in non-district play from 2012-2019 but haven't played since. During that eight year stretch, Ardmore went 7-1, including winning the last six in the series against the Lions.<br><strong>Sept. 18th - Madill</strong><br>- Ardmore wraps up their non-district slate with a home game against Madill in week three. This game goes from being a district match-up to a non-district contest after these two faced off in district play in each of the last two seasons. Ardmore has dominated the short series, winning 54-14 last season and 42-6 in their 2024 meeting.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Tecumseh</strong><br>- District play kicks things off in week four with a home game against Tecumseh. These two have been district opponents in each of the last two seasons and the Tigers have dominated the series. They won 62-26 last season and they also shut out Tecumseh 28-0 in 2024. Ardmore will begin their pursuit of a district title right here in week four.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Bridge Creek</strong><br>- In week five, Ardmore travels to Bridge Creek to square off with the Bobcats. With Ardmore's entire district slate, they have some familiarity with their opponents. The one exception in that statement is Bridge Creek as they are new to the district. Ardmore has no recent history against this team so it will be an interesting match-up.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Harrah</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off in week six with a home game against Harrah. The Tigers took care of business in their match-up with the Panthers last season. They won 66-28 over Harrah after narrowly beating them in 2024. This is also the first of several games in a row against teams with first year head coaches.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Blanchard</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Ardmore will hit the road to square off with Blanchard. There's no doubt that this will be a district contest that has heavy playoff implications in the district standings. It will also be the third time these two have met in the last three years and it's the rubber match. Blanchard won in 2024 while Ardmore won last year.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Chickasha</strong><br>- In week eight, Ardmore will have their last home game of the regular season and the only home game in the last four weeks of the regular season. They host Chickasha here and this is a series that the Tigers have absolutely dominated. They won last year 42-21 and 35-12 in 2024. Chickasha will have a first year head coach this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Western Heights</strong><br>- Before their week ten showdown with Tuttle, Ardmore will travel to Oklahoma City to face off with Western Heights. This will be the first time these two have met on the gridiron since they were district opponents from 2016-2019. Ardmore went 4-0 against the Jets during that stretch, including a 41-6 victory in their last meeting in 2019.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Tuttle</strong><br>- All eyes will be on this week ten match-up as Ardmore travels to Tuttle to square off with the defending 4A state champs. On paper, it looks like this game might end up deciding the district championship. These two have met in district play in each of the last two years and Tuttle has dominated the series. To be the champ, sometimes you have to beat the champ and this will be Ardmore's opportunity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no doubt that Ardmore has been building to the 2026 season and possibly becoming one of Oklahoma's best once again. And a couple things have gone into Ardmore being a top ten team this season and possibly a true contender for the state championship. First off is the experience. As we've talked about already, Ardmore is going to come into this season as one of the more experienced teams in the state. Not only do they have the majority of their starters returning from last year's quarterfinal team, but those starters will have multiple years of starting experience. Combine that with the fact that the Tigers have dropped down to Class 4A and the road to a gold ball, while still difficult, is more manageable than trying to take down the Carl Albert dynasty in Class 5A. Ardmore went 1-9 in 2023, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They moved down to 4A in 2024 and immediately bounced back, going 6-5 and making the playoffs. They took the next step last season, going 8-4 and making it to the quarterfinals. This year, they look to advance even further. But Ardmore won't be satisfied with only taking one step further, they want to be state champions for the first time in nearly 35 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 4A Quarterfinals<br>2024 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2023 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>3 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1992 - Beat Douglass 34-14<br>1990 - Beat Lawton MacArthur 41-0<br>1982 - Beat Bixby 14-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->