Benton Panthers 2026 Team Outlook

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Overview: Class 6A East</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Benton Panthers have been one of the more successful and consistent programs in 6A, with their worst win total over the last five seasons being 9. The football program enters the 2026 season with steady leadership, a proven culture of competitiveness, and high expectations following a strong 2025 campaign. Under head coach Brad Harris, the Panthers are focused on continuing their rise and aiming for their first state championship since 1977 while preparing for a challenging schedule in the 6A East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris and the staff produced a high-powered offense in 2025, averaging 46.6 points per game over 12 games. The question is, will they be able to replicate that and keep that pace in a tough 6A conference with a new quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='702500' first='Chase' last='Cobb']? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>2025 Results</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(9-3 Record – 6A East)</strong></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Bryant</td><td>L 40-10</td></tr><tr><td>@ North Little Rock</td><td>W 24-7</td></tr><tr><td>Little Rock Parkview</td><td>W 31-14</td></tr><tr><td>@ Jonesboro</td><td>W 55-24</td></tr><tr><td>Sylvan Hills</td><td>L 40-35</td></tr><tr><td>Sheridan</td><td>W 87-42</td></tr><tr><td>@ El Dorado</td><td>W 60-36</td></tr><tr><td>Little Rock Catholic</td><td>W 63-0</td></tr><tr><td>@ West Memphis</td><td>W 49-14</td></tr><tr><td>Marion</td><td>W 38-21</td></tr><tr><td>Mountain Home**</td><td>W 63-49</td></tr><tr><td>@ Greenwood**</td><td>L 63-45</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">**Playoffs</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PANTHERS TO WATCH:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1367381"],"_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-6a5e532308e90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1367381' first='Maddison' last='Heard'] is coming off a dominant 2025 season, earning all-conference honors. He's quick off the snap and can displace in the running game. Heard showcases a strong anchor, as he can effectively control speed-to-power rushers with good hand usage. Add him to your recruiting board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Maddisonheard78/status/2078931714424918033?s=20","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/Maddisonheard78/status/2078931714424918033?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722322"],"_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-6a5e532308f05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='722322' first='TJ' last='Williams'] returns to Benton this fall and is expected to have a breakout campaign. That athletic running back is physical and strong at the point of attack. Williams can be utilized in the backfield, in motion, in the slot, or attacking vertically. He displays solid post-snap vision, along with good burst and acceleration, allowing him to break away from the first level to the second.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TjWilliamss5/status/2063316846170739113?s=20","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/TjWilliamss5/status/2063316846170739113?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216603"],"_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-6a5e532308f66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1216603' first='Jake' last='Cloud'] is their versatile piece out wide, lining up everywhere and attacking the full field. Cloud is a smooth route runner with the ability to create separation off his breaks in the short to intermediate levels of the field. He's also a willing blocker, becoming an asset in every phase of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TheJakeCloud","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/TheJakeCloud </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MORE TO MONITOR:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='702500' first='Chase' last='Cobb']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1619768' first='Jaren' last='Ginther']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1227651' first='Bryson' last='Griffis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1590825' first='Brenden' last='Murdock']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1192047' first='Drake' last='Woodard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1398749' first='Barrett' last='Petet']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1414424' first='Soren' last='Green']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Schedule:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">08/28</td><td>@ Bryant</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">09/11</td><td>Lakeside</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">09/18</td><td>@ Joe T. Robinson</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">09/25</td><td>Jonesboro*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">10/02</td><td>@ Sylvan Hills*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">10/09</td><td>@ Sheridan*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">10/16</td><td>El Dorado*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">10/23</td><td>@ Searcy*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">10/30</td><td>West Memphis*</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">11/06</td><td>@ Marion*</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*Conference</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT'S NEXT?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Benton Panthers represent continuity in a program that values development and competitiveness. While turnover is inevitable, the blend of returning experience, emerging talent, and dedicated coaching positions them well for another successful season and maybe a state title run. With emerging D1 talent in wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1414424' first='Soren' last='Green'], rising prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1173960' first='Austin-Phillip' last='Lewis'], and Harding commit [player_tooltip player_id='1971569' first='Weston' last='Monson'], the sky is the limit for this program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fans can expect the team to look to build on recent achievements and make a strong statement in the 6A East. As summer workouts continue and fall camp approaches, the Panthers are ready to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notes/History:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HEAD COACH: Brad Harris (77-32 at Benton, heading into 11th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Year: 9-3, 6-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships: 2 (Last in 1977)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Championships: 18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Outright Conference Title: 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Playoff Appearance: 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Total Playoff Appearances: 29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playoff Record: 26-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->