Carl Albert Titans OK 2026 Team Preview

Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!   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 reigning Class 5A state champion Carl Albert Titans!    RELATED   <a href="https://youtu.be/zWPCf-GvSfY" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/zWPCf-GvSfY">- Carl Albert Video Preview With HC Mike Dunn</a>   Carl Albert Titans   Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1 In Class 5A   Head Coach: Mike Dunn - 6th Season - 64-5 Record At Carl Albert   2025 RESULTS (14-0 Record - Class 5A State Champions)   Sept. 5th - Beat Midwest City 41-8 Sept. 12th - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 57-0 Sept. 19th - Beat Stillwater 28-19 Sept. 26th - Beat Western Heights 59-0 Oct. 2nd - Beat El Reno 49-7 Oct. 10th - Beat Noble 56-7 Oct. 16th - Beat [player_tooltip player_id='2136437' first='John' last='Marshall'] 69-0 Oct. 23rd - Beat Lawton 49-0 Oct. 31st - Beat Guthrie 47-42 Nov. 7th - Beat Altus 49-21 1st Round - Beat Duncan 45-17 Quarterfinals - Beat McAlester 55-0 Semifinals - Beat Newcastle 42-7 Championship - Beat Bishop McGuinness 48-7    2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 49.6 Points Per Game 2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 9.6 Points Per Game   The Carl Albert Titans came into the 2025 football season with a 39-game winning streak and having won three consecutive state championships. They would begin their pursuit of a state-record 20th state championship in 2025 but they had to replace arguably the most dominant defense in program history. But the Titans would not take a step back from dominating the competition. In the first two months of the season, Carl Albert was only really challenged one time. That came in week three, when they beat Stillwater 28-19. The next challenge came on Halloween night at home against perennial rival Guthrie in week nine. It seems like Carl Albert and Guthrie are destined to play instant classics that end with Blue Jay heartbreak. Carl Albert had a goal line stand to survive with a 47-42 victory over Guthrie, boosting their winning streak to 48 straight and claiming the district championship. Carl Albert finished off the regular season with a perfect record the following week and they weren't challenged again in the playoffs. Carl Albert hit that extra gear that very few teams in the state, regardless of class, have when it comes to playoff football. They beat Duncan, McAlester and Newcastle in the first three rounds, setting up a championship clash with former district rival Bishop McGuinness. The Titans would leave no doubt about who was still the king of 5A football. They jumped out early and often and coasted to a 48-7 victory over the Irish. With the win over McGuinness, Carl Albert captured their fourth straight state championship but more importantly, they won their 20th state title in program history, breaking a tie with Ada for the most football titles in state history.    2026 OUTLOOK   The target on Carl Albert's back is always a big one as they go into any particular season. But this year, it feels bigger than ever before when you consider everything involved. First off, they just won their 20th state championship and the fourth in a row. Secondly, they bring in a 53-game winning streak and haven't lost in nearly four years. Then you look at the first half of their schedule this season and not only are they going to get everyone's best shot but they are testing themselves against some of 5A's best in the first month alone. And even with the target being as big as ever before, the Titans welcome all comers and are ready to go after the 11-man winning streak record and capture another state championship. Carl Albert comes into this season once again as the favorite to win it all and they have the majority of their starters returning to get the job done. Seven starters are back for an offense that averaged just under 50 points per game last season and the majority of those returning starters are skill players. They will be young on the offensive line but those new faces are very talented. It wouldn't surprise us at all if Carl Albert is once again one of the highest scoring offenses in the state this season. Defensively, they also bring back seven starters from last year's team. They have to replace the heart and soul of their defense, which is no easy task. But you look at all three levels of the defense and the Titans bring back plenty of guys that can keep Carl Albert as one of the top defenses in the state. Specifically, their linebacker group has the potential to be lights out all season. Carl Albert does not shy away from the spotlight and does not shy away from pursuing immortality. They have a chance for both as they head into the 2026 football season.   KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION   Jake Farley - Defensive Back (2025 All State Honorable Mention) Lebron Royal - Defensive Lineman (2025 All State 1st Team Selection) Thomas Welch - Offensive/Defensive Lineman (2025 All State 2nd Team Selection)   PLAYERS TO WATCH    At this time last year, 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1836815' first='Anderson' last='Collier'] was in a battle for the QB1 job. He eventually won it going into the fall and he never let it go. In fact, Collier was one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the state and never put the ball in harm's way. It was a pretty flawless first season as QB1 for the Titans. Collier threw for over 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns with no interceptions. That TD/INT ratio is off the charts good and without a doubt the best in the state from last season. Collier also added an element to the run game, finishing with a handful of touchdowns on the ground. Now, he has a year under his belt and his confidence should be at an all time high.    (2025 All State Honorable Mention)     If you're looking for a breakout star for the Titans coming into this season, we think we found the guy with 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1830540' first='Austin' last='Johnson'] at wide receiver and nickel on defense. Johnson immediately passed the eye test when we watched the Titans in the spring. He's a guy that can do so many different things on both sides of the ball and he does them at a high level. Last season, Johnson finished with nearly 30 catches for over 400 yards and six touchdowns. He was also productive on defense. It looks like he's gotten significantly bigger from last season and his recruitment has started to take off after coaches saw him in the spring. All signs point to Johnson having a big season this fall.      2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1830547' first='Darion' last='Thomas'] was a breakout player for the Carl Albert defense last season, earning All State 2nd Team honors and now he's one of the unquestioned leaders of this year's defense. Thomas was a tackling machine for the Titans last year. He finished with well over 100 tackles on the season, including double digit tackles for loss. Now, Thomas is one part of a very talented Carl Albert linebacker unit. And if he ends up elevating his play (and we don't have a reason to think that he won't) and his production goes up, it's time to start talking about Thomas as one of the best linebackers in the state, regardless of class. The production alone puts him in that category.   (2025 All State 2nd Team Selection)     2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='693905' first='Delijah' last='Matthews'] was one our shortlist of players that seemed primed for a breakout season in 2025 but we didn't see what he did coming. Matthews ran for over 2,000 yards and finished with 48 touchdowns on the season. He broke Carl Albert's single season rushing touchdown record with over 40 scores on the ground. Needless to say, he firmly established himself as one of the top running backs and overall playmakers in the state. He ended up being a finalist for PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year and he's going into his senior season as one of the favorites for this year's award. Matthews backed up the preseason hype a year ago and raised the bar to all time heights.    (2025 PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year Finalist)     2027 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1694441' first='Jacson' last='Webster'] comes into this season as one of Carl Albert's most versatile weapons. Offensively, Webster was outstanding last season at the wide receiver position. He caught over 50 passes for nearly 900 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Titans weren't afraid to hand him the ball or let him return kicks either. They would do whatever they had to do to get the ball in his hands and he delivered on a consistent basis. Defensively, Webster also finished with 35 tackles and countless pass breakups and an interception that he took back for six. The Titans have several two-way stars to watch this season and Webster is near the top of that list.    (2025 All State Honorable Mention)     We first found out about and watched 2029 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1701291' first='Jax' last='Wilkerson'] a little over a year ago and it was pretty clear that he was going to be a dude. Fast forward a year and Wilkerson has firmly established himself as one of the top overall guys in the state's 2029 class. He already has over 20+ D1 offers and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Wilkerson got into games last season but he will be starting for the first time this season. He'll be Carl Albert's left tackle for the next three seasons and all signs point to him being Carl Albert's next blue chip prospect. He'll be paving the way for a very explosive offense this season.      We mentioned earlier how the Titans lost arguably the heart and soul from their defense last season and it came from the defensive line. But this is a position group that is not lacking talent coming into this season. 2027 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1637576' first='Joe' last='Thomas'] returns for his third season as a starter up front for the Titans and he's been a consistent game-wrecker on the line of scrimmage for the Titans. Thomas had another successful season last year, finishing with six sacks and countless pressures on the quarterback. Now, the spotlight on him is definitely going to be brighter but Thomas has the experience and overall talent level to meet the challenge and win.   (2025 All State Honorable Mention)     2027 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1680084' first='Makauri' last='Johnson'] is on the shortlist of players we're fired up to watch this season because his stock is pointing up in a major way. First off, Johnson finished up his junior season playing some of his best football in the final few games of the year. He then followed that up with a terrific offseason, standing out consistently at both of our showcase camps and now he's ready to have a greater impact on the offensive side of the ball. Johnson is a prospect that's immediately going to pass the eye test when you watch him in person. Whether it's on offense or defense, Johnson is a name to look out for this season in the 2027 class.   (2025 All State Honorable Mention)     2029 tight end and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1830047' first='Wyatt' last='Cordray'] is another 2029 prospect that is quickly establishing himself as one of the best in Oklahoma. Cordray was offered by OU earlier this summer and it's pretty clear that his recruitment is only going to continue to take off moving forward. Cordray saw a lot of playing time last season as a freshman in meaningful moments. He had his greatest impact on defense and in special teams. But he'll also line up on offense for the Titans when necessary. But when we look at Carl Albert going into the 2026 season, Cordray's biggest impact will definitely be on defense as an aggressive and physical linebacker.     MORE NAMES TO KNOW   [player_tooltip player_id='1658114' first='Bryson' last='Bell'] - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman Chris Cox - 2030 Athlte [player_tooltip player_id='1831197' first='Dustin' last='Anderson'] - 2027 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='2166207' first='Gary' last='Scruggs'] Jr - 2030 Running Back/Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1613050' first='Gavin' last='Edwards'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1829850' first='Joseph' last='Ludolph'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1830549' first='Kalen' last='Smith'] - 2027 Offensive Lineman Korbin Pendley - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman Maddux Underhill - 2028 Linebacker Malek Morgan - 2030 Tight End/Defensive End [player_tooltip player_id='2224034' first='Michael' last='Daniels'] - 2030 Wide Receiver/Linebacker Quinton Clark - 2030 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1655387' first='Tylir' last='Simmons'] - 2028 Running Back/Defensive Back Whitt LaValley - 2030 Tight End/Linebacker   2026 SCHEDULE   Aug. 28th - Newcastle - The 2026 regular season opens up with a 5A semifinal rematch as the Titans will host Newcastle in week zero. Last year's semifinal showdown between the Racers and Titans was the first time these two squared off and Carl Albert prevailed 42-7. The Racers will have a first year head coach that is very familiar with the Titans.  Sept. 4th - Booker T Washington - The Titans host Booker T Washington in week one and we had to double check this fact because it doesn't seem possible. The Hornets and Titans haven't locked up against one another since 2011. These two were 5A rivals for nearly a decade but this will be their first meeting in 15 years. There's no doubt that there will be plenty of talent on display. Sept. 11th - AT Bishop McGuinness - Carl Albert goes on the road for the first time in 2026 here in week two as they travel to OKC to face traditional rival Bishop McGuinness. Of course, this is a rematch of last year's state championship game but it's also the first time these two have met in the regular season since 2023 after they met every year in the regular season from 2012-2023. Sept. 18th - AT Del City - The Titans wrap up non-district play with another 5A top five showdown when they make the short trip over to Del City in week three. Carl Albert and the Eagles got very familiar with each other over the last several years, meeting three straight years in the playoffs from 2022-2024. The Titans won every meeting against the Eagles.  Sept. 25th - Guthrie - District play opens up with another big showdown as the Titans welcome in Guthrie in week four. The Blue Jays pushed the Titans to the brink last season, with Carl Albert escaping with a 47-42 win. These two teams have played some remarkable games in their history. If the Titans are unbeaten coming into this game, a win will tie Bixby's winning streak record. Oct. 2nd - AT Noble - The biggest storyline of this game will depend on Carl Albert still being undefeated. If they are when they travel to Noble in week five, a win over the Bears will give the Titans 59 consecutive wins, breaking the state's 11-man winning streak record. These two have met in each of the last two seasons and the Titans have rolled to 45+ point wins in each.  Oct. 9th - Durant - Carl Albert hosts Durant and this is the first of a couple new district opponents on the schedule for the Titans starting this season. The Lions are now in Carl Albert's district for at least the next two seasons and this year's meeting will be the first time they've met in over 15 years. They were district opponents in 2008 and 2009 with Carl Albert going 2-0.  Oct. 15th - AT Duncan - On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Carl Albert will travel to Duncan to face the Demons. Duncan is another new district opponent on the Carl Albert schedule but they are a team that the Titans are familiar with. These two matched up in the first round of the playoffs last season and the Titans prevailed 45-17.  Oct. 30th - Midwest City - The Titans welcome in Mid-Del rival Midwest City in week nine as this game goes from being a non-district contest to one with playoff implications. The Titans and Bombers have met every year in non-district play since 2018 but this will be their first district meeting. The Titans have won five straight in the series, including last year's 41-8 win.  Nov. 6th - AT Lawton - Carl Albert will wrap up the regular season in week ten with a road trip to Lawton to face the Wolverines. These two teams have been district opponents in each of the last two seasons. The Titans have not been challenged by the Wolverines. They won last year 49-0 and there was a 50-point win over Lawton in 2024.    NOTABLE   We're recycling one of our absolute favorite stats and overall fun facts in Oklahoma high school football and specifically when it comes to sustained and prolonged championship success. Bixby has been to 12 consecutive state championship games. Shattuck has their state-record 93-game winning streak. But Carl Albert has been the state's ultimate model for that sustained and prolonged championship success in Oklahoma and it's not even close. With last year's state title, the Titans have surpassed Ada for the most state championships in state history with 20. But what is the most impressive part of their championship story is the fact they've never had anything close to a championship drought since they won their first gold ball in 1989. They won five straight from 1997-2001 and now nine titles in the last ten seasons. But here's the stat. The senior class on Carl Albert's 1988 football team (technically the class of 1989) was the last senior class that did not win a state championship during their four years of high school. It's been nearly four decades and the Titans have won at least one (and plenty of times, several more than one) championship during any four-year stretch. It's pretty remarkable when you put it in those terms and we'll probably use this fact every single year, until Carl Albert goes four years without a state championship. But it feels like we're a long way away from that happening.   LAST FIVE SEASONS   2025 - 14-0 - Class 5A State Champions 2024 - 14-0 - Class 5A State Champions  2023 - 14-0 - Class 5A State Champions  2022 - 12-2 - Class 5A State Champions  2021 - 10-3 - Lost In Class 5A Semifinals   CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY   20 State Championships   2025 - Beat Bishop McGuinness 48-7 2024 - Beat Guthrie 30-6 2023 - Beat Del City 35-14 2022 - Beat McAlester 49-7 2020 - Beat Bishop McGuinness 33-21 2019 - Beat Bishop McGuinness 30-15 2018 - Beat Ardmore 17-10 2017 - Beat Bishop McGuinness 35-23 2016 - Beat Bishop McGuinness 34-29 2012 - Beat East Central 24-8 2009 - Beat Bixby 21-7 2006 - Beat Lawton MacArthur 14-10 2004 - Beat Booker T Washington 35-22 2001 - Beat Altus 28-11 2000 - Beat Ada 17-7 1999 - Beat El Reno 21-19 1998 - Beat Chickasha 34-12 1997 - Beat Chickasha 37-7 1993 - Beat Duncan 23-6 1989 - Beat Tahlequah 14-7

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