Lincoln Christian Bulldogs OK 2026 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></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 three-time defending state champion Lincoln Christian Bulldogs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/IT7giNWgQT0" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/IT7giNWgQT0">- Lincoln Christian Video Preview With HC Jerry Ricke</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lincoln Christian Bulldogs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1 In Class 2A-1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Jerry Ricke - 10th Season - 108-13 Record At Lincoln Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (14-0 Record - Class 3A State Champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Victory Christian 63-0<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Heritage Hall 35-6<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Shiloh Christian, AR. 41-33<br>Sept. 25th - Beat Stigler 49-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Holland Hall 62-0<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Locust Grove 63-0<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Muldrow 49-3<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Checotah 56-0<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Eufaula 62-0<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Idabel 56-0<br>1st Round - Beat Jay 56-0<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Kingfisher 55-0<br>Semifinals - Beat Heritage Hall 28-7<br>Championship - Beat Sulphur 24-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 49.9 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lincoln Christian Bulldogs came into the 2025 football season with a target on their back bigger than it's ever been in program history. That's what happens when you win back to back state championships and 28 consecutive games. And in addition to the target being bigger than ever before, the expectations were that as well. After a championship game classic with Sulphur in 2024, we were fully expecting a rematch between Lincoln and Sulphur for December, 2025. Lincoln didn't disappoint. They beat Victory Christian and Heritage Hall before a close call against Arkansas powerhouse Shiloh Christian to wrap up non-district play. The Bulldogs hit another gear when they went into district play and it was without a doubt the most dominant district run of the 2025 season. They shut out six of their seven district opponents and only gave up a field goal to the other opponent. They beat their seven district opponents by a combined score of 397-3. There were two more shutout victories in the first two rounds, setting up a semifinal rematch with Heritage Hall. They won 28-7 and punched their ticket to the state title game for the third straight year and they would see the Sulphur Bulldogs for the second straight season. And it was another instant classic with the 3A state championship on the line. Lincoln Christian scored late in the third quarter to take the lead for good. They ultimately prevailed 24-21 to win their third straight state championship and the fifth in program history. They also capped off their third consecutive 14-0 season, taking a 42-game winning streak into 2026. And that target on the back just keeps getting bigger and bigger as they prepare for new challengers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the redistricting shuffle this offseason, one of the biggest storylines was three-time defending 3A champion Lincoln Christian dropping down to Class 2A-1 for the next two seasons. After terrorizing 3A football for the last several years, we'll see Lincoln Christian enter a new arena in 2026. The expectations remain the same as they bring their 42-game winning streak into a new class and they have plenty of players returning to help make another run to Edmond. Six starters are back for an offense that averaged nearly 50 points per game. They'll be breaking in a new quarterback but that quarterback's best friend will be arguably the most electric running back in 2A-1 football joining him in the backfield. The Bulldogs have historically had one of the better offenses in the state, regardless of the year. There's no reason to think they won't do it again this season. Defensively, the Bulldogs are going to be very strong on that side of the ball as seven starters return on a unit that gave up five points per game and shut out nine opponents last season. The majority of those returners come on the front seven so we'd be shocked if the Bulldogs don't have one of the better front sevens in the state this season. It's a new class and new challenges but Lincoln Christian appears to be ready for the fight. And they'll certainly get one early on in the season. They face defending champion Jones to kick off the season, followed by another trip west to face rival Heritage Hall. Then wrap up non-district play with the home opener against Arkansas powerhouse Shiloh Christian. There are no cupcakes on the schedule for the Bulldogs as they chase another state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter Ricke - Quarterback (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Connor Rowlett - Linebacker (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Hudson Farris - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back (2025 All State Honorable Mention)</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":["1642495"],"_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-6a45cfb6f3549"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're looking for a player on this Lincoln Christian squad that looks primed for a breakout season, here's our pick. 2028 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1642495' first='Caleb' last='Peterson'] is stepping into a new role this season as the top target in the Lincoln Christian passing game and he looks ready for it. Peterson has always had elite speed, even early in his high school career. But it looks like he's grown a few inches and lived in the weight room since the end of last season. And based on what we saw from him this offseason and into the spring, he's going to be a name to watch this season. We'd be shocked if he wasn't Lincoln Christian's leading receiver this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1164507"],"_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-6a45cfb6f35bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All signs are pointing to 2028 running back and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1164507' first='CJ' last='Wright'] having a monster 2026 campaign. Last season, he finished with over 900 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He only had 67 carries. That number is going to go up in a major way this season and with that, we're going to see more explosive plays from Wright. He's going to be one of the most electric running backs in the state, also helping the Bulldogs as a pass catcher and in the return game. As dynamic as Wright can be on offense, don't overlook what he can do on defense. He's not the biggest player out there but he is pound for pound, one of the hardest hitters on this Lincoln Christian defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1830474"],"_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-6a45cfb6f360f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It looks like 2027 tight end and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1830474' first='Colton' last='Monsey'] has the green light moving forward with the Bulldogs. He has had a terrific offseason and college coaches certainly took notice. Monsey was productive last season, finishing the year with 40 tackles and double digit tackles for loss. He was one of the leaders on the team in both departments and has only gotten better since the end of last season. Lincoln Christian's coaches talked to us about Monsey recently and how college coaches are starting to open their eyes about his true potential at the next level. He has size, production and a motor that doesn't slow down, making him a name to know in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2239954"],"_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-6a45cfb6f3662"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2239954' first='Isaac' last='Beisel'] comes into this season as one of the more underrated parts of Lincoln Christian's defense which seems pretty absurd when you look at his production. Last season, as a sophomore, Beisel was actually the leading tackler on the Lincoln Christian defense. Beisel finished the season with just over 80 tackles from his linebacker position and now he's poised for an even bigger junior campaign. We've made no secret about how we feel about their front seven and Beisel is a big part of that. He was a young player that flew under the radar last season but now he's certainly a player to watch going into the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1101282"],"_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-6a45cfb6f36b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our opinion, 2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1101282' first='Lincoln' last='Torres'] has the potential to be the heart and soul of this Bulldog team in 2026. Torres has been a full time starter since his sophomore season and he brings so much impact to both sides of the line of scrimmage. Offensively, Torres will start at left tackle and is one of the few returning starters for the Bulldogs on the offensive line. Defensively, he was second on the team in tackles last season and can absolutely dominate the line of scrimmage. Last season, he earned All State 2nd Team honors and will come into this season as one of the best lineman prospects in the state on either side of the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State 2nd Team Selection)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2239956"],"_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-6a45cfb6f3703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Bulldogs will be breaking in a new quarterback this season as 2029 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='2239956' first='Major' last='Brooks'] looks to be the guy at QB1 for Lincoln Christian. We've written about this quite a bit over the last several years but Lincoln Christian has had a lot of success at the quarterback position and Brooks appears to be the next guy. He's a lefty so that will bring a different dynamic to the Lincoln Christian offense but after watching them in the spring, it looks like he's ready to go and lead Lincoln into the 2026 season. Even though he's a new starter, he's not lacking weapons at the skill positions. It wouldn't be surprising to see him put up some pretty strong numbers this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2069826"],"_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-6a45cfb6f3752"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2069826' first='Parker' last='Rogers'] is in a similar position to Beisel at that linebacker position where he might have been flying under the radar at this time last season. That's not the case as we head into 2026. Rogers emerged last fall as one of the better prospects on the Lincoln Christian defense and has had a really strong offseason because of it. He's been offered by the service academies and has interest from other college programs. Playing in this front seven this fall should only continue that momentum. He's a good looking defensive prospect that has a lot of potential to get even better moving forward. He's a high-ceiling guy on a very talented defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1035134"],"_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-6a45cfb6f37a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1035134' first='Rain' last='Ragland'] has been starting for the Bulldogs since the start of his freshman season and he's never looked back. Ragland comes into this season as a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and for Lincoln Christian's opponents, they are ready to see this guy graduate. Ragland is a very key piece to Lincoln Christian's front seven on defense but he also turns around and is an impact player on offense. Ragland brings that physical style to the offensive side of the ball and helps out the Bulldogs however they need him. Ragland is going to come into this season as one of the most experienced players in Oklahoma high school football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</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='1830566' first='Cayden' last='Mathurin'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Kade Wilson - 2029 Wide Receiver<br>Maverick Rea - 2028 Defensive Back<br>Max Madrid - 2029 Defensive Back<br>Nate Uyetake - 2028 Offensive Lineman<br>Sam Severston - 2027 Offensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 27th - AT Jones</strong><br>- It's an interesting match-up to kick off the season. Lincoln Christian is the defending 3A champion and Jones is the defending 2A-1 champion. But they've swapped classes this year. It's still a rare champion versus champion match-up and this will be a new look Jones squad under a first year head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - AT Heritage Hall</strong><br>- For the third straight year, Lincoln Christian will square off with Heritage Hall in non-district play. But this will be the only meeting as Heritage Hall stayed in 3A. Lincoln Christian has won eight straight against the Chargers, including twice last year. They won 35-6 in the regular season and then 28-7 in the semifinal rematch.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Shiloh Christian, AR.</strong><br>- This has turned into a nice Arkansas-Oklahoma rivalry as Oklahoma powerhouse Lincoln Christian will host Arkansas power Shiloh Christian to wrap up non-district play. Last year, the Bulldogs won a competitive game 41-33. That was their third straight win in this series, that began back in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Tahlequah Sequoyah</strong><br>- After a week off, Lincoln Christian will open up the district slate against Tahlequah Sequoyah. The Indians were one of the surprise teams of the 2025 season and will be looking to make more noise in 2026. This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2021, when Lincoln Christian won 63-0.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Victory Christian</strong><br>- Victory Christian goes from being a non-district opponent to one that counts towards playoff seeding this year. Lincoln goes across town to face the Conquerors in week five. These two teams have opened the season against one another in each of the last two seasons. Lincoln won both meetings by a combined score of 117-0.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Heavener</strong><br>- The Bulldogs will host Heavener to kick off the second half of the regular season in week six. Heavener is also the first of several new opponents on the Lincoln Christian schedule this season. With the Bulldogs moving down to Class 2A-1 for the next two seasons, that would naturally create some new match-ups and here's the first.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Spiro</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Lincoln Christian will go on the road to face Spiro. Just like the Heavener match-up in week six, this is the first time these two teams will meet on the gridiron. In the “battle of the Bulldogs”, this will be one of several games that end up having a major impact on the district standings.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Checotah</strong><br>- Despite moving down to 2A-1 this fall, the Checotah Wildcats are still on the schedule. Checotah moved down as well and they'll square off in week eight. These two teams have been district opponents every year since 2018. The Bulldogs are 8-0 against the Wildcats during that stretch, including last year's 56-0 win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Hugo</strong><br>- The final road game of the regular season comes in week nine when Lincoln Christian will head south again to square off with Hugo. The Buffaloes are another new opponent for the Bulldogs coming into this season. They are also a program that is looking to turn things around after going 4-7 last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Roland</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end in week ten with a home game against Roland. This will be the first meeting between these two teams since they were district opponents in 2018 and 2019. Lincoln Christian won each of those match-ups. If all goes right in 2026, a win will give them their fourth straight perfect regular season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Jerry Ricke is heading into his tenth season as head coach at Lincoln Christian. And there is no doubt that he is one of the best coaches in the state and the numbers back that up. But it hasn't always been state championships and undefeated seasons. While he's made it look easy, it was a humble beginning. The Bulldogs went 5-7 in Ricke's first season as head coach. What's remarkable about that record looking back on it now is what followed. In his last eight seasons, Lincoln Christian has gone 103-6. Lincoln Christian lost more games in that first season under Ricke than they've lost in the past eight seasons combined. That 103-6 record is without a doubt one of the best records in the state during that time frame. The Bulldogs show no signs of slowing down with a move down to Class 2A-1. As mentioned earlier, Lincoln Christian will be tested early on with a brutal non-district schedule. But they are heavy favorites to capture another state championship. And with Ricke at the helm, it's been a decade of dominance for the Bulldogs. They've won three straight state championships and played for the state title in five of the last six seasons. They show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.</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 - 14-0 - Class 3A State Champions&nbsp;<br>2024 - 14-0 - Class 3A State Champions&nbsp;<br>2023 - 14-0 - Class 3A State Champions&nbsp;<br>2022 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals<br>2021 - 13-1 - Class 3A Runner Ups</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>5 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 - Beat Sulphur 24-21<br>2024 - Beat Sulphur 28-27<br>2023 - Beat Heritage Hall 48-28<br>2019 - Beat Plainview 42-21<br>2009 - Beat Kingfisher 35-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->