Southeast Raleigh 2026 Season Preview

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The Bulldogs have talent, so what's their 2026 ceiling?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   Head Coach: Edwin Campbell   2025 Record: 9-4 (Lost in third round of 7A Playoffs)   2026 Conference: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/greater-neuse-river-7a-2026-conference-preview/">Greater Neuse River 7A</a>   Returning Starters (Offense): 9   Returning Starters (Defense): 8   Key Games: @ Cardinal Gibbons (9/11), vs. Garner (9/18), @ Clayton (10/2)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   Nine plus eight is 17. The Bulldogs, who made the third round of the 7A playoffs, lost to eventual runners-up Clayton (after beating the Comets in the regular season). Already one of the top teams in the 7A class, Southeast Raleigh returns 17 starters.   Some of those key returners weren't physically developed last year, and the team as a whole has that "off the bus" look about them. Both sides of the ball have plenty of chemistry, and the players should be more decisive, bigger, and faster this season.   I think it's fair to expect a forward step. But how high is Southeast Raleigh's ceiling?   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>   While there are plenty of key players for the Bulldogs, these five could take them to the next level.    While it's not the first position we typically think of when we look for star players, Southeast Raleigh's left tackle is an exception. Williams is the leader of a strong offensive line and the top tackle prospect in a strong 2028 class. Williams is a difference-maker and allows Southeast Raleigh's offense to be balanced, throwing or running in any situation.     A long-time North Carolina State commit, Freeman returns after leading the offense in yardage last season. He's an outstanding receiver out of the backfield, and he showed a willingness and ability to operate between the tackles last year, too. Freeman put up over 1,600 yards last season, finding the end zone 21 times as a junior.     Hunter transfers in from Apex, where he played all over the defensive line. While I initially thought he might move to the edge, Hunter put on a bunch of weight this offseason and should be a true 3-technique. He's always going to be known for his quickness, though he's flashed power as well, and we love his upside on this defense.     There are players on this defense who may attract more recruiting attention than Stanley, but none who were more productive. Stanley pulled down five interceptions as a junior, breaking up 11 passes and making 30 tackles from his safety position.     Bullock isn't the biggest receiver, but he led the Bulldogs in catches and yards last season, scoring six touchdowns as a sophomore. He's a good route-runner with a feel for the open spot in zone coverages. Bullock should have a big junior year as he continues to provide consistency at the receiver position.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   The Bulldogs lost only a small handful of starters last season, but here are three guys they'll have to work to replace.   Tydreke Powell | QB- It's always noteworthy when a team must replace its quarterback. It looks like transfer Tre Belcher will be tasked with stepping in after Powell threw for nearly 2,500 yards last season.   Keysaun Eleazer | Edge- Eleazer's raw numbers are certainly replaceable, but the respect factor can't be overstated. Teams adjusted their entire offensive schemes to avoid Eleazer off the edge. Jackson Hunter, AJ Poole, and even rising freshman Noah Powell should step up as a group.   Tyrus Whyte | WR- Southeast Raleigh's deep threat only caught 18 passes last year, but the graduating senior averaged nearly 25 yards per reception. The receiver room is talented, led by Cam Bullock and Adam Saunders, but I'm not entirely sure the Bulldogs have someone with the same skill set as Whyte.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    I'd heard Jones' name as a potential breakout candidate earlier this offseason as he transferred over from Rolesville. I then came away impressed with the rising senior at the Carolinas Coaches' Combine in April. He has excellent size and ball skills. That skill set could provide the Bulldogs with the deep threat they're currently missing from the returning starters.     Poole isn't getting a ton of attention outside the program, but he's put his head down and worked this offseason. He's not a prototypical pass rusher, but he sets the dge better than most and excels against the run. He's disciplined and has active hands, the kind of defender who rarely overcommits or makes mistakes.     We very rarely mention rising freshmen this early in the process, but Powell has the build and upside of a guy who can step in and immediately contribute. He's already up to around 205 pounds with a lightning-quick first step off the edge. I wouldn't expect him to start, but I'd be at least a bit surprised if he doesn't make an impact this season.     Continuing the defensive line theme here, Robinson is an outstanding interior defender who flies under the radar. He had 31 tackles, including seven for loss, last season, but his biggest contribution was as an unselfish defender who took on blocks and opened up space for his linebackers.     Heath has impressed us this offseason after finishing fourth on the team in tackles last year for the Bulldogs. He moves well and puts himself in position to make plays. He rarely makes mistakes, and he's worked in the weight room to reshape his body in anticipation of a strong senior season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southeast Raleigh's 2026 Outlook</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Team Strength</h3>   There are very few teams with the depth that the Bulldogs have on the offensive line.   Williams is the unquestioned leader, but Zamir Jackson and Kevontre Holder each hold early offers, too. Center Roshaun Brake doesn't have the same physical stature as some of the other guys on the line, but he's technically sound and plays with excellent leverage.   The line can both run block and pass block and will be far bigger than the majority of its competition. The offensive line play gives the Bulldogs a high floor, because they can grind out games against tough competition.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Question Marks</h3>   In their four losses last year, the Bulldogs struggled to stop the run, especially against dual-threat quarterbacks. The Bulldogs gave up at least one rushing touchdown to every quarterback who beat them last season, with a couple of guys having huge days.   The increased speed at the linebacker and defensive line positions should help, and the pass rush should improve in 2026. That will be key for a team that has the defensive backs to match up with any receiver on the schedule. If they stay disciplined defensively, limit quarterback rushing, and generate some extra pass rush, there won't be a weakness on the roster.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   I'm a massive fan of the Bulldogs this season. That said, the schedule is difficult, and the Bulldogs were just 1-4 when they scored fewer than 30 points in a game last year. I think the defense, especially the defensive line, should be better this season. That's despite losing their highest-ranked player in that position group last year.   Southeast Raleigh plays in one of the only conferences with four or five teams with a realistic chance to beat any other team in the conference.   When I previewed the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/greater-neuse-river-7a-2026-conference-preview/">Greater Neuse River Conference</a> a few weeks ago, I tentatively listed Garner as the top team. At this point, I'd lean towards that still being the case by the slightest of margins. The Bulldogs get the Trojans at home, and that's a massive game for the conference title and playoff seedings.   Regardless of whether the Bulldogs ultimately take the conference, it's hard to imagine a world in which their season ends before December.   A huge thanks to Southeast Raleigh head coach Edwin Campbell for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.

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