2026 Team Preview: Buffalo Bison

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: QB Hunter Rutan - WR Nathan Harris - OL/LB Marcus Riley - OL/DL Davey Sayne - OL Zack Lovejoy - FB/DL Wyatt Jacobs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buffalo took a significant step forward in 2025, finishing 7-3 and posting its highest win total since 2016 under first-year head coach Andy Anderson. Although the Bison narrowly missed the Class AA playoffs due to a weaker strength of schedule, the season still marked meaningful progress for a program that had endured several difficult years. Buffalo consistently found ways to win and reestablished confidence within the program, giving the team plenty to build on moving forward. While graduation claimed several of the Bison's top producers, the foundation created last season has the program in position to remain competitive and put together another strong campaign in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Poca<br>9/4: at Roane County<br>9/11: vs Summers County<br>9/18: vs Tyler Consolidated<br>9/25: vs PikeView<br>10/9: vs Braxton County<br>10/16: at Ravenswood<br>10/23: at Point Pleasant<br>10/30: at Clay County<br>11/6: vs Lincoln County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>7-3<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 6-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buffalo faces the challenge of replacing one of the most productive quarterback-receiver duos in the state after graduating 3,000-yard, 40-touchdown passer Hunter Rutan and 1,000-yard receiver Nathan Harris. However, the Bison have enough returning talent to soften those losses and will remain a competitive team in Class AA. The schedule remains favorable overall, but replacing four Class A opponents with more AA and AAA competition gives Buffalo additional opportunities to strengthen its playoff resume. If the new faces and experienced returners settle into larger roles and the offense continues to produce, the Bison have the pieces to earn a postseason berth and build on last year's momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154725"],"_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-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buffalo turns the page at quarterback with 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1154725' first='Mark' last='Blankenship'] taking over the offense this fall. After spending three seasons at George Washington developing behind talented quarterbacks, Blankenship transfers in with the opportunity to showcase his ability. The Bison established themselves as one of the better passing teams in Class AA last year, and he'll have a talented supporting cast to ease the transition into a starting role. If everything comes together, Blankenship could be one of the biggest breakout quarterbacks this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MarkCBlank27/status/2070902135055929813","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/MarkCBlank27/status/2070902135055929813 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2123670"],"_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-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Buffalo replacing 1,000-yard receiver Nathan Harris in the passing game, 2028 WR Calen Cales is primed for an expanded role this season. Cales enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, hauling in 42 receptions for 893 yards and 11 touchdowns while emerging as one of the Bison's top playmakers through the air. His production as a young player provides optimism for what's ahead, especially with more touches now available in the offense. As Cales continues to develop physically and build on last season's success, expect him to become one of the focal points of Buffalo's passing attack and a breakout candidate in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154705"],"_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-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1154705' first='Grant' last='Weaver'] has become one of the most versatile players in Buffalo's program. Since breaking in as the starting quarterback during his freshman season, Weaver has embraced a variety of roles and continued to produce wherever the Bison have needed him. He caught nearly 500 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior, can line up in the backfield to add another dimension to the offense, and led the team with two interceptions on defense. That versatility gives Buffalo flexibility on both sides of the football and makes Weaver one of the team's key returning seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19818754/6914cf80d81f7f44f4e2111cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1db0b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617192"],"_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-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1617192' first='Grant' last='Webb'] gives Buffalo another experienced player capable of making an impact in multiple ways. Webb produced mainly on defense as a junior, recording 53 tackles and an interception while providing steady play in the secondary. He has also flashed offensive potential earlier in his career, and with opportunities available this fall, don't be surprised to see Buffalo get him involved more with the ball in his hands. His versatility and experience make him an important returning piece for a Bison team with playoff aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18445465/6914ada5963aea2963ede95eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1dbf9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2265083"],"_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-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2265083' first='Noah' last='Randolph'] is one of Buffalo's top returning defenders after putting together a productive sophomore season. Randolph finished with 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception, as one of the Bison's most reliable defensive players. He also contributed more than 200 receiving yards, and with offensive openings this fall, expect his role in the passing game to expand. Randolph's length and athleticism give Buffalo versatility defensively, whether he's lining up in the secondary or working closer to the line of scrimmage as an outside linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20947674/6a049217f83af2dd3e670a30u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1dccf"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1968543"],"_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-6a72075a1dd52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buffalo has found its kicker for the next three years in 2029 K [player_tooltip player_id='1968543' first='Carson' last='Shock']. As a freshman, Shock stepped into the varsity lineup and immediately became one of the state's top young specialists, finishing the season perfect on his field goal attempts while converting 30 extra points. Shock's consistency and early success earned him the #2 ranking among kickers in the 2029 class, and he'll be one of the top specialists to watch over the next three seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CarsonShock/status/1987194342146986189","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/CarsonShock/status/1987194342146986189 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1968391"],"_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-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1968391' first='Jacob' last='Cossin'] gained valuable varsity experience during his freshman season and gives Buffalo another promising young defender to build around. Cossin earned early playing time in the secondary, an encouraging sign for a player with three seasons still ahead of him. His athleticism and confidence showed throughout the year, and those traits should continue to develop with additional experience. Expect Cossin to take a step forward as a sophomore in the Bison secondary and make his name known among the top young defensive backs in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27135488/692f8d22cc386d23796131a6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1de3a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716420"],"_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-6a72075a1deca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future of Buffalo's backfield looks bright with 2029 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1716420' first='Camryn' last='Bonnett']. As a freshman, Bonnett led the Bison in rushing with more than 400 yards and five touchdowns despite playing in an offense that featured the passing game. That's an encouraging sign for a young running back who still has plenty of room to grow over the next three seasons. With another offseason of development and a larger opportunity ahead, Bonnett is a player capable of taking another step as one of the building blocks of Buffalo's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27152855/68d6a38608043b615627a6dau0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1df11"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112737"],"_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-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buffalo saw encouraging signs from 2029 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2112737' first='Michael' last='Meade'] during his first varsity season. The freshman finished with 32 tackles while earning meaningful snaps on defense, giving the Bison another young player to build around for the future. Meade already carries a solid 6'0 175 frame, providing a strong foundation as he continues to mature physically. With three years still ahead of him, he's a player whose name should become much more familiar as his role continues to grow and he posts more game film. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27149926/68dd396a5b1dd4ccb03386d6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72075a1dffe"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landyn Shaffer - 2027 TE/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BJ Saxton - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Connor Moore - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Moody - 2028 TE/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->