2026 Team Preview: Lincoln Cougars

<!-- 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 AJ Bart - LB Trenton Hardesty - TE/LB Cade Riley - WR/DB Preston Olan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln finished 4-7 in 2025 but earned a Class AA playoff berth after sneaking into the postseason with a 4-6 regular season record. The Cougars gave Independence all it could handle in the first half before falling in the opening round, showing continued flashes of the potential they showed throughout the year. They now face the challenge of replacing record-setting quarterback AJ Bart, but the good news is the bulk of the team returns in 2026. With the school's all-time winningest coach, Rob Hawkins, entering his 13th season, Lincoln has the experience and continuity to build on last year's progress and take a step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Elkins<br>9/4: vs South Harrison<br>9/11: at Grafton<br>9/17: vs Nicholas County<br>9/25: at North Marion<br>10/2: vs Lewis County<br>10/9: at Robert C. Byrd<br>10/23: at Buckhannon-Upshur<br>10/30: vs Doddridge County<br>11/6: vs Philip Barbour</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>4-7 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 5-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing multi-year starter AJ Bart at QB is the biggest question facing Lincoln entering the season, but the Cougars have several candidates who could develop into quality quarterbacks in their own right. Whoever earns the starting job will step into a favorable situation with an experienced offensive line, a talented group of skill players, and multiple running backs capable of carrying the load. Lincoln has the pieces to be more balanced on offense this year, or continue with their spread attack that has been a staple of the offense. With much of last year's roster returning, the Cougars have a great opportunity to improve on last season's finish and chase the program's first playoff victory since 2016 a decade later if they handle business during the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616384"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Lincoln transitions to a new quarterback, expect RB/LB Connor Rice to become an even bigger focal point of the offense. The senior proved last fall he can handle a heavy workload, rushing for 744 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding another 22 catches for 190 yards and three scores. Rice's versatility allows the Cougars to move him around and find different ways to get the ball in his hands, making him one of the toughest players on the roster to game plan for. He's equally valuable on defense, where he recorded 50 tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup at linebacker. Rice is the type of dependable two-way player every successful team needs and should be in line for another productive season as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19819702/691f30ceda670837304aee12u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a76279c447b0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2077335"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln returns multiple productive receivers from last year and will look to 2027 WR Colton Edwards to be one of their go to targets again. Edwards had a big junior season for the Cougars, consistently getting open and making plays after the catch. His quickness and route-running allow him to create separation, making him a difficult cover in space for defenders. With a new quarterback stepping into the offense, Edwards' familiarity and playmaking ability should make him a great security blanket and a dangerous weapon to have returning this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21637453/6972d557be75ba620912850du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a76279c4487e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267370"],"_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-6a76279c448f3"} --> <!-- 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>The Cougars have an experienced and talented lineman to lean on again this year in 2027 OL/DL Levi Greaver. Although there's no film available to evaluate, Greaver's Honorable Mention All-State recognition as a junior speaks to the impact he made last season. He brings valuable size and experience to an offensive line that should be one of Lincoln's strengths in 2026, giving the Cougars another returner starter in the trenches. With another year of development, Greaver has an opportunity to build on last season's recognition and earn even higher accolades as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267351"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln returns another experienced presence in the trenches with 2027 OL/DL Brycen Moore. A two-way starter as a junior, Moore brings good size at 6'2 265 along with the strength and physicality to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Moore has limited film, but the tools are there for him to draw more attention with a strong senior season. Moore has the frame and playing style that college programs value, and could earn some offers if he posts film this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16899247/68c05fb1961afc0dd6f1bd11u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a76279c449c5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1662932"],"_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 {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln's experience up front doesn't stop with its tackles and guards, as 2027 OL Joseph Spadafore returns to anchor the offensive line at center. A multi-year varsity contributor, Spadafore brings consistency and toughness to one of the Cougars' deepest position groups. While he may be undersized compared to some of his teammates, his stocky build and low center of gravity allow him to win with leverage, generate movement, and finish blocks. He's an important piece of an experienced offensive line and a player whose impact may go unnoticed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19819733/6931f8b1853ccc1811d2939eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a76279c44a85"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267357"],"_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-6a76279c44af2"} --> <!-- 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 Jacob Bart will play a significant role in Lincoln's offense again this season. While no film is available to evaluate, Bart has already proved he can be a highly productive contributor on both sides of the ball coming from an athletic family. He could carry on the family tradition at QB or remain as a top playmaker at receiver. If he doesn't take oevr at QB, Bart's playmaking ability alongside Colton Edwards at receiver will give Lincoln an exciting pair of targets in the passing game again in 2026, where they both had big junior years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267353"],"_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-6a76279c44b5f"} --> <!-- 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>Size hasn't stopped 2028 RB/LB Cade Mooney from becoming one of Lincoln's most productive defenders. Despite being a smaller athlete, Mooney finished as one of the Cougars' leading tacklers during his sophomore season and outworked his physical limitations. As the Cougars look to make strides on that side of the ball this season, expect Mooney to be one of the driving forces behind that improvement and putting together a strong junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234886"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 QB Bear Saab gives Lincoln an intriguing option in the competition to replace All-State quarterback AJ Bart. After transferring in from Robert C. Byrd, Saab enters a favorable situation with an experienced group of skill players and an offense that has consistently been willing to throw the football. While the starting job may still be up for grabs, he has the talent and potential to take it and run with it. If Saab earns the job and settles in quickly, he has the tools to keep the Cougars' offense productive and have a potential breakout season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXp9-jYAIVW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ=="><strong>FILM LINK</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624360"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln may have found one of the more impactful offseason additions in 2028 RB/LB Trenton Moore. After transferring from Fairmont Senior, Moore leaves a deep Polar Bears roster for an opportunity to earn significant playing time right away with the Cougars. His versatility gives Lincoln another quality option alongside Connor Rice in the backfield and an opportunity to start right away at linebacker. With a clear path to immediate playing time on both sides of the ball, Moore has the tools to become a breakout player in Class AA this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22531658/67144aac5f6336efbce087d7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a76279c44c70"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Burdette - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Barnes - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chasen Sipher - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin Jenkins - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominick Spadafore - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->