Nathan Hale Rangers 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>Throughout the month of July and now 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 Nathan Hale Rangers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://youtu.be/Q0NvhTAyfFA" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/Q0NvhTAyfFA">- Nathan Hale Video Preview With HC Jesse Jones</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Nathan Hale Rangers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Jesse Jones - 2nd Season - 4-6 Record At Nathan Hale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (4-6 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Webster 55-14<br>Sept. 4th - Beat East Central 23-6<br>Sept. 19th - Lost To Skiatook 27-17<br>Sept. 25th - Beat Memorial 64-6<br>Oct. 3rd - Lost To Claremore 61-25<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Del City 53-0<br>Oct. 16th - Lost To Pryor 54-13<br>Oct. 24th - Beat W. Rogers 40-15<br>Oct. 31st - Lost To Collinsville 50-16<br>Nov. 6th - Lost To Tahlequah 49-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 27.3 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 33.5 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nathan Hale Rangers came into the 2025 football season looking to build on the momentum they had in 2024. The Rangers had several winless seasons in a row and finally broke through with three wins in 2024. They built on that in 2025 despite having a new coaching staff take over. Jesse Jones took over the Hale program after successful stints as an assistant coach at Jenks and union. They started out the season with a 3-1 record, matching the 2024 win total by the end of September. But the Rangers found themselves in one of the toughest districts in the state, dropping three straight to start October. They beat Tulsa Rogers in week eight but then dropped their final two games to finish the season with a 4-6 record. The Rangers came up short in the playoff discussion but we believe that this program is still trending in the right direction. They are certainly a long way removed from going through multiple seasons in a row without a win. They also still have some work to do to take that next step. But we think that the 2025 season was a step in the right direction and now they'll look to continue that in 2026.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rangers come into the 2026 season as a dark horse to push for one of those playoff spots in a very competitive district. They bring back nearly everyone from last year's team. They also have significantly improved their numbers on the roster. And they have had a full offseason with the current coaching staff in the weight room and have made significant progress there as well. Nine starters are back on the offensive side of the ball. The depth of this offense is a lot better than this time last year. The strength will start with the offensive line as the Rangers have some serious dudes on the line of scrimmage. They'll be breaking in a new quarterback but they are not lacking talent in the skill department. Defensively, the Rangers are also bringing back nine starters from last year's team. Looking at the roster and the overall personnel on this defense, they look like they have next level players at all three levels of the defense. Now, they have to go out and show that on Friday nights but they look like they have the guys to do that. In our opinion, the season could come down to the first two district games on the schedule. If the Rangers steal one or two of those first two games, they are going to have a real chance to contend for one of those playoff spots and finally end this playoff drought.&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>Deshaun Brown - Defensive Back (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>JT Kauffman - Defensive Lineman (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":["1829708"],"_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-6a7a43a19e294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nathan Hale has benefitted from player movement and they've been hurt by it. This summer, they lost a 3,000-yard quarterback to another Tulsa program. They added a quarterback to the roster from a Tulsa-area school. 2028 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1829708' first='Brett' last='Gancarz'] moved over to Hale in the summer, shortly after spring ball and joined the Rangers after being at Jenks. Gancarz appears to be the guy at the quarterback position for Nathan Hale going into this season. And Gancarz is stepping into a very friendly situation. He's going to have a very stout offensive line and some serious firepower at receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1838771"],"_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-6a7a43a19e2fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 tight end and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1838771' first='James' last='Hutchins'] was one of the top standouts when we watched Nathan Hale back in the spring. At one of the team camps, we got a chance to watch Hutchins quite a bit on offense and defense and it is hard to not be very impressed with him. Offensively, he's a massive target in the passing game and when he gets the ball, he is so physical in the open field. Defensively, he's a hard-hitting monster that has a nose for the football. It doesn't matter where the Rangers put Hutchins, on either side of the ball, he is going to be one of their more impactful players this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1832531"],"_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-6a7a43a19e346"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 wide receiver and defensive back Janih Feeback-Franklin could end up being the breakout star for the Rangers this season. It's certainly in his DNA to be a standout on the football field for Nathan Hale. His older brother Deon was an All State Honorable Selection choice just two seasons ago. Janih earned a spot as one of the team's captains last season despite just being a sophomore. This year, the expectation is for him to not only be one of the team's leaders, but he has the potential to be one of the top two-way players on the team. No matter where he lines up, he's a playmaker to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1839366"],"_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-6a7a43a19e38d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1839366' first='Leeroy' last='Wells'] emerged as a breakout star for Nathan Hale last season. We didn't know that much about Wells at this time last year but that certainly changed with a sophomore season where he emerged as one of the top ball hawks in the state, regardless of class. Because of that, he earned a spot on our All State Honorable Mention list. Wells was always in the right place at the right time. We're looking forward to seeing how he elevates his game this season. And the Rangers are also going to turn to him to play some wide receiver this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1838956"],"_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-6a7a43a19e3d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1838956' first='Lonnie' last='Bowler'] was another new addition to the Nathan Hale roster this offseason. He has a chance to be a major impact player for the Rangers this season at the running back position. The Rangers did not have that much depth in the backfield last season and that put more pressure on the passing game. This season, Nathan Hale comes into the season with several running backs that they are comfortable with on a Friday night. Bowler is at the top of the list. He has the potential to be a breakout star for Nathan Hale when they take the field this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1830602"],"_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-6a7a43a19e414"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Nathan Hale has dudes at all three levels of the defense. 2027 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1830602' first='TJ' last='Wells'] is one of those guys on the line of scrimmage. He returns for the Rangers on the defensive side of the ball and he has the chance to be a dominant force on the line of scrimmage. He's your prototypical defensive tackle or nose guard. Even when Wells isn't the guy that is making the play on the ball carrier, he's usually muddying the waters and opening things up for other guys to make the play. We think he takes another step forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1836862"],"_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-6a7a43a19e458"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1836862' first='Xavier' last='Jauregui'] comes into this season as arguably Nathan Hale's top player. At this time last year, he was getting used to the Nathan Hale offense after moving into the program. This year, he's one of the top offensive lineman prospects in the state's 2027 class. He got on the radar last season and now this year, he looks to take that next step as a no doubt next level prospect. And the possibility is there when you look at the progress he's made in the last 12 months. Nathan Hale has the potential to be really good offensively this fall. It will all start with Jauregui on the offensive line.&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='1837867' first='Anthony' last='Perry'] - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1836301' first='Devin' last='Canady'] - 2028 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1832528' first='Isaiah' last='Harris'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1830009' first='Johnny' last='Morin'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1617170' first='Keon' last='Willis'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Samir Williams - 2029 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1695578' first='Sherard' last='Boyd'] - 2028 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1836399' first='Trevin' last='Hawkins'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1830720' first='Xavier' last='Akins'] - 2028 Linebacker<br>Yeshua Balderas - 2028 Offensive/Defensive 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. 28th - Glenpool</strong><br>- Nathan Hale opens the season against Glenpool in week zero. These two teams used to be district opponents from 2018-2021. But ever since then, they've gone in different directions. Nathan Hale is on the rise and picking up momentum while Glenpool has struggled. The Rangers are looking for their first ever win over Glenpool this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - U.S. Grant</strong><br>- The Rangers host U.S. Grant in week one and this will be the first ever meeting between these two programs. Similar to Glenpool, these are two programs going in opposite directions. The Rangers have turned things around while the Generals continue to struggle, year after year. This year, they have gone back to being an independent team.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT NOAH</strong><br>- Nathan Hale wraps up non-district play by facing NOAH in week two. This game will be played at the Jenks youth fields as they go against NOAH, a team of home schooled high schoolers in the Tulsa area. The Rangers will be looking for another win and a possible 3-0 start to kick off the season and take some momentum into district play.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Claremore&nbsp;</strong><br>- After a week off, Nathan Hale opens up district play with a trip up to Claremore to face the Zebras. These two have been district opponents since 2020. The Zebras are also a team and program that Nathan Hale has never beaten. We mentioned it earlier but if Nathan Hale starts off district play strong, with a win over Claremore, they could make some noise.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Collinsville</strong><br>- The Rangers return home for the first time in just under a month to host Collinsville in week five. This is another district opponent that the Rangers are familiar with but have never beaten in program history. They've played every year in district play since 2020. If they come up short to Claremore, this game against Collinsville becomes a must win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Memorial</strong><br>- Nathan Hale makes the trip over to LaFortune Park to face Memorial in week five. This is a series that the Rangers have turned around. Overall, the Chargers have the advantage but Nathan Hale has won the last two meetings in dominant fashion. They beat the Chargers 48-0 in 2024 and followed it up with a 64-6 victory last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - Pryor</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Nathan Hale will host defending district champion Pryor. The Tigers went 10-0 on their way to a district title last year. To be the best, you have to beat the best and this is an opportunity for the Rangers to do just that. Nathan Hale's last win over Pryor came in 2009, the last time they made the playoffs.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - AT Tahlequah</strong><br>- Nathan Hale goes back on the road to face Tahlequah in week eight in another pivotal game to make it back to the postseason. These two teams have been district opponents off and on for the last decade. Tahlequah beat the Rangers 49-20 last season and are unbeaten in this series. Depending on the standings, this could be a playoff elimination game.<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Edison</strong><br>- The Rangers return home for another showdown with a TPS program in week nine. They host Edison and are looking to turn things around in this series. They haven't played since 2022 but the Rangers have lost eight straight in the series with the Eagles. But similar to a few other match-ups, these are two programs heading in opposite directions.<br><strong>Nov. 5th - Bishop McGuinness</strong><br>- The regular season wraps up with a home game against Bishop McGuinness in week ten. At this point, the Rangers are going to know exactly where they are in the district standings. They face a McGuinness team that is new to this district and just played for the 5A state title a year ago. This will be the first ever meeting between these two programs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nathan Hale has taken steps in the right direction over the last two seasons. They suffered through winless seasons for several years in a row before breaking through and winning three games in 2024. They continued that momentum last season by winning four games, including two in district play. Now, they look to get over that .500 mark and finish with a winning record in 2026. And if they are able to do that, they will be in the mix for a playoff spot in a district that you have to earn every inch. The Rangers are looking for their first playoff appearance since going 6-5 during the 2009 season. That was also the last time the Rangers finished with a winning record. We've said it before but this is a district where the gap between the district champion and the first team out of the playoffs is not that wide. Nathan Hale will try to be one of those teams in the conversation when the season comes down to the wire in late October and into November.&nbsp;</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 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2024 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 0-10 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 0-10 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 0-10 - Missed Playoffs</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>2 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1979 - Beat Midwest City 15-6<br>1972 - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 27-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->