Tahlequah Tigers 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 Tahlequah Tigers!</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/KDxgBdYB3f8" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/KDxgBdYB3f8">- Tahlequah Video Preview With HC Brad Gilbert</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Tahlequah Tigers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Brad Gilbert - 15th Season - 78-74 Record At Tahlequah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (5-5 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat East Central 55-6<br>Sept. 5th - Lost To Sapulpa 24-14<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Wagoner 38-31<br>Sept. 26th - Lost To Claremore 21-17<br>Oct. 3rd - Lost To Pryor 44-13<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Collinsville 35-23<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Memorial 56-0<br>Oct. 24th - Lost To Del City 42-17<br>Oct. 31st - Beat W. Rogers 49-6<br>Nov. 6th - Beat Nathan Hale 49-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 32.8 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 22.9 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tahlequah Tigers came into the 2025 football season with a chip on their shoulder after going 6-4 in 2024 but missing out on the playoffs. They had made the playoffs ten straight years until that streak was snapped in 2024. The Tigers looked solid out of the gates, going 2-1 in non-district play, including a 38-31 win over Wagoner to wrap up noon-district play. But Tahlequah lost three straight games to open district play. It was the district opener and it was still September, but falling 21-17 to Claremore in week four ended up being the difference between making the playoffs and missing for a second straight year. They were 2-6 heading into the final four weeks, they couldn't afford another loss in district play. They went 3-1 in the final four weeks but the 42-17 loss to Del City would be the nail in the coffin. They finished the regular season with a 5-5 record and missed the postseason for the second straight year. They were a rare team that won their final two games but missed the playoffs.The slow start in district play, highlighted by that week four loss to Claremore kept Tahlequah out. And there's no doubt that the chip on their shoulder has gotten bigger as the calendar flips and we look ahead to the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tahlequah comes into this season hungrier than ever to make it back to the playoffs and get into the mix in a competitive and deep Class 5A. The Tigers bring back seven starters from an offense that averaged over 30 points per game last season. It starts with the quarterback position but they have experience and playmaking ability all over the place. They could certainly be improved this season. That will also help a defense that has to replace the majority of their starters. Five starters return for Tahlequah on defense but they are very excited about some of the young names they have coming up on that side of the ball. Overall, this looks like a Tahlequah team that is coming into the season with some confidence and could make plenty of noise in Class 5A. Now, Tahlequah has the talent on both sides of the ball but they have a brutal schedule ahead. Talking with their coach this summer, the belief is that this is Tahlequah's toughest schedule in decades. They play four teams ranked in the 5A preseason rankings and two more teams in the 4A preseason rankings. It's going to be a gauntlet from start to finish. If the Tigers make it back to the postseason after two years out of it, they will have earned it with some major wins along the way.</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":["1838465"],"_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-6a8326c1bfd25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1838465' first='Braxton' last='Baker'] returns as the heart and soul of this Tahlequah defense. He's getting ready to be a three-year starter and he's the perfect example of a player on this team that has a chip on their shoulder. Baker was hurt throughout his junior season and fought through that to make some meaningful plays all season. Now, the Tigers expect Baker to hit an extra gear and be one of the leaders and best players on the defensive side of the ball. He certainly has the experience coming into this season. And now healthy, he should wreck shop on the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234530"],"_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-6a8326c1bfd7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2234530' first='Brayden' last='Carey'] has the potential to be one of the better guys in Tahlequah's 2028 class. He checks all the boxes from a physical standpoint. We are very impressed with some of the guys that Tahlequah returns on the line of scrimmage and it starts with Carey. This offense has the potential to be lights out this season and make a major jump with the firepower and experience they bring back. It's all going to start on the line of scrimmage. Carey is a 2028 prospect that is coming into his junior season with some momentum to have a big 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2229972"],"_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-6a8326c1bfda4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2029 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2229972' first='Jonah' last='Batie'] is a prospect that has the Tahlequah coaches very excited about the future. Batie is getting ready to start his sophomore season so there are still a lot of unknowns with the young prospect. But all signs are pointing to Batie emerging this fall as a breakout star on the Tahlequah defense. Right in the middle of this Tahlequah defensive line, Batie has the potential to be the next dominant interior defensive lineman. Don't forget he can also help out the Tahlequah offensive line as well. But when we're looking at his potential moving forward, it's on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1828460"],"_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-6a8326c1bfdd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 athlete Michael Torkelson has the potential to be Tahlequah's do-it-all weapon on both sides of the ball this season. His versatility is going to allow the Tigers to use him in a variety of ways. Last season, Torkelson mostly played wide receiver but this year, he's expected to be their game-breaking running back. And when he's not at running back, he'll more than likely be at wide receiver. Torkelson will be on the field at all times. He'll also start for the Tigers in the secondary, where he led the team in interceptions a year ago. He was a versatile weapon last year and will be asked to do even more this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2336974,"_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-6a8326c1bfdf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2336974' first='Will' last='Talburt'] returns as QB1 for the Tigers heading into Tahlequah's 2026 campaign. Talburt took over the reins at quarterback late in the season last year and helped the Tigers to that 3-1 stretch in the final month of the season. Talburt has all the makings to have a monster senior season. He got his feet wet late in the season a year ago, he has weapons all around him at the skill positions and an offensive line that brings back the majority of their starters. All signs point to Talburt having a big year and helping Tahlequah's offense take that jump that has them averaging nearly (or more than) 40 points per game.</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='1832207' first='Ashton' last='Morgan'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1839301' first='Avery' last='Culver'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1837337' first='Benton' last='Martin'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>Isvan Santana - 2027 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1833054' first='Josiaha' last='Koshiway'] - 2027 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1838463' first='Kael' last='Dobbins'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831105' first='Raiden' last='Beckwith'] - 2028 Running Back<br>Wyatt Hodgson - 2027 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>Sept. 4th - Poteau</strong><br>- The 2026 football season kicks off with a home game against Poteau in week one. The Tigers also kick off a non-district slate where they will play three straight ranked opponents. Poteau is a team that the Tigers haven't played in decades. The only meeting in the last 50 years came in the 1990 playoffs. Tahlequah won that match-up 28-0.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT Wagoner</strong><br>- Tahlequah goes on the road for the first time in 2026 when they face Wagoner in week two. This will be the seventh straight year these two have met in non-district play. The first five meetings were owned by the Bulldogs but Tahlequah broke through last season. They snapped that five-game skid with a 38-31 win last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 18th - Sapulpa</strong><br>- The Tigers wrap up non-district play with a home game against Sapulpa in week three. These two have met in non-district play every year since 2022. They've played in each of the last six years when you include their district run in 2020 and 2021. Sapulpa has gotten the best of the Tigers in this series, including last year's 24-14 win.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Memorial</strong><br>- Tahlequah heads to Tulsa to open up district play in week four against Memorial. These two teams have been district opponents the last two years and off and on for the last decade. It's been a series that has been dominated by the Tigers. They've won each of the last two meetings by 50 points or more. Overall, they've won eight straight in the series.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Pryor</strong><br>- The first of three straight “make or break” district contests for Tahlequah comes here when they host Pryor in week five. Pryor is the measuring stick game after coming off a 2025 campaign where they went 10-0 and won the district title. They beat Tahlequah 44-13 but Tahlequah has the edge over Pryor in this series over the last few decades.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Claremore</strong><br>- Tahlequah heads to Claremore in week six and this is a game that will definitely be circled on the calendar. After losing to Claremore last season and missing the playoffs because of it, Tahlequah will certainly be ready for this one. They lost 21-17 last year and that's kind of how this series has gone. Six of the last eight meetings have been decided by a possession.<br><strong>Oct. 15th - Collinsville</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Tahlequah will host Collinsville in another massive district contest. These two have been district opponents the last two seasons and Collinsville has had the edge over the Tigers. Tahlequah will be looking to snap a four-game skid against the Cardinals and that would certainly help their playoff hopes.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Nathan Hale</strong><br>- Tahlequah hosts Nathan Hale in week eight and this is a Ranger team and program that is on the rise and trying to join the Tigers as legitimate contenders for one of those valuable playoff spots. Tahlequah beat Hale 49-20 last season and overall, they've won seven straight in the series. They haven't lost to Hale in nearly three decades.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Bishop McGuinness</strong><br>- It's the longest trip of the regular season and the most important game as Tahlequah goes to OKC to face Bishop McGuinness in week nine. The Tigers have met the Irish only twice in their history and they came in back to back quarterfinals where the Irish prevailed. McGuinness is also coming off a trip to the 5A state title game last year.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Edison</strong><br>- The Tigers wrap up the regular season with a trip to Tulsa to face Edison in week ten. Edison is another new district opponent for the Tigers this season. These two haven't played since squaring off in the first round of the 2020 playoffs. Tahlequah won a close game that night, prevailing 34-29. They haven't been district foes since 2014 and 2015.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Brad Gilbert is getting ready for his 15th season as head coach at Tahlequah. He has seen this program make the playoffs ten straight years and be a team to look out for no matter if they were in Class 6A-2 or in Class 5A. Gilbert is also getting closer and closer to becoming Tahlequah's all time winningest coach. Charles Cooper was with the Tigers for all of the 80's and into the 90's and won nearly 100 games. He went 93-56 and is Tahlequah's all time winningest coach. Gilbert is closing in on that number. While he can't reach it this season, (not enough games) it's possible we see him hit that mark in 2027. Right now, he's 15 wins away from tying Cooper and 16 wins away from being the all time wins leader. But one of the things Gilbert is most proud of with this program is not the wins. But look at the coaching staff he's put together heading into this season. It features multiple former players that played for Gilbert and the Tigers and have now come back to coach the next generation of Tigers.&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 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2024 - 6-4 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2022 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2021 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round</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>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->