Following a 10-3 campaign in 2024, Sam Houston had a complete turnaround in 2025, finishing 2-10 and losing its first eight games in Phil Longo’s first season as head coach. It was the Bearkats’ worst campaign since they went 1-9 in 1979.
Not only was last season a rebuilding one for Longo, but the Bearkats also had to deal with playing away from their home venue, Bowers Stadium. Bowers Stadium was undergoing renovations, which forced SHSU to play its home contests at Shell Energy Stadium, about 70 miles south of campus.
The Bearkats will be back on their home turf this year and seem to have fewer question marks throughout their roster entering the season. Perhaps this can equate to more victories and a few upsets in Conference USA.
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Sam Houston Season Preview
Despite last season’s struggles, SHSU retained a lot of production, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Longo wants to run an air raid offense, and last year was its first year doing so. With a returning QB and a handful of returning starting skills players, the Bearkats may be more equipped to have a better offensive season. They averaged 17.8 points and 316 yards per game, both the worst marks in the league.
Landyn Locke Locked In At QB For Sam Houston
After it was known that Mabrey Mettauer was transferring from Sam Houston, I think it was settled Locke would be the No. 1 guy. The sophomore started the final three games of 2025 and saw action in four contests. He finished the year with 765 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 50.4% of his passes.
The good news for Locke is he will have some familiar faces and experienced skill players to lean on, including a trio of senior wide receivers in Chris Reed, Tim Burns Jr. and Grady O’Neill.
Reed started the final six games of last season and led the team with 460 receiving yards and five TDs on 30 receptions. O’Neill started four games but was a consistent outlet, leading the team with 38 receptions for 392 yards and one score. Burns only caught 12 passes but was a big play threat and averaged 19 yards per reception.
The running back room will also have returning experience and depth. Redshirt junior Landan “Coco” Brown is back after leading SHSU with 487 yards and five TDs last year. Graduate running back Alton McCaskill will also return after pacing the Bearkats in carries. He logged 370 yards and one TD on 88 totes.
These two backs managed what they could behind an offensive line that had its struggles. This year’s group should be improved but will mostly feature new faces from the transfer portal. One of the guys who should help strengthen the O-line will be Kennesaw State transfer Josiah Chenault, who earned first-team all-conference honors last year.
Sam Houston Aims For An Improved Defense
Just as the Bearkats ranked in the bottom of the conference offensively last year, they also ranked at the bottom defensively, allowing 37.8 points and 483.6 yards per contest.
This year’s stronger defensive front could set the tone for a better defensive season. Redshirt senior defensive tackle Dylan Frazier returns and should be the anchor for the defense. He started eight games last year and had 41 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. Chauncey Chidi and Darien Jackson will also be back after seeing a lot of action last year and will bolster the D-line.
I think SHSU will see some improvement within its linebacking corps. Redshirt sophomore Dean Ford will be back after starting five games last season. He registered 35 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. Tokyo Gordon will also return after logging one start.
One of the biggest transfer additions for the Bearkats, though, could be Brian Bates Jr. The transfer from Delaware State was a first-team All-MEAC selection after finishing with 80 tackles, seven TFLs and two sacks. The junior has the potential to turn into a big-time player for the defense.
The secondary should also see a spark from a newcomer in Elon transfer Ishmel Atkins. The senior started at cornerback where he registered 54 total tackles, nine pass breakups and three picks. He was named second-team All-CAA. He also started 12 games at the SPUR spot in 2024, meaning he’s a versatile defender.
Caesar Magee III is another transfer corner who could have an impact. He comes from Northwestern State where he had 83 tackles,16 PBUs and four interceptions over the past three years despite playing only five games last season because of a season-ending injury.
Tyler Bailey and Dravon Wilson are a pair of guys who will return from last season and bring some experience to the safety spots.
2026 Sam Houston Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| 9/5 | at Troy |
| 9/12 | vs. Tulsa |
| 9/19 | vs. Nicholls |
| 9/26 | at Texas Tech |
| 10/8 | at Liberty |
| 10/14 | vs. Western Kentucky |
| 10/21 | vs. New Mexico State |
| 10/27 | at Missouri State |
| 11/7 | at Jacksonville State |
| 11/14 | vs. Kennesaw State |
| 11/21 | vs. Middle Tennessee |
| 11/28 | at FIU |
Sam Houston’s Conference USA Championship Betting Odds
SHSU’s college football betting odds to win Conference USA are +8000. The Bearkats have the longest odds in the league.
Sam Houston’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
- Sam Houston’s win total Over/Under is at 3.5
- The Over is at +120
- The Under is at -150
Sam Houston Season Prediction
I predict Sam Houston won’t compete for a conference title, and that the Bearkats will win less than 3.5 games.
Despite a decent amount of returning production, this seems to be another rebuilding year for Longo’s group. On top of that, the schedule isn’t light, especially the non-conference slate.
I think we’ll see an improved SHSU squad and four wins isn’t out of the question, but I think getting that will be a tall task this season.
