August 25, 2026
Waxahachie, Texas - Nelson University Football enters the 2026 season optimistic and hungry to build off the success they found at the end of last season. To end the 2025 campaign, the Lions finished with consecutive wins that built momentum into the offseason. They will look to ride that success into this year with the help of new additions and key returners. 

Preseason look in the SAC

The Nelson Lions come in at #5 in the 2026 Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Preseason Coaches Poll after earning 32 points. 
 

Familiar Faces

The Lions are back and ready to begin the season as they look to build on the leadership and experience of some returning players:

• Judah Holtzclaw (QB) - Poised leader coming off of a promising second half of the 2025 season and a great camp. 

• Jermaine Jones (WR) and Gregory Guidry (WR) - Athletic offensive threats that are young and dangerous in the open field.  

• Dakota Holtzclaw (TE) and Dylan Lamphere (TE) - Versatile tight ends that can impact the game in multiple ways with their size and athleticism. 

• Xavier Garcia (LB) - Previous all-conference player during the 2024 season looking to make his return. 

• Micah Smith (DL) and Tylon Hughes (DL) - Powerful two-headed monster on the defensive line that will give opposing quarterbacks a problem. 
   

Newcomers to Watch    

Some new additions to the Lions staff and roster have arrived and are making an immediate impact heading into the season:

• Coach Jaylan Moss has returned to his alma mater, taking charge of defensive backs.

• Ryan Lynch (DL) - Impactful presence on the defensive line. 

• Landry Leggett (LB) - Adds more size and athleticism to a talented linebacker group. 

• AJ Harris (DB) and Kameron Franklin (DB) - Lockdown defenders that provide a spark to the Lions secondary. 

• Richard LeFevre (OL), Lono Aki (OL), and Jaxon Young-Davis (OL) give the Lions offensive front intimidating size that will be a big help in the trenches. 
   

Coach's Insight
"After a great fall camp, we are excited to begin the season and get out on the field", states Head Coach Jared Hudgins. "The depth we've added puts us in a good position to find success this year." 
 

Early Challenges

The Lions will kick their 2026 season off at home as they face a familiar opponent, the Pioneers of Mid-America Nazarene. That game will take place this Saturday, August 29th at Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie, TX. Come support your Lions at 11:00 AM for kick-off. 

For this Saturday's home opener and future Lions home games, secure your tickets at: Get Your Tickets Here

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.