Lincoln Christian opened practice last week and many new faces will be making plays for the Bulldogs on Friday nights this fall, as Lincoln looks to win a fourth straight state championship in 2026.

The Bulldogs, fresh off of a three-peat in Class 3A, move down to Class 2A-1 amidst a current 42-game winning streak — the second-longest active streak in Oklahoma and fifth-longest all-time.

Lincoln is 92-4 across the last six seasons and 102-6 since 2018.

The Bulldogs will enter 2026 with some familiar names returning, but at the same time, will be ushering in some new contributors on both sides of the ball.

That is especially true on offense, where several new names will play crucial roles for the Bulldogs when Lincoln has the football this season.

Last year, Lincoln averaged 50 points per game en route to the 14-0 perfect season.

The Bulldogs were dominant on the ground, putting up 277 yards per game and averaging 10 yards per attempt.

Lincoln averaged 490 yards per game behind former all-state quarterback Carter Ricke, who threw for almost 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns.

However, Jerry Ricke is back as the play caller, once again, as the Bulldogs continue to be one of the top offenses in the state when the head coach is in the driver's seat.

Ricke is 108-13 in his nine years as head coach.

The first of our three-part preview series looks at an offense that welcomes a new quarterback, running back room, playmakers at receiver and some new lineman up front.

Let's take a look at the 2026 Lincoln Christian offense:

QUARTERBACK

Sophomore Major Brooks will be one of the youngest quarterbacks to start in program history this fall when he takes control of the offense.

The 5-foot-11, 182-lb. lefty has impressed the coaching staff all spring and summer and is ready to step into the role left by all-state quarterback Carter Ricke.

"I thought he was great in spring ball and during team camp," said head coach Jerry Ricke. "He has exceeded our expectations thus far."

Brooks was a standout at spring team camp and in the summer, as the sophomore led all quarterbacks at the MidWest 7-on-7 at Shiloh Christian with 19 touchdowns to just two interceptions.

"He has been very consistent in his day to day approach of our practices," said Ricke. "He is learning to command the whole offense and is understanding where the ball needs to go. He has been on time with his throws and is getting better every time he steps on the field."

The future is bright for Brooks, who excelled as one of the top hitters in baseball last spring as a freshman.

Now he gets his shot to lead one of the perennial top offenses in the state.

"We couldn't be more pleased with where he is at," said Ricke. "He is going to be good at quarterback for us for a while. He has been working with receivers on his own time all summer. We feel really good about him and we have prepared him as much as we can."

Newcomer Jarrison Moore and freshman Micah Torres will back up Brooks at the quarterback position.

RUNNING BACK

A host of new faces will tote the rock for Lincoln this year, as the Bulldogs look to several youngsters and a newcomer to run behind a talented offensive line in 2026.

Sophomores Max Madrid and Drake Sheffield, along with junior newcomer Braxton McGuiness project to be the top three ball carriers for Ricke's offense, which dominated on the ground a year ago.

"We feel that each one of those guys have really good qualities as a runner and in our offense," said Ricke. "They are all a little different, but I think that's a good thing."

Madrid comes back with the most experience, as the 5-foot-9, 175-lb. tough runner played in 10 games as a freshman, running for 215 yards and a score on 11.9 yards per carry.

Sheffield (5-foot-9, 165 lbs.) played in five games for Lincoln, running the ball 12 times for 62 yards in his inaugural season as a Bulldog.

"Max and Drake have been here through elementary and they understand our scheme and what we want to do," said Ricke. "They both have shown us they can run the football well."

McGuiness comes over from Victory Christian as a junior, where he will get a chance to help the offense in multiple ways.

"Braxton is our new addition and we haven't seen him live yet," said Ricke. "But everything he has done in the spring and summer has been encouraging. We are excited about what he brings us."

Another contributor will be junior Isaac Beisel, who was a star all linebacker for Lincoln a year ago.

Beisel is mainly used as a blocker, but will see some carries in heavy packages, similar to a standout runner in 2024.

"Isaac will also get some carries at running back and we see a role for him similarly to the one we used Dawson Fullingim in a couple of years ago," said Ricke. "He will play fullback and tight end for us, as well, and is going to be a big contributor for us on offense."

Ricke, who is as innovative and creative as any play caller in Oklahoma, will also get the speedy Caleb Peterson involved in the backfield, as the junior is one of the fastest athletes in the entire state.

Peterson starred at receiver and defensive back for Lincoln a year ago and will be a focal point of the offense in 2026.

"We can also use Caleb back there, as well, with some designed runs for him," said Ricke. "He brings a different aspect of speed and we have to find ways to get him the ball as much as possible."

Peterson starred at receiver and defensive back for Lincoln a year ago and will be a focal point of the offense in 2026.

Ricke is confident that this group will surprise a lot of people, as he praised their progress and unique characteristics that they've shown throughout the offseason.

"It's probably one of the deepest positions we have," said Ricke. "All of the guys that will play back there are a little different and have unique strengths. But it is a versatile group that will allow us to figure out what each guy does best."

Arion Stokes and Nate Johnston will provide depth for Lincoln at the running back spot, as well.

FULLBACK

There is no question what Lincoln returns at fullback, as senior Rain Ragland provides Ricke with a ton of comfort, leading the way for whichever running back has the ball.

Ragland (6-foot, 255 lbs.) returns for his final season as a Bulldog, in which he has developed into one of the top blockers — at any position, in any class — in the entire state.

"Rain is a four-year starter for us and is the best fullback in the state," said Ricke. "He is tremendous at the point of attack and our guys have such comfort running behind him."

Ragland, who also stars at defensive line for Lincoln, has also been known to sneak out of the backfield from time to time, as he caught a 44-yard touchdown and had 70 yards receiving a year ago.

"He knows what we want to do and how to get the job done. He is an extremely crucial part of our offense."

Beisel and senior Parker Rogers will also be used as primary blockers for Lincoln on offense, as Ricke has a bevy of big, athletic guys to help lead the way in the run game.

WIDE RECEIVER

The Bulldogs will have quite a few newcomers at receiver as well, but return one of the more dynamic playmakers and speed weapons in the entire state with Peterson.

The junior had 18 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns a year ago, while also leading the team in interceptions from his cornerback spot.

"It starts with Caleb for us as a playmaker at receiver," said Ricke. "He will move to our inside receiver role, where in recent years we have had a bunch of success with guys like Kylan (Schultheis) and Hudson (Farris)."

Peterson, who was a state champ in the 100 in the spring in track, will be used all over the field for Ricke and the offense, as his athletic ability will be on full display in his junior season.

"We will use him in a lot of different ways and on a variety of routes," said Ricke. "He has shown us every indication through the spring and summer that he is ready to put his stamp on this offense."

Ricke also spoke about Peterson's development as a leader, as he returns with the most experience from last year's state title team.

"He wants the ball and wants to be the guy," said Ricke. "He is coming off of a tremendous track season in the spring and his confidence is sky high right now."

Sophomore Kade Wilson will step into a much larger role for Lincoln at the outside receiver spot, as he showed flashes later in the year as a freshman for the Bulldogs.

"Kade will play X for us and be on the outside," said Ricke. "He played some for us last year as a freshman and has been very consistent. He is a guy that knows the playbook and understands what we want to do. He is a great route runner that does exactly what we want him to do."

Wilson played in eight games a freshman, catching eight passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Cayden Mathurin (5-foot-10, 165 lbs.) and McGuiness (5-foot-9, 170 lbs.) will play at the H-spot for Lincoln, as both have impressed at receiver this spring.

"Those two guys will compete for playing time at the H position," said Ricke. "They have been splitting reps and are both really good athletes. They will both play for us in multiple receiver sets."

Senior Gideon Torres will also get playing time in four or five receiver sets, as the upperclassmen has seen experience on special teams in previous years and is ready to help offensively. 

"He is a senior that has waited his turn and will play for us in the 4th or 5th receiver spot," said Ricke.

Ricke also spoke highly of sophomore Christian Katsis, who has opened some eyes this spring with his play and will continue to push for playing time as the year goes on.

"He is a young guy that can play multiple sports for us and will push for starter reps as the season progresses," said Ricke.

Rogers, as well as fellow seniors Nathan Shaughnessy and Eli Summerlin, will also compete for and see some time at wideout for Lincoln.

TIGHT END

Perhaps one of the biggest changes for Lincoln offensively this year is the move from tackle to tight end for senior Colt Monsey.

The two-year starter on the offensive line for back-to-back state championship teams will move to a skill spot this year, where he has already excelled in the spring and summer.

"It's a new role for Colt and he has soaked up every bit of technique," said Ricke. "He has been out working with Major all the time, improving his route running."

Monsey's athleticism that he displays on the other side of the ball at defensive end will be a huge bonus for Ricke and company in the receiving game, while he maintains a crucial piece of the run game with his ability and experience as a blocker.

"He has benefited big-time from 7-on-7 and understands what we are doing. He is a tremendous blocker and has an opportunity to break out in a big way for us as a pass catching weapon."

Beisel, who will be a Swiss army knife for Ricke and the offense, will also see time in two tight end sets, while Kade Delozier will also provide depth at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bulldogs offensive line is another group with several newcomers after graduation losses and position changes, but the leader is back for one more year in senior Lincoln Torres.

Torres (6-foot-2, 235 lbs.) has started since a freshman and will look to help lead his class to another state title.

"Lincoln is back for us at left tackle and will be a four-year starter for us," said Ricke. "He is not only a tremendous player but he is an unquestioned leader for us. He is constantly showing others and the younger guys how to do things."

The senior's dominance on both sides of the ball is a key element to the success of the 2026 team, as well as the leadership he has already displayed and will continue to provide.

"He has set the standard for how our guys play in the trenches," said Ricke. "He has demanded all out effort and intensity at all times and that's invaluable to have as a leader for your team."

Senior Sam Severtson (5-foot-11, 210 lbs.) will start at right tackle for Lincoln, as the upperclassman has provided depth in recent years but is ready to step into an every down role for the offense. 

"Sam will start at the other tackle for us," said Ricke. "He is a guy that has waited his turn and has been very consistent for us. He's someone that we feel good about and we think can deliver now that his opportunity is here."

Sophomore Landon Campbell (6-foot, 180 lbs.) will take over at center for Lincoln, after stepping in during the playoffs on the offensive line a year ago.

"He will take over for us at center," said Ricke. "He has some playoff experience from last year in the second round, but he has been very solid throughout the spring and team camp. He has a pretty high ceiling and gets better every time that we step onto the field."

Ryder Jones will provide depth at center for Lincoln.

Junior Nate Uyetake (6-foot, 200 lbs.) will start at right guard for Ricke and the offense, as the coaching staff is extremely high on his immediate and long-term potential.

"He will step into the right guard starting spot for us and has had a really good spring," said Ricke. "He is an athletic kid that is really strong and will be a good player for us inside."

Junior Griffin Crawford, along with sophomores Josiah Faulkner and Callum Campbell will all be competing for the final starting spot at left guard for Lincoln, as each has shown capability to provide a solid foundation on the interior of the unit.

"Those three are all competing for the other starting spot at guard," said Ricke. "All of them have shown flashes in the spring and during summer workouts."

AJ Maier and Hudson Shaw will provide depth on the offensive line for the Bulldogs. 

Overall, Ricke believes this group will get better with each week and in fact, it reminds him of another group that recently came together as the year went on to bring home another state title.

"This is an underdog group that will get better as the year goes on and continue to improve each week," said Ricke. "We expect it will be a good group and it actually reminds me a lot of our group in 2024."

OFFENSIVE EXPECTATIONS

Overall, the Bulldogs will continue to be as balanced as you will find, as last year was another example of excelling in the run and pass game, while operating with efficiency and taking care of the football.

This year's expectations are no different, as although there are plenty of newcomers, Ricke's philosophy remains the same.

"We are always looking for balance as an offensive unit," said Ricke. "But obviously we want to lean on the run game and use that to set up our play action and RPO game."

As Brooks and his receivers get more comfortable, the offense will expand in the intermediate to deep passing game.

But make no mistake, the Bulldogs strength will continue to be playing physical football and winning at the line of scrimmage.

"We will want to find opportunities to take deep shots but ultimately we are built on being physical and we want that to continue, which is not the norm these days."

"We want to get as many guys on the field as possible to give the defense different looks. We feel we have about 20 guys that can contribute on offense."

This year, more than ever, sustaining long drives and limiting turnovers will be key, as Lincoln possesses another elite defense — possibly the best in school history — and wants to lean on that unit.

"The most important thing for us this year is going to be to take care of the football," said Ricke. "We  cannot turn the ball over. We have a lot of confidence in our personnel and ability on the defensive side of the ball."

Ricke often speaks about playing complimentary football, which will certainly be a key throughout the year and early on, as Lincoln tries to navigate a gauntlet of non-district play in the first month.

"We will lean on them early and do our best to continue to play complimentary football, which means for us as an offense we have to take care of the ball and not put the defense in bad spots," said Ricke.

While there are new faces, along with familiar faces in different spots or new roles, the ceiling for this offense remains extremely high.

And there are plenty of opportunities for plays to be made, as the program's "next man up" philosophy goes on display once again this fall.

"Ultimately with graduation losses and some other departures, there are some opportunities for some younger guys and older guys to step up and take on these new roles," said Ricke. "We are excited for those guys and confident in their ability to succeed in those opportunities."

The Bulldogs open the season at Jones on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Lincoln will travel to Heritage Hall on Sept. 4 before opening the home slate on Sept. 11 vs. Shiloh Christian.

The Bulldogs open district play on Sept. 25 at home vs. Sequoyah Tahlequah.