Lincoln Christian is just 10 days away from opening the season 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 new faces contributing returning, but at the same time, will be welcoming back many seasoned veterans and experienced playmakers.

That is especially true on defense, where the majority of the starting defense is back from a year ago, in which Lincoln Christian was the best defense in all of Oklahoma

Last year, Lincoln allowed just 70 points in 14 games en route to the program's third straight perfect season.

The Bulldogs held opponents to just 20% on third downs a year ago and allowed just four touchdowns in the final 11 games.

During Lincoln's current 42-game win streak, the Bulldogs have 15 shutouts and have held opponents to eight points or less in 25 contests.

Also during the streak, 35 of the 42 wins have been by double digits.

Last year, Lincoln had 116 tackles for loss, forced 22 turnovers and had four defensive touchdowns, with many of the starters playing just two quarters in the majority of games.

The second of our three-part preview series looks at an defense that welcomes back the best defensive line in the state, two elite linebackers, and an athletic secondary with something to prove.

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

DEFENSIVE LINE

It starts and ends up front, just as it did last year, for what is excepted to be another dominant Lincoln defense in 2026.

Head coach Jeff Comfort is entering his fourth year as defensive coordinator and has built a unit that is as scary as any you'll see across the state.

The Bulldogs have never lost a game with Comfort calling the defense, and a big reason why is the trio of senior defensive linemen Lincoln Torres, Colt Monsey and Rain Ragland.

"That group is the foundation of our defense," said Comfort. "They can all move around and play inside or outside. They are athletic as can be and extremely strong. They have been big time contributors for us for multiple years and we are expecting big things from them again this season."

Torres (6-foot-2, 235 lbs.) is the leader of the group after another stellar junior season in which he produced 65 total tackles, including a team-high 23 tackles for loss and a team-high seven sacks.

"He is the leader for us," said Comfort. "He plays with an effort level that is hard to match and he is extremely talented at getting off blocks and double teams."

Monsey (6-foot-3, 230 lbs.) had 40 tackles of his own, including 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and a team-high two fumble recoveries.

"Colt has had a tremendous offseason and start to fall practice," said Comfort. "He is as tough as they come and he as really come along during his career. His athleticism is as good as anyone for his size and he has shown he can play the run and rush the passer, as well as play inside."

Ragland (6-foot, 255 lbs.) is the big man inside for Lincoln, as the senior is a four-year starter that has wreaked havoc throughout his career as a Bulldog.

Last year, in just nine games, Ragland had 28 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks, along with a fumble recovery and forced fumble.

"Rain is our anchor in the middle," said Comfort. "He is as hard to move as anyone and continuously finds ways to get in the backfield and disrupt plays or get to the quarterback. He can also play outside and has tremendous effort and skill."

Comfort and the Bulldogs were as stout as any Lincoln defense has ever been up front last year and this season should be no different, with al three starters back.

"One-on-one, any of the three are a nightmare for any opposing blockers," said Comfort. "That just is such a luxury to have as a defense, where we can rely on those three to control everything up front."

The Bulldogs will also feature an athletic fourth option in junior Nate Uyetake (6-foot, 200 lbs.), who can provide depth and playmaking for Lincoln up front.

"He has had a big offseason and is a really athletic guy for us out on the edge," said Comfort. "When we are looking to give one of those guys a rest, we can use their versatility and put Nate out there on the edge."

LINEBACKER

Comfort and his defense welcome back two crucial leaders of last year's state championship defense at linebacker.

Senior Parker Rogers and junior Isaac Beisel both return after big time seasons a year ago.

Rogers (6-foot-2, 210 lbs.) committed to Navy this spring after a breakout junior season.

The athletic, rangy linebacker had 45 total tackles, including seven for loss, a year ago.

"Parker is a big-time player," said Comfort. "He is a division-1 guy that can cover, come up and make tackles and really do it all. He is a very versatile guy that we can really play anywhere."

The strong side linebacker also had three interceptions, one for a defensive touchdown, as well as six pass break ups.

"He is great in coverage, and I think people saw that last year. He is one of the leaders of our defense and his energy level is what we thrive off of. He is a positive, upbeat kid that is very energetic and has a lot of fun playing the game."

Beisel (6-foot-1, 205 lbs.) was the team's leading tackler a year ago with 81 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

He also had 1.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery as as sophomore.

"He will start at Will for us and has a lot of the same traits as Parker," said Comfort. "He is a very tenacious player that has a ton of athleticism and gives us a lot of flexibility in the spot he will play for us."

Beisel made the play of the year defensively for Lincoln, flying downhill to tackle a ballcarrier in the end zone and give Lincoln a ton of momentum in the second half of the state title game against Sulphur last December.

"He had some huge plays for us a year ago and I expect him to take an even bigger step this year," said Comfort. "He has put on about 15 lbs. in the offseason and is a very physical player in space for us."

Sophomore Drake Sheffield will start at middle linebacker for Lincoln, as the youngster has the one thing Comfort is looking for to man the middle - speed.

"Drake is an extremely athletic kid that we are expecting big things from," said Comfort. "He is a fast kid with a ton of quickness and speed that will thrive in that role for us."

Sheffield (5-foot-9, 165 lbs.) played in just five games a year ago for Lincoln, but had six tackles in limited action.

"He is a tough kid that is a big-time wrestler, so he fits the mold for us," said Comfort. "He is going to have the opportunity and ability to make a bunch of plays in the middle of the field for us."

SAFETY

Comfort's position group will see some new faces at safety, but the leader of the group will be a returning secondary starter and the remaining group provides big upside and potential.

Junior Caleb Peterson will slide over to free safety after a huge sophomore campaign at corner, where he will lead the secondary.

"He is going to have a huge year for us," said Comfort. "He can play sideline to sideline and cover up mistakes with his speed and athleticism."

Peterson (5-foot-10, 165 lbs.) was big for Lincoln defensively a year ago, leading the team with four interceptions, one for a TD, along with totaling 34 tackles and six pass break ups.

"He understands the defense better after a big season last fall and now, moving over to free safety, has a better command of what we are trying to do schematically," said Comfort. "He will continue to become more comfortable back there and learn the rest of the picture and how everything works. He is a vocal leader and the guy we need leading the way for us back there."

Sophomore Max Madrid and junior Maverick Rea will play the other safety spots for Lincoln, as both are stepping into new roles but have shown a ton of promise and optimism this spring and summer.

"Max really blew up in the weight room in the offseason and has shown a ton of athleticism this summer," said Comfort. "He ran a great time for us and will just get better and better each week."

Madrid had 12 tackles and an interception in reserve duty a year ago.

"Maverick has always been a guy with a bunch of athleticism and we're excited for him to get his shot. Both of these guys will be relied upon to play the run and be able to drop back and cover."

"They are both physical guys that can come up and make plays in space, as well as play well in pass coverage. It's one of the most important positions within our defense," said Comfort.

Rea had eight tackles in five games in limited action last year.

CORNER

A trio of newcomers will man the perimeter for Comfort and Lincoln this year, as several youngsters and an upperclassmen that is back on the football field have emerged big-time in the offseason to shore up an important spot for the Bulldogs.

Senior Eli Summerlin, as well as junior Cayden Mathurin and sophomore Kade Wilson will all play for Lincoln at corner, as Comfort looks to replace Peterson and former standout Hudson Farris.

Summerlin (6-foot-1, 175 lbs.) is playing football for the first time in a few years, while Mathruin (5-foot-10, 165 lbs.) and Wilson (6-foot, 160 lbs.) both step into larger roles from a year ago.

"They are all new but they have each had a really good spring and summer," said Comfort. "They made a ton of plays in 7-on-7 for us and I think this group has a really high ceiling."

Summerlin was a standout through junior high and his freshman year, but returns at the perfect time for Comfort and his defense.

"Eli has really good size and ran a 4.5 this summer, so his speed is there and he is just going to continue to get more comfortable as time goes on," said Comfort.

Mathurin and Wilson both also tested well and provide great athleticism on the edge, in their own right.

"They both tested really well and ave been getting a ton of reps from where they were last year," said Comfort. "I like where Cayden is and I think Kade is a great athlete that plays very physically at corner."

DEFENSIVE EXPECTATIONS

The defense will again be amongst the state's best in 2026, as Comfort and his group will be leaned on early in the year and hope to be clicking throughout district play and when the playoffs begin.

"We have a chance to be as good as we were last year," said Comfort. "The first three games will certainly be a challenge and will give us as good of an idea of where we are actually at as we could hope for."

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.

"We know we have a lot of responsibility early in the year and there will be some pressure on us to rise to the occasion multiple times, as the offense has some new pieces," said Comfort. "But our group has been there and the culture of our program is that we welcome that."

Comfort's group will continue to play with relentless effort, physicality and posses speed at all three levels, which gives the coordinator a ton of optimism.

"We have a ton of team speed and this may be one of the fastest defenses we have ever had," said Comfort. "We want to continue to run to the football and tackle well. That's the foundation of our defense."

The early season slate will test the newcomers in the back end, while the strength of the defense will have an opportunity to get after it and make the secondary's life easier.

"It will be a huge test for our secondary," said Comfort. "We have made huge strides in the spring and summer. We just need reps and to get more comfortable with four new guys."

"But everyone knows that the strength of our defense will be our box. We will be really good against the run and that's where our experience comes from. When you have five of six starters back, it gets you really excited."

Comfort's group will no doubt be challenged early and throughout, but he's confident that his group will be ready, both the veterans and the new guys, for the challenge ahead.

"We feel like we have exactly what we need," Comfort said. "We have the right guys in place to go line up and play, especially in the first's three. We are going to have to battle through those, then a tough district before the playoffs come around."

"We just want another shot in December and our guys are more hungry than ever to get back."