Sam Houston Bearkats 2026 Preview
Sam Houston went 2-10 (1-7 in the Conference USA). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Sam Houston in 2026
- Starting QB from last season is gone, so backup QB Landyn Locke is expected to start (765 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs)
- Landan Brown returns at RB after a sophomore season of 487 yards and 5 TDs
- Top two players in terms of receiving yards from last season return in Chris Reed (460 yards, 5 TDs) and Grady O’Neill (392 yards, 1 TD)
- No starting offensive lineman return, and four transfers expected to start
- 2025 PPG/YPG: 17.8 ppg (122nd out of 136), 316.8 ypg (119th out of 136)
- Returning four starters on defense with the top returner being S Tyler Bailey (49 tackles). Six transfers are expected to start, including Delaware State transfer LB Brian Bates Jr. (80 tackles) and Elon transfer S Ishmel Atkins (3 INTs)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Sam Houston Bearkats 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Troy | Away |
| 2 | Tulsa | Home |
| 3 | Nicholls | Home |
| 4 | Texas Tech | Away |
| 5 | Liberty | Away |
| 6 | Western Kentucky | Home |
| 7 | New Mexico State | Home |
| 8 | Missouri State | Away |
| 9 | Jacksonville State | Away |
| 10 | Kennesaw State | Home |
| 11 | Middle Tennessee | Home |
| 12 | Florida International | Away |
Get the printable Sam Houston Bearkats 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Conference USA previews
Related reading
Sam Houston Bearkats betting FAQ
Sam Houston Bearkats play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Troy. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Sam Houston is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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