Braden Hucks, an assistant coach for Tarleton State Football, has been selected for the 2026 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football 40 Under 40, a list that spotlights the most promising coaches under the age of 40 across the state.
The honor places Hucks among just 16 college assistants recognized this year and marks him as one of only four coaches from an FCS program to make the cut, underscoring the rapid rise of his career.
Hucks is entering his sixth season on the Tarleton State staff after having played for the Texans from 2018 through 2020, a trajectory that has seen him transition from player to a key figure in the program's recent breakout.
The 2025 campaign was a historic one for the Texans, who finished 12‑2 overall and 7‑1 in United Athletic Conference play, advancing to the FCS Playoffs Quarterfinals in just their second year of Division I postseason eligibility.
That season also produced a top‑ranked offense, with the team averaging 42.4 points per game, ranking first nationally, and posting 457.6 yards per game, placing eighth in total offense, while turning the ball over only nine times.
The Significance of the 40 Under 40 List
Dave Campbell's Texas Football 40 Under 40 celebrates coaching talent across both college and high school football, recognizing excellence that shapes the future of the sport in Texas.
Hucks' inclusion reflects not only his personal achievements but also the growing influence of Tarleton State's program, which has quickly risen to national prominence under his contributions.
As the Texans look ahead to the next season, the coaching staff anticipates building on the momentum generated by a historic 2025 campaign, with Hucks poised to play a central role in sustaining the program's upward trajectory.