Bulldogs Ranked Third in Preseason Poll
The Mahomet‑Seymour Bulldogs have been tabbed No. 3 in The News‑Gazette’s preseason Top 10 poll, a placement that reflects both the team’s defensive pedigree and the optimism surrounding its offense.
Coach Jon Adkins, now in his eighth year at the helm, brings a 50‑20 record and a roster that returns nine of 11 defensive starters. His experience has helped the squad build continuity on that side of the ball.
Key Returners and New Faces
Quarterback Konnor Fisher steps into the starting role, succeeding Ryan Pruitt, who finished his college career at St. Francis in Joliet. Fisher will be charged with guiding a balanced attack that also features running backs Marco Casillas and Cody Moen, both of whom logged over a thousand yards last season despite injury setbacks.
Casillas, a dual‑sport athlete who also excels in wrestling, rushed for 1,065 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025. Moen, who missed much of the season with a hip injury, still managed 390 yards and five scores before returning to full health.
The defensive line will be anchored by Slayton Deck, Jayvon Tompkins and Colin Hammerschmidt, all of whom earned All‑Conference honors a year ago. Their presence gives Adkins confidence that the unit can once again be a strength.
Schedule and Ambitions
The Bulldogs open the season against Morton on Aug. 21, then travel to Normal U‑High before facing Champaign Central on Sept. 4. Non‑conference play continues with a matchup against Bloomington on Oct. 16. In the Apollo Conference, they will meet Mt. Zion on Sept. 18 with the goal of reclaiming the league title they captured the previous year.
Adkins says he is excited about the progress his offense has made in the offseason and believes the defense will be the foundation of another championship run. The team’s blend of experience and emerging talent positions them as a serious contender for a deep playoff run.