Harding University’s football program has emerged from a dominant 2025 campaign as the overwhelming favorite to capture the 2026 Great American Conference championship. The Bisons earned all 11 first‑place votes in the preseason coaches' poll, signaling a consensus among league mentors that the team to beat is already in place.
A Roster Built for Repeating Glory
Head coach Roddy Mote, who took the reins this offseason, inherits a squad that finished the previous year with a 15‑1 record and a appearance in the national championship game. The roster blends proven veterans with fresh talent, featuring five starters on both sides of the ball who return ready to contribute at a high level.
At the heart of the offense is senior running back Andrew Miller, a 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy runner‑up whose explosive runs helped define the Bisons’ flexbone scheme. Complementing Miller’s skill set are standout linemen Justin Sobczak and Brock Knapton, alongside linebacker Jordan Mays, who together anchor a defense that looks to tighten the gaps left by last season’s departures.
The Bisons will open the 2026 campaign at First Security Stadium on Thursday, September 3, hosting Northwestern Oklahoma State in a matchup that promises early insight into the team’s chemistry. The game marks the first of what should be a demanding schedule, but the coaching staff remains confident that the experience gained from the previous season will translate into continued success.
Beyond the on‑field action, the preseason poll’s unanimous endorsement reflects a broader belief in Harding’s institutional stability and recruiting momentum. With a deep pool of talent spread across the offensive and defensive units, the Bisons are positioned not only to defend their conference title but also to make another deep run in the national playoffs.