West Texas A&M entered the 2026 season with a seventh‑place projection in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll, accumulating 175 points as the league prepares for another competitive year.
Preseason Outlook
Head coach Butch Lauffer, now in his 36th year, brings a 98‑52‑28 record since 2016 and three NCAA Tournament appearances, setting a steady foundation for the Buffs.
Key Players to Watch
Senior forward Felix Casas returns after a 2025 stint that included six starts and four points from two goals and seven shots, while sophomore defender Octavio Estrada‑Vazquez, who logged 1,432 minutes as a freshman, is slated to strengthen the back line. Senior goalkeeper Luke Southerington adds experience with a 1.25 goals‑against average and three shutouts from his 2024 campaign.
Returning All‑LSC honoree D'Jonte Davis led the team in points (14) and goals (six) last season, and midfielder Ben Scotford contributed three goals in 828 minutes, providing depth in the attacking midfield.
The Buffs open their schedule on August 27 against Adams State at noon at The Pitch, a venue that has witnessed recent breakthroughs for the program.
Beyond individual storylines, the team aims to continue its streak of LSC Tournament appearances, having reached the quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive year in 2025, where they fell 2‑1 to Lubbock Christian.