TUTTLE TIGERS
Coach: BRAD BALLARD
14-0
Tuttle enters 2026 as a defending champion and clear contender after a 14-0 season and with a roster that blends proven veterans with players who have patiently waited their turn. Head coach Brad Ballard, now in his 13th year, said this is a hungry team that understands what it takes to play deep into December and is motivated to maintain that standard. With eight offensive starters and seven defensive starters returning, the Tigers expect to remain one of Class 4A’s most explosive and complete teams.
Offensively, Tuttle’s strength begins on the perimeter, where seniors Jalen and Jordan Lane (both 5-10, 165) headline a loaded receiving corps. Jalen caught 48 passes for 968 yards and 16 touchdowns and added two punt return scores, while Jordan hauled in 52 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a score. Junior receiver Donnie Schluter, who totaled 28 catches, 611 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three punt return touchdowns last season, gives the Tigers another big-play threat, and junior running back Carter VanAuken (5-11, 180) stabilizes the ground game. Senior receiver/defensive back Major Vanderburg (5-11, 170) and junior lineman Blake Schneberger (6-6, 315) round out an offense that operates out of a philosophy of taking what the defense gives them and letting their weapons attack space.
Defensively, Tuttle returns seven starters and bases out of a 3-4 designed to maximize team speed and pursuit to the football. Senior linebackers Wick Kohmescher (6-1, 215) and Turner Leming (6-0, 195) combined for 133 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns, and one interception last season. This strong duo will anchor a physical second level, while senior defensive lineman Slate Snider (6-2, 230) and junior lineman Hunter Hillicoss (6-1, 230) control the line of scrimmage. The back end is led by the Lane brothers, with Jalen posting 64 tackles, five tackles for loss and two interceptions and Jordan adding 51 tackles and five interceptions, both earning VYPE Top 100 nominee recognition as dynamic two-way standouts.
Ballard believes the combination of veteran skill talent, a deep front seven and a championship mindset has the Tigers prepared to make another title run.
8-28 – vs. Guthrie
9-3 – at Newcastle
9-11 – at Elgin
9-25 – vs. Bridge Creek
10-2 – at Tecumseh
10-9 – vs. Blanchard
10-15 – at Harrah
10-23 – vs. Western Heights
10-30 – at Chickasha
11-6 – vs. Ardmore
