We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Tift County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Blue Devils this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 3-7
- Points Scored: 239
- Points Allowed: 331
Key Roster Losses
The Tift County Blue Devils must replace their top two rushers from last season with the graduation of Kamari Holloman and Davie’on Dixon.
Holloman was the team’s top running back and touchdown leader in 2025, rushing 222 times for 1,034 yards and 18 touchdowns. He had over 1,600 yards rushing over his career at Tift County.
Dixon also played receiver during his career at Tift, leaving the coaching staff with a couple of slots to fill with his departure.
One of the biggest losses will be right tackle Ogunlana Nuga. The three-year starter was a team leader, according to head coach Jeff Littleton and offensive line coach Shawn Campbell.
On defense, Tift County will lose several two-year starters, including DJ Office, Royal Scott, Braylon Samuel, Shurrod Rich, and Bryan Melton.
Key Players Returning
Returning to the 2026 Blue Devils offense will be several playmakers, including leading receiver Daijon Hayes, who has already committed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Joining Hayes will be Damieon Dixon, who has played quarterback for Tift County the past two seasons but will move to receiver and play safety on defense this year, according to Littleton.
Another two-way player generating buzz around the Blue Devils camp is freshman tight end and defensive end Lance Grant. He stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds, and he is expected to be a force on both sides of the ball for Tift County.
Ty Roberts will take over at quarterback this year. Running backs Trez Woodard and JiShaun Robinson will split carries in the backfield. The defense will return Tanner Fechner, Arman Carter, and Jeremiah Rich. Kicker and punter David Olguin will also return.
What to Expect From the Tift County Blue Devils in 2026
This will be Littleton’s third season as head coach since being hired away from Bainbridge, and fans can see the improvements that the veteran coach has made in his brief time at Tift County. That should continue into 2026, as the team returns several top players on both sides of the ball.
“These guys are working hard, and we’ve had a really good offseason so far, so I’m expecting our team to continue to improve and get better,” Littleton said.
Littleton has added veteran coach Andy McCollum to the staff as the new defensive coordinator.
Look for Tift County to have its best season since Littleton took over as they move to Region 2-6A.
2026 Season Prediction
With the new postseason ranking formula, expect Tift County to qualify for a playoff spot in Class 6A as they finish 6-5 overall.
Game to Watch
Region opener at home against Coffee on Sept. 25
Tift County’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 vs. Luella
- 8/28 at Effingham County
- 9/04 vs. Lambert
- 9/11 at Crisp County
- 9/25 vs. Coffee
- 10/02 at Houston County
- 10/09 vs. Northside, Warner Robins
- 10/16 at Thomas County Central
- 10/23 vs. Lee County
- 10/30 at Veterans
