We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Tiftarea Academy football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Panthers this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 4-6
- Points Scored: 189
- Points Allowed: 245
Key Roster Losses
The Tiftarea Academy Panthers will have to replace some stellar talent from last year’s squad.
That includes All-State offensive lineman and defensive end Jacob Joyner. He ends his stellar career at Tiftarea with 26 tackles last season, including a sack.
Linebacker Dawson Butler was a four-year player on defense for Tiftarea and racked up 128 career tackles with two interceptions.
Ridley Monk played wide receiver and defensive back, and the last two years he had 216 receiving yards and 64 tackles with a sack. Monk will not return.
Other key players that will be missed include defensive end Chap Kendrick, who registered 31 tackles that included four sacks and a fumble recovery, and running back Caden Grier, who leaves with 1,678 career rushing yards and 118 tackles. Grier and Kendrick will continue their football careers on the collegiate level after signing with Andrew College this offseason.
Key Players Returning
Tiftarea Academy will return a ton of talent from last year’s Elite Eight team, including second-leading rusher Seth Royal, a sophomore. He ended the year with 745 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 33 tackles with two sacks on defense.
Others returning include wide receiver Reed Jackson, linemen Will Shelnutt, Parker Hobbs, and Coy Reade, athlete Sam Faircloth, wide receiver and defensive back Hunter Monk, outside linebacker Riley Coleman, and quarterback Case Jones.
What to Expect From the Tiftarea Academy Panthers in 2026
Tiftarea head coach Erik Soliday said he likes what he sees from this year’s team so far.
“We are pretty young, but we have a really good group this year,” he said.
With the top two receivers and the team’s starting quarterback returning, Soliday said to expect a wide-open offense this season.
“I think we will throw the ball a little more this year,” he said.
Senior Case Jones threw for 976 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Soliday said that despite losing 12 seniors from last year, he is excited about the group he has returning.
“I’m really optimistic,” Soliday said. “I think we will surprise some people this year.”
2026 Season Prediction
Look for the Panthers to rebound from last year’s four-win season with a strong 8-4 finish.
Game to Watch
Sept. 11 vs. Valwood
Tiftarea Academy’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 vs. John Milledge Academy
- 8/28 vs. Dominion Christian
- 9/4 vs. Turner County
- 9/11 vs. Valwood School
- 9/18 @ Southwest Georgia Academy
- 9/25 @ Southland Academy
- 10/2 @ Westfield School
- 10/9 vs. Central Fellowship Christian
- 10/16 vs. Deerfield-Windsor
- 10/30 @ Terrell Academy
