We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Valdosta High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Wildcats this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 12-2
- Points Scored: 434
- Points Allowed: 159
Key Roster Losses
The Valdosta Wildcats will lose the services of the ITG Next 2025 South Georgia Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Tyrieke Wade. Although he was the ‘Cats starter at QB for just one season, he thrived, passing for over 2,250 yards with 26 touchdowns. He also rushed for 450 yards.
Wade’s top receiver, Prince Jean, will also not return. Jean ended up with 2,893 all-purpose yards in his career as a receiver, quarterback, running back, and kick returner. Jean signed with Kentucky.
Offensive lineman Jaquan Roberts and tight end Zay Robinson have graduated.
Most of the losses are from Valdosta’s defense, which graduated approximately eight to nine regular contributors from the 2025 unit. Gone are linebackers Zamarian Williams, Tremaine Johnson, and Jevaris Kier; standout defensive lineman Jimyll Lundy; defensive lineman Corey Howard; safety Jalon Copeland; defensive back Cam Brown; and safety Seth Brown.
Key Players Returning
Valdosta will return the best running back duo in the region as seniors Deron Foster and Marquis Fennell come back this year. Foster rushed for 1,329 yards along with 148 receiving yards last year with a total of 17 touchdowns. Fennell rushed for 1,480 yards and 764 receiving yards with a total of 33 touchdowns.
Tripp Perry will take over the quarterback duties this year. He’ll have returning wide receiver Jamarian Mingo as a top target.
Offensive linemen Jah’khias Neloms, Adron Thomas, Austin Spray, Tyler Richardson, and Tremayne Miley are all back.
The defense was hit hard by graduation, but will bring back defensive back Dorian Mathis and Ladarrius McIntyre, as well as defensive lineman Kaden Holmes.
Linebacker Bralyn Bennett transferred from Cook this offseason and will be a welcome addition to Valdosta’s depleted defense.
What to Expect From the Valdosta Wildcats in 2026
Valdosta seems to reload its roster every season despite losing key pieces year in and year out. This season will be no different as the younger players will likely step in and take advantage of their opportunities.
Even with Perry not being quite as mobile as his predecessor at quarterback, he’ll have plenty of support around him with Fennell and Foster taking turns running over, through, and around opposing defenses at will this year.
2026 Season Prediction
9-3 with a chance to repeat as region champions.
Game to Watch
Oct. 16 at Colquitt County.
Valdosta’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 at Jones County
- 8/28 vs. Howard
- 9/04 vs. Bradwell Institute
- 9/11 vs. KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
- 9/25 vs. Stockbridge
- 10/02 vs. Booker (Sarasota, Florida)
- 10/16 at Colquitt County
- 10/23 vs. Camden County
- 10/30 at Lowndes
- 11/06 vs. Richmond Hill
