We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 First Presbyterian Day School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Vikings this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 8-4
- Points Scored: 325
- Points Allowed: 179
Key Roster Losses
The First Presbyterian Day Vikings lose dual-threat quarterback Major Simmons, who threw for 1,053 yards last season with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions while also rushing for 605 yards and seven touchdowns.
Another key player not returning is running back and defensive back Brady McHugh, who rushed for 683 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense, McHugh had 62 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was named the GIAA 2025 District 6 Defensive Player of the Year.
Slot receiver Breck Griffin and center Thomas Everitt have graduated and will not return.
Other players who will not return include 2025 All-Region outside linebacker Harrison Keenan, nose guard Jake Lane, and tight end and defensive end Tinsley Lewis.
Lewis also served as the team’s punter for the past three seasons. The other half of the kicking game will also not return this year as kicker Dominic Economopoulos graduates.
Key Players Returning
The Vikings and head coach Brett Collier will return sophomore quarterback Cash Walker, who saw playing time over the last four games of 2025 as he filled in for the injured Simmons. Walker passed for 483 yards and six touchdowns while completing 76% of his passes in the few games he played.
He’s one of several sophomores who will make up the core of the starters in 2026. The others include tailback Dylan Reeves, wide receiver Mason Garvin, tight end and defensive end Levi Spillers, slot receivers Jacob Beeson and Jacorey Burke, and senior slot receiver Harris Everitt.
Freshman Keaton Lake will take over the kicking duties this year. Collier said a competition between Mason Garvin, Levi Spillers, and Sam Bryant will decide who handles the punting duties this season.
What to Expect From the First Presbyterian Day Vikings in 2026
Collier said his Vikings team will be young but talented.
“Yes, we have a lot of younger guys expected to step up this year, but they are part of our sophomore class, which is really good, especially in our skill positions,” Collier said.
The roster will also have a mix of experienced players who will start this season.
“We do have several juniors and seniors who have played a lot for us that I’m really excited about,” Collier said.
FPD will return six starters on offense and seven on defense.
This will be Collier’s fourth season as the Vikings’ head coach. Since taking over a two-win team, he has led FPD to consecutive state finals, with one championship, a state runner-up finish, and a semifinals appearance last year. There’s no reason to think this year’s team won’t be right there once again.
2026 Season Prediction
FPD will return to the GIAA state championship game with a 10-3 record.
Game to Watch
Aug. 21 at Deerfield-Windsor
First Presbyterian Day’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/14 vs. St. Anne-Pacelli
- 8/21 at Deerfield-Windsor
- 8/28 vs. Westfield School
- 9/4 vs. George Walton Academy
- 9/11 at Pinewood Christian Academy
- 9/18 at Frederica Academy
- 9/25 vs. Stratford Academy
- 10/02 at John Milledge Academy
- 10/16 vs. Tattnall Square Academy
- 10/23 at Mt. De Sales Academy
