We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 University Christian School football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the Fighting Christians this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 9-4
- Points Scored: 417
- Points Allowed: 220
Key Roster Losses
University Christian won’t lose too many of its key players from last year’s nine-win season, but the ones that graduated were among the Fighting Christians’ top talent. That includes three-star cornerback Amare Mack, who was also the team’s top receiver, along with being one of its best defensive backs. Mack had 36 tackles last season along with four interceptions on defense, and on offense, he caught 22 passes for 522 yards and seven touchdowns. Mack ends his four-year high school career with 1,627 receiving yards. Mack is headed to East Carolina University.
Fellow wide receiver and defensive back Zay Hilliard will also be missed in the passing game and in the secondary. Hilliard had 28 receptions with 401 yards receiving and two touchdowns, along with two interceptions and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Hilliard is headed to Georgia Southern University.
Key Players Returning
University Christian will return their top three rushers in seniors Jon Asbey, Harrison Leddy, and Ty Keister. The three combined for 1,462 yards rushing on 248 carries. Keister and Leddy also split reps at quarterback with junior Khalil Thompson, although Thompson is the team’s primary quarterback. He passed for 1,414 yards last season with 16 touchdowns. Leddy had the most carries of the three, with 102 carries.
Sophomore wide receiver Jacoby Walker had 27 catches for 464 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll be the leading receiver returning this season.
On defense, the team will be in great shape as their seven leading tacklers will all return. Seniors Matthew Hammett, Uriah Caguimbal, Zion Davis, Julius Larosa, Josh Lauchner, Gavin Craig, and sophomore Geedarious Thomas are back to bolster the defense. Thomas led the team with 8.5 sacks from his defensive lineman position. Lauchner and Hammett each had three interceptions.
Kicker Blake Biringer will return for his junior season. He converted 38 of 45 extra point attempts last season and was successful on one of his two field goal attempts.
What to Expect From University Christian in 2026
Head coach David Penland III has led one of the most successful Florida high school football programs at University Christian High School, with nine state championships. He and his team are coming off another successful season with their 9-4 finish, which included two playoff wins and a trip to the Elite 8. With so many of last season’s key contributors returning this season, Penland and the Fighting Christians will have a great opportunity to go even further and possibly make their first trip to the state finals since 2020.
2026 Season Prediction
11-3 and a trip to the FHSAA Class 1A State Finals.
Game to Watch
Aug. 28 at TCA
University Christian’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 at Ponte Vedra
- 8/28 at Trinity Christian Academy
- 9/04 vs. Lecanto
- 9/11 at Madison County
- 9/18 vs. North Florida Educational Institute
- 9/25 vs. Impact Christian Academy
- 10/02 vs. Florida High
- 10/09 at Williston
- 10/16 at Bradford
- 10/30 at Calvary Christian
