6A

Aldine Nimitz Cougars 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 15

Aldine Nimitz Cougars

Head Coach: Cornelius Harmon (5th season; 29-15 record)

Last Season: 8-3; 6-1 in district (Lost to Grand Oaks in bi-district)

Nimitz Key Players and Storylines

Nimitz has now made the playoffs five years in a row. It’s the longest postseason streak since the program debuted in 1979.

The Cougars ended last season in a three-way tie for the District 14-6A title. However, this offseason has been all about reloading.

Their quarterback, starting running back, leading receiver, and all three all-district linemen graduated. Running back Da’Kari Taylor (556 rushing yards and eight touchdowns) is next in line to lead the Cougar ground game after a strong sophomore season. Aggressive tight end Donovan Jordan should help pave the way for him in the rushing attack, while junior Edwin Brown has the versatility to play both quarterback and receiver.

The defense is a different story. Nimitz has a ton of production back starting with the one-two punch of Jamari Bondi (97 tackles, 11 TFLs) and Elijah Taylor (82 tackles, 10 TFLs) at linebacker. 6’2″, 175-pound cornerback Emmitt Hines has the size to go against just about any receiver in the district, while fellow defensive back Romello Pierre (52 tackles) is both good in coverage and a reliable tackler.

🚨Junior Season Highlights🚨https://t.co/m8cwDgyksM

97 Tackles
11 Tfls
8 Hurries
1 Sack
2 Fumble Recoveries
1 Forced Fumble@NimitzCoogsFB @Coach_Harmon @RealCoachBuc @teamnix3k @coach_nanez @coachdavisoline #AGTG 🙏🏾🛐 pic.twitter.com/41GV9sDRCs

— Jamari Bondi (@KingBondiRB7) November 29, 2025

Nimitz will need its offense to come together during non-district play, but the defense looks like it can be just as good as the unit that allowed only 18 points per game last season. Defense wins championships, and Nimitz will hope that holds true this year as the Cougars chase their first outright district title since 1998.