6A

Klein Bearkats 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 16

Klein Bearkats

Head Coach: Nick Codutti (2nd season; 6-5 record)

Last Season: 6-5; 4-4 in district (Lost to Cypress Ranch in bi-district)

Returning Lettermen: 35 (7 returning starters on offense; 5 on defense)

Klein Key Players and Storylines

The impact of Klein’s new coaching staff was immediate last season. The Bearkats bought in quickly and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Now with a full offseason under Codutti, the Bearkats are excited to see what 2026 has in store. They get a huge boost at quarterback with Carter Lattelle returning from an ACL injury. Lattelle had a stellar sophomore season in 2024, throwing for 1,817 yards and 16 touchdowns.

1st season of FNL and last ride of this season didn’t disappoint. Finish with a big last minute W!! Led this team to the top scoring total in district and KHS 1st winning season in 6 years!! Thank you to all my senior brothers moving on 🙏

Season 2 loading….@grantstratta1… pic.twitter.com/PfGhebtzdF

— Carter Lattelle 2027 QB (@CarterLattelle) November 9, 2024

The backfield has to replace two 1,000-yard rushers, a vital part of Codutti’s wide zone offense. Senior running back Bryne Johnson is poised to step up after scoring 24 touchdowns on JV a year ago, while fullback Kendrick Brown “runs like a Mack truck.” Out at receiver, Mike Brown is ready to shine after playing on JV last year due to transferring in from Fulshear, while senior Kain Bollen is another explosive option.

Up front, David Collom will lead the offensive line from his center position, while sophomore guard Ethan Henderson is a “rising star.”

Defensively, the Bearkats are spoiled with options in the secondary. Safety DyShon Washington has “a knack for filling the alley,” while fellow safety Zaylyn Siner (64 tackles) is another playmaker across the field. Cornerback Dustin Thompson can excel on the perimeter with his range. In the front seven, sophomore linebacker Cash Hines could be Klein’s next big star, while defensive tackle Trenton Marshall (41 tackles, four TFLs) and defensive end Kingston Roberson are both explosive in the trenches.

Klein will be young in some spots, but the Bearkat coaching staff believes they have special talent on both sides of the ball. If they can stay healthy, this group is ready to make a run at Klein’s first playoff win since 2017.