6A

Barbers Hill Eagles 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 26

Barbers Hill Eagles

Head Coach: Cody Simper (2nd season; 10-4 record)

Last Season: 10-4; 4-2 in district (Lost to Port Arthur Memorial in regional final)

Returning Lettermen: 27 (6 returning starters on offense; 5 on defense)

Barbers Hill Key Players and Storylines

Cody Simper couldn’t have asked for a much better debut season at Barbers Hill in 2025. The Eagles advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since their state championship in 1976.

The only thing? That was in 5A Division I. Now, the Eagles are set to play 6A football for the first time in school history in 2026.

The good news is they have an experienced group with several key contributors returning. That includes a three-year letterman in safety Kross Kilgo (88 tackles) and forceful, 6’1”, 300-pound nose guard Bryce Jackson (69 tackles, 15 TFLs), who was a first team all-district selection last year. Houston commit defensive end Raiden Cook (39 tackles, 10.5 TFLs) will add to the Eagles’ might in the trenches. He’s back healthy after missing some of last season due to injury.

2027 DT Bryce Jackson (@Bryce2027) competed at the @NxgnCamps & @adidasFballUS Pro Day in College Station.

Bryce showed his power and passion during drills and 1v1’s. Good hand usage from the upstart prospect. #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/NjbNtLSxH2

— Michael Pevia (@MichaelPevia_) March 17, 2026

Offensively, receiver Kaegan Morton (301 receiving yards and three touchdowns) is another player that is back to full strength after an injury cost him the majority of the 2025 season. The Eagles will rely on him and Cole Ackerman, a versatile player who can also play defensive back, to jump start their passing attack as they break in a new starting quarterback.

Up front, junior offensive lineman Breydon Nelson will be the standout in the trenches with his starting experience and standout athleticism. He’s another returning first team all-district selection.

Moving up to 6A, Barbers Hill won’t have the depth of most other teams, so it’s imperative the Eagles stay healthy. If they can avoid the injury bug, Simper believes they’ll have the talent to be immediately competitive in District 18-6A this season.