CARL ALBERT TITANS
Coach: MIKE DUNN
14-0
Carl Albert looks to extend its run of dominance after a 14-0 season and state championship in 2025, returning a large share of its production on both sides of the ball. Head coach Mike Dunn enters his sixth season and notes that the Titans bring back “a lot of returning starters” and 90 percent of last year’s offensive output, yet still have “a lot of growing to do” in multiple areas. He stresses that everything starts with Performance Course summer workouts under Coach Cam, helping ensure the players are mentally and physically ready, and praises a group that works “like they’re starving for more” despite its success.
Offensively, Carl Albert returns four starters and a loaded skill group. Senior running back Delijah Matthews (6-1, 215) is a star after totaling 48 touchdowns, 2,033 rushing yards, 119 receiving yards, 132 passing yards and a punt return score, along with 14 Division I offers and major accolades including Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year. Senior quarterback Anderson Collier (5-10, 180) efficiently directed the attack, throwing for 2,248 yards and 25 touchdowns with no interceptions, plus 147 rushing yards and three scores. On the perimeter, senior receiver Jacson Webster (5-11, 190) caught 56 passes for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns and holds multiple offers. Senior receiver Austin Johnson (6-5, 195) added 27 receptions for 423 yards and six scores, while senior receiver Makauri Johnson (6-4, 200) posted 23 receptions for 425 yards and four touchdowns. In the trenches, senior lineman Kalen Smith (6-1, 265) brings a physical presence with 37 pancake blocks. Dunn expects continued growth from this group plus three sophomores—Jax Wilkerson, Korbin Pendley and Bryson Bell—who will solidify a retooling offensive line and could become special players.
Defensively, the Titans return seven starters from a unit that has been “very stingy” over the last three seasons. Senior linebacker Darion Thomas (6-0, 215) leads the middle after racking up 127 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception returned for a touchdown, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. On the edge, senior defensive end Joe Thomas (6-0, 215) is a three-year starter and All-State performer with six sacks, seven quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. Johnson also contributes at the nickel spot with 25 tackles, five tackles for loss and three pass breakups, while Webster and Makauri Johnson impact in the secondary. Junior inside linebackers Jake Miller and Maddox Underhill are expected to play larger roles in the middle of the defense. In the defensive backfield, Dustin Anderson (6-0, 175, Sr.) returns after posting 27 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Dunn likes the young depth in the secondary and along the defensive line, believing that with returning stars like Joe Thomas and experienced linebackers and defensive backs, Carl Albert’s defense can remain one of the state’s best.
