After coming within one win of a state championship last fall, the Lincoln Leopards enter the 2026 season with one goal in mind: getting back to the title game and finishing the job.
Lincoln posted an 11-2 record in 2025, went undefeated in Northern Plains League play at 6-0 and advanced to the Eight-Man Division I state championship game before finishing as the state runner-up. Now, head coach Colby Hamel believes the Leopards have the experience and leadership to make another deep postseason run.
“This upcoming senior class will end up being the winningest graduating class in Lincoln history with a 22-9 record,” Hamel said. “Five losses in two years have been by one touchdown or less.”
The Leopards return four offensive starters and five defensive starters from last year’s state finalist squad, including one of the state’s most dynamic playmakers in senior quarterback Jeremiah Miller.
Miller accounted for more than 3,300 total yards and over 50 touchdowns last season, earning all-state honors while returning as the centerpiece of Lincoln’s spread offense. He also anchors the defense at linebacker.
Lincoln’s passing attack will once again feature one of the top receiving duos in Eight-Man football. Senior Xavier Miller returns after eclipsing 2,700 career receiving yards and earning all-state recognition, while senior Ben Bell has accumulated more than 2,200 career receiving yards and is also an all-state selection.
The Leopards also welcome back senior Logan Dail, a returning starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, along with senior Dylan Rosebrook at offensive line and defensive end. Sophomore Jahdiel Miller is expected to make an impact at tight end and defensive end after earning a starting role, while seniors Kadin Schneider, Ayden McBride and Noah Krueger add valuable experience on both sides of the ball.
Although Lincoln graduated standout contributors Easton Good, Brody Shearer, Austin Ahring and Kolton Meyer, Hamel believes the returning core has played enough football to keep the program among the state’s elite.
“Veteran team that has played a lot of football from the time they have got into high school,” Hamel said. “The whole team and staff feels really good about where we are right now when you can compete with the best in the state.”
The confidence stems from more than just last season’s success. Lincoln has compiled a 22-9 record during the current senior class’s career and has established itself as one of the premier programs in Eight-Man Division I.
Still, the Leopards know last year’s runner-up finish won’t mean much if they don’t build on it.
“Our goal is to be playing football Thanksgiving week in Greensburg,” Hamel said.
