CLEVELAND TIGERS
Coach: TRENT TURNER
2025: 2-8
Cleveland heads into 2026 optimistic that the hard lessons of last season will pay off as the Tigers move up into Class 4A after a 2-8 campaign. Head coach Trent Turner and his staff started multiple freshmen in 2025, and they are counting on that early varsity experience to help their young core take a significant step forward. With improved depth, better familiarity with the schemes, and a year of film to learn from, Cleveland expects to be more competitive week in and week out as it adjusts to its new classification.
On offense, the Tigers return seven starters and plan to base out of 10 personnel, playing fast and using tempo to get their best athletes in space. Sophomore quarterback Bryson Sullivan (5-10, 170) is back after starting as a freshman, giving Cleveland continuity at the most important position and a young leader who has already seen the speed of varsity defenses. Senior running back Carson Taylor (5-11, 185) provides experience and physicality in the backfield, running behind senior lineman Oakden Ellis (5-11, 210) and a line that should be more cohesive and confident in 2026. Sophomore receiver Sam Sizemore (6-1, 180) is a key piece at wideout after emerging as a two-way starter as a freshman, and senior defensive back/receiver Colter MacArthur (6-2, 165) offers another reliable target while supplying leadership on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Cleveland brings back six starters and will remain multiple up front, attacking aggressively to create negative plays and pressure in the backfield. Senior defensive end Leland Kimbrough (5-11, 200) anchors the front and sets the physical tone off the edge, while sophomore defensive back Cooper Crossing (6-2, 170) and senior defensive back Jayden Wynn (6-3, 180) give the Tigers length and range in the secondary. Turner and his staff want this defense to use its increased experience to limit explosive plays and get off the field more consistently on third down as they battle through a tough 4A schedule.
Sizemore is a player to keep an eye on after quickly becoming one of the team’s most dynamic players and earning a starting role on both sides of the ball as a freshman, and coaches believe his ceiling remains extremely high. With Sullivan settling in at quarterback, a maturing supporting cast, and a defense intent on being more disruptive, Cleveland is focused on turning last year’s close calls into wins as it navigates life in a deeper, more physical class.
8-27 at Hominy
9-4 at Claremore Sequoyah
9-11 vs. Mannford
9-25 vs. Fort Gibson
10-2 at Grove
10-9 vs. Wagoner
10-15 at Cushing
10-23 at Miami
10-30 vs. Skiatook
11-5 vs. Oologah
To nominate a high school student for a feature in VYPE Magazine email a nomination to [email protected]
