BUFFALO BISON
Coach: CALEB HOWELL
1-9
Buffalo begins 2026 in rebuilding mode under first-year head coach Caleb Howell after a 1-9 season, but with a young roster eager to prove itself. Howell describes this group as “young, but hungry,” focused on developing a strong foundation that can support future success as younger classes move up. With multiple starters back on both sides of the ball and a renewed emphasis on discipline and physical play, the Bison aim to take tangible steps forward in the win column.
Offensively, Buffalo returns five starters and will lean on senior quarterback Eloy Estrada (5-10, 170) and senior tailback Pedro Rodriguez (5-10, 160) to lead a balanced attack. Junior receiver Casen Love (6-1, 165) gives the Bison a downfield target, while linemen Juan Ibarra (5-10, 175), Jake Zollinger (6-1, 230), and Ivan Zollinger (5-8, 225) anchor a young but experienced offensive line. The coaching staff plans to run a balanced offense, taking what defenses give them while emphasizing disciplined techniques and teaching players how to use speed and leverage to create advantages.
Defensively, Buffalo also returns five starters and will base out of a balanced 3-2 scheme that relies on discipline and physicality. Estrada moves to linebacker on defense, Rodriguez and Love man the secondary, and Ibarra and Jake Zollinger return on the defensive line, with Ivan Zollinger adding another physical presence at linebacker. Howell believes that as this young core gains experience against that slate, Buffalo can lay the groundwork for a more competitive future.
9-4 – at Billings
9-11 – vs. Boise City
9-18 – vs. Turpin
9-25 – vs. Tyrone
10-2 – at Waynoka
10-9 – at Beaver
10-15 – vs. Timberlake
10-23 – at Sharon-Mutual
10-30 – vs. Geary
11-5 – at Corn Bible Academy
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