HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Hampden-Sydney College will compete in its 132nd-year of competition during the 2026 college football season. The Tigers, under the direction of third-year head coach Vince Luvara, feature a roster of 154 team members, including 83 returners and/or transfers, along with 71 freshmen. Last fall, H-SC finished with a final overall record of 7-3, including 5-3 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), its best record since 2013 (9-3) and equaling the win total of 2014 (7-4), and the program was also ranked in both Top 25 polls for the first time since 2014. This fall, the Garnet & Grey look to compete for their 10th ODAC Football Championship, and first since claiming back-to-back conference titles in 2013 and 2014.

"We are very excited about this year's team," said Luvara. "We return a talented and experienced group that has played a lot of college football and understands what it takes to compete at a high level. At the same time, we have added an exciting group of freshmen and transfers who bring talent to the program. When you put those two groups together, we believe we have the makings of a special team. The experience of our returners, combined with the hunger and ability of our newcomers, has created a great level of excitement around this football team, and we can't wait to see what this group can accomplish."

OFFENSE
Running Back
H-SC will be led offensively by senior Terry Hicks (Clayton, NC), a First Team All-ODAC selection a year ago. He started all 10 games as a junior with 1,020 rushing yards (10th all-time) on 195 rushing attempts (5.2) and 14 rushing touchdowns (T-7th all-time). Hicks had five 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 192 rushing yards on a career-high 31 attempts (6.2) and a career-high three rushing touchdowns vs. Shenandoah on September 20, adding 10 receptions for 100 receiving yards, to total 1,120 all-purpose yards. He led the ODAC in rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns (14), total points (84) and points per game (8.4), was second in rushing yards, rushing yards per game (102.0), all-purpose yards and all-purpose yards per game (112.0), and ninth in total offense (1,020), while 24th in NCAA Division III rushing touchdowns, 32nd in rushing yards per game, 36th in rushing yards, 41st in points per game and 43rd in total touchdowns. Terry was also First Team D3football.com All-Region 3 selection, and enters his final campaign with 1,956 career rushing yards on 373 career rushing attempts (5.2) and 25 career rushing touchdowns (T-10th all-time).

Depth includes sophomore Will Foley (Virginia Beach) and senior Casey Clark (Sykesville, MD). Foley played in nine games as a freshman with 332 rushing yards on 37 rushing attempts (9.0) and four rushing touchdowns, including a career-high 98 rushing yards on five attempts (19.6) and a career-high two touchdowns at Gallaudet (DC) on November 1. Clark played in three games as a junior with 39 rushing yards on eight rushing attempts (4.9), including a career-high 34 rushing yards on five attempts at Averett on October 18.

Freshmen newcomers include Xavier Howard-Morris (Raleigh, NC), Zakhi Muncey (Huger, SC) and Mason Relaford-Hollingsworth (Union City, GA).

"We expect Terry and Will to form one of the nation's top running back duos this year. Both are complete players who complement each other exceptionally well. Our younger running backs also had an impressive camp and have demonstrated that they are capable of making significant contributions this season." – Coach Luvara

Quarterback
The Tigers entered preseason with a three-way competition at quarterback among juniors Connor Creech (Winston-Salem, NC), Wendell Thompson (Charlotte, NC) and Tanner Ballou (Oak Ridge, NC). Creech played in six games as a sophomore and completed 17-31 passes (54.8%) for 221 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, adding 98 rushing yards on 11 rushing attempts and three rushing touchdowns for 319 yards of total offense. Thompson played in four games as a sophomore and completed 6-13 passes (46.2%) for 72 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, adding 15 rushing yards on two rushing attempts for 87 yards of total offense. Ballou played in all 10 games as a sophomore and served as the holder for PAT kicks and field goals.

Depth includes sophomore John Bishop (Jacksonville, FL) along with freshmen newcomers Jack Criswell (Simpsonville, SC) and Walker Kirkland (Peachtree Corners, GA).

"We are thrilled with our quarterback situation. All three returning quarterbacks are capable of playing and giving us a strong chance to win. They pushed each other throughout camp, making it a very competitive position group. We anticipate a great year from our quarterback room." – Coach Luvara

Wide/Slot Receiver
Senior Manning Lasso (Raleigh, NC) returns after earning Second Team All-ODAC honors for the second-straight season a year ago. He started nine of 10 games in 2025 with 28 receptions for 528 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, including season-high 109 yards on four receptions and two touchdowns at Averett. Lasso was second in the ODAC in receiving touchdowns and yards per reception (18.9), fourth in receiving yards and receiving yards per game (52.8), tied for ninth in total touchdowns (6), tied for 15th in total points (36) and points per game (3.6) and 23rd in all-purpose yards per game (53.1), while 32nd in Division III yards per reception.

Also expected to start are seniors Aaron Chaney (Belmont, NC), Jordan Epps (Norfolk) and Tyler Hendley (Charlotte, NC). Chaney played in seven games as a junior with eight receptions for 88 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, adding 10 rushing yards on one rushing attempt. Epps played in nine games as a junior with three receptions for 19 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Hendley started one of nine games as a sophomore with five receptions for 90 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Depth includes senior James Bishop (Jacksonville, FL), juniors Phillip Dube (Glen Allen) and Mason Ombres (Mount Pleasant, SC), as well as sophomores Dario Benaglia (Frisco, TX) and RJ Sloan (Chesapeake). Bishop played in all 10 games as a junior with four receptions for 36 receiving yards. Dube played in all 10 games as a sophomore with four receptions for 47 receiving yards. Ombres played in nine games as a sophomore with one reception for 14 receiving yards. Benaglia played in three games as a freshman with one reception for six receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Among freshmen newcomers are Cullen Burch (Richmond), Colton Lubbe (Warrenton), Ben Street (North Chesterfield) and Aaron Tsataros (Jacksonville, FL).

"We believe we have one of the most talented and deepest receiver groups in the country. Manning's return will be a major boost to our offense, and we expect Tyler, Aaron, Jordan, James, Dario and the rest of the group to continue developing and step into the roles left by the players we graduated last year. We also expect big contributions from Max Nitti, Phillip and Chris (Montecino). With the depth we have, we feel confident that we can play as many as 15 receivers and continue to be productive at the position." – Coach Luvara

Tight End
Junior Kam Mahoney (Bristow) returns after earning Third Team All-ODAC a year ago. He started all 10 games as a sophomore with 15 receptions for 190 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, including a career-high 58 receiving yards on three receptions and two touchdowns vs. Roanoke on October 25.

Depth includes junior Connor Shelton (Charlotte, NC) and sophomore Ben Taylor (Winchester), along with junior transfer John Shaw (Raleigh, NC). Shelton played in eight games as a sophomore with three receptions for 22 receiving yards. Shaw played in one game at Football Championship Subdivision member Campbell (NC) University in 2025.

"We're thrilled with the progress of our tight end group during camp. We expect significant contributions from Kam and Connor in both the run and passing games. Their development throughout the offseason was evident throughout August. We're also excited about the potential shown by the other players in this group and believe we have a talented group that will continue to grow throughout the season." – Coach Luvara

Offensive Line
Juniors Cash Topinka (Charlotte, NC) and Thomas Wilson (Charlotte, NC) return to anchor the line as the duo have each started all 10 games a year ago. Topinka, a team captain, earned First-Team All-ODAC, D3football.com First-Team All-Region 3 and VaSID First Team All-State honors, while Wilson was a Second-Team All-ODAC honoree. Junior Bill Ball (Yorktown), along with sophomores Braden McIntire (Louisa) and Joe Covington (Mechanicsville) are expected to start, as well. Ball played in all 10 games in 2025, starting the final six. McIntire started all 10 games and Covington returns after not playing a year ago—he started one of four games in 2024.

Depth includes junior Jacob Pressinger (Spotsylvania), along with sophomores Johnny Jackson (Atlanta, GA), Graham Marsh (Raleigh, NC), Robby Peckham (Virginia Beach) and Carter Trobaugh (Jacksonville, FL). Pressinger started the first four games as a sophomore before a season-ending injury.

Among freshmen newcomers are Ryan Dillman (Glen Allen), Sean Goodwyn (South Chesterfield), Cooper Helman (Charlotte, NC) and Jahmere Ragland (Louisa).

"We're thrilled about our offensive line group, which is both deep and highly talented. Cash and Thomas lead the way, having started every game since arriving on campus two years ago. Getting Jacob back from injury will provide a significant boost to both our run and pass games. Braden has made tremendous strides since his freshman year, and we expect him to pick up where he left off. Bill continues to develop every day and probably had the most consistent camp of the group. The rest of the unit continues to demonstrate its talent and depth, and we anticipate great things from this group this season." – Coach Luvara

DEFENSE
Secondary
H-SC will be led defensively by junior cornerback Parks Cromwell (Charlotte, NC), a Third Team D3football.com Preseason All-America selection this year after earning First Team All-ODAC, D3football.com Third Team All-Region 3 and VaSID Second Team All-State honors a year ago. He started all 10 games as a sophomore and was fifth on the team with 44 total tackles, including 25 solo and 19 assists, two tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, six pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and three forced fumbles. Cromwell had a career-high 11 tackles (7s,4a) vs. Washington & Jefferson (PA) on September 13, and a career long interception return of 43 yards for a touchdown at Gallaudet (DC). Parks tied for first in the ODAC in forced fumbles, and tied for sixth in interceptions, passes defended (8) and pass breakups, while 27th in Division III forced fumbles.

Also expected to start in the secondary are senior cornerback Cam Jackson (Alexandria), junior safety Mitch Ladamus (Fort Mill, SC), sophomore safety Will Bostwick (Bluffton, SC) and sophomore cornerback Xzavior Wiggins (Elizabeth City, NC). Jackson started five of 10 games as a junior with 42 total tackles, including 17 solo and 25 assists, one tackle for loss, six pass breakups and one blocked field goal attempt vs. Washington & Jefferson (PA). Ladamus started all 10 games as a sophomore and was third on the team with 66 total tackles, including 33 solo and 33 assists, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and one fumble recovered. He had a career-high 13 tackles (5s,8a) vs. Washington and Lee on October 4, and tied for 14th in the ODAC in total tackles.

Depth includes senior safety Wade Warren (Raleigh, NC), sophomore cornerbacks Tyshaun Baldwin (Riverdale, GA), Andrew Clifford (Jacksonville, FL) and Camerohn Parker (Bedford), and sophomore safety Aaron Diggs Berry (Glen Allen). Warren played in seven games as a junior with seven total tackles, including five solo and two assists, and one pass breakup. Baldwin and Clifford each played in four games a year ago, Parker played in seven games and Diggs Berry played in six games.

Among freshmen newcomers are safeties Marco Lanza (Jacksonville, FL), JL Malbrew (Duson, LA) and Preston McAfee (Moseley), along with cornerbacks Caleb Fischer (Richmond) and Hagan Robinson (Henrico).

"We're thrilled with the progress of our secondary. We return a number of experienced players who have already seen significant game action, and we expect standout performances from Parks, Mitch and Cam. More importantly, we've seen tremendous improvement from the position group as a whole. We feel like we have more depth in the secondary than we've had in a long time, with Camerohn, Xzavior, Tyshaun, Aaron and Will each competing for significant playing time. The group has competed fiercely and pushed each other throughout camp, and we feel much better about our depth at the position heading into this season." – Coach Luvara

Linebackers
Junior Frank Brewer (Charlotte, NC) returns after starting all 10 games as a sophomore and tying for first on the team with 69 total tackles, including 22 solo and 47 assists, three tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and one fumble recovered. He had a career-high 16 tackles (4s,12a) vs. Bridgewater on November 8, and tied for seventh in the ODAC in fumbles recovered and tied for 11th in total tackles. Also expected to start are sophomores Gavin Gallavan (Richmond) and Dekari Riley (Richmond). Gallavan played in eight games as a freshman with 20 total tackles, including nine solo and 11 assists, two tackles for loss and one sack. Riley played in three games.

Depth includes sophomores Ashton Lawler (Mechanicsville), Jefferson Meade (Ashland) and Kevin Willoughby (Greensboro, NC). Meade played in six games with 14 total tackles, including seven solo and seven assists, 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. Lawler played in two games and Willoughby played in one game.

Among freshmen newcomers are JR Beamer (Haymarket), Colton Bogan (Charlotte, NC), Kyan Montgomery (Richmond) and William Wright (Canton, GA).

"We had a great camp at linebacker. Frank really stepped up and embraced the role vacated by the graduation of Robert Clarke, while Gavin has continued to grow tremendously since arriving on campus. The rest of the young players have done a great job pushing each other, which has created a very competitive group. We're excited about the growth and potential of this unit heading into the season." – Coach Luvara

Defensive Line
The defensive line will feature juniors Kenen Barlowe (North Chesterfield) and Jordan Pence (Charlotte, NC), along with sophomore Nadir Abdussalaam (Appomattox). Barlowe started eight of nine games as a sophomore and was seventh on the team with 34 total tackles, including 12 solo and 22 assists, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He tied for 12th in the ODAC in sacks and 17th in tackles for loss. Pence started nine of 10 games with 21 total tackles, including seven solo and 14 assists, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups and one fumble recovered. Abdussalaam played in two games.

Depth includes senior Nate DuPuis (Greensboro, NC), along with sophomores Braden Lyons (Virginia Beach) and Hurley Reider (Keller, TX). Lyons played in six games.

Newcomers on the defensive line include sophomore transfer Jorryn Griffin (Loganville, GA), along with freshmen Jaleel Dekle (Chesapeake), Rohan Thompson (Jacksonville, FL) and Matthew Wright (Canton, GA). Griffin played in one game at Division II Tusculum (TN) University in 2025. Wright played at The United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) a year ago.

"We're extremely pleased with the development and growth of our defensive line throughout fall camp. This group has probably shown the most improvement of any unit since we reported in August. They consistently push each other to be better and continue to develop and challenge one another every day. Similar to our wide receiver group, we feel like we have the depth to play as many as 10 guys throughout a game, which will allow us to stay fresh and play with a high level of energy." – Coach Luvara

Kicking/Specialists
Senior placekicker/punter Camden Richardson (Midlothian) played in nine games as a junior and averaged 36.9 yards on 23 punts with one punt over 50 yards, five punts downed inside the 20 and three punts fair caught. He was 20-22 on PAT kicks (91%) and 2-2 on field goals (100%) with a career long of 30 yards vs. Washington & Jefferson (PA). Richardson also averaged 55.0 yards on six kickoffs, and was fifth in the ODAC in punting average, tied for fifth in field goals and was seventh in kick scoring (26 points). Sophomore placekicker/punter Hank Webb (Salisbury, NC) also played in nine games and averaged 57.5 yards on 66 kickoffs with 15 touchbacks, including a career-high four touchbacks on two occasions, most recent at Guilford (NC).

Senior Jake Allen (Holly Springs, NC) returns to long snap on punts for his fourth season with depth from junior Ben Erwin (Dallas, TX). Graham Marsh is expected to snap on PAT kicks and field goals.

Return Specialists
Phillip Dube averaged 20.8 yards on six kick returns in 2025, while Aaron Chaney averaged 3.0 yards on five punt returns a year ago. Depth includes junior Chris Montecino (Arlington) and RJ Sloan.

"Hank has excelled in taking over the placekicking duties. Cam is resuming his role as our punter, while Jake has been extremely consistent as our long snapper, just as he has been throughout the past three years. With the talent we have at our skill positions, we expect our special teams' units to make significant contributions this season." – Coach Luvara
 
Coaching Staff
Coach Luvara is assisted on his staff this fall by associate head coach Zach Zullinger '07 (defensive line), assistant head coach Max Beal (offensive coordinator/offensive line), along with assistant coaches David Clark, Jr. (linebackers/special teams coordinator), Tayshaun Porter (wide receivers/pass game coordinator), Owen Helton (tight ends/video coordinator), Carlos Delgado (cornerbacks), Jake Pugh (quarterbacks), Joseph Gonzalez '26 (running backs), Deke Summers '67 (senior offensive consultant/assistant quarterbacks), Joe Freeland (outside linebackers), Luke Candiano (chief of staff) and Richard Ramirez (strength and conditioning).

H-SC will open the 2026 campaign on the road at non-conference opponent Wabash College in The Gentlemen's Classic on Saturday, September 5, at 12 p.m. in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The Tigers return to the Hill in week two for their home opener against non-conference opponent Monmouth (IL) College on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. on Fulton Field at Lewis C. Everett Stadium. All games can be heard locally on WVHL Radio, Kickin' Country 92.9 FM, and will also be available worldwide on the Internet at wvhl.net or via the TuneIn Radio App.