WEATHERFORD EAGLES
COACH: Derrick Bull
Record: 31-1
OUTLOOK
Coming off an incredible 31-1 season and the Class 4A State Championship, the Weatherford Eagles enter the 2025-26 campaign with both pride and purpose under seventh-year head coach Derrick Bull. Despite graduating four starters from last year’s title team, Bull and the Eagles aren’t shying away from the challenge of rebuilding around a young but promising roster eager to make its own mark.
“The Eagles are coming off four straight trips to the Class 4A state tournament as well as winning the State Championship a season ago,” said Bull. “However, we lost a wealth of talent off that team losing four starters to graduation.”
While the Eagles will look different this year, they return one key starter and a talented mix of upperclassmen ready to take the next step. Jackson Smith (Sr., 6-3, G), a four-year starter and veteran of three straight state title games, will anchor the lineup. His leadership and experience will be vital as the Eagles transition into a new era.
“Jackson will take on a much bigger role this year as a senior leader,” Bull said. “He’s been a key player in big moments, and his presence gives our younger guys confidence.”
Surrounding Smith is a core of hardworking returners including Hunter Nelson (Sr., 6-3, F), Dylan Epp (Sr., 5-8, G), Cooper Bryant (Jr., 6-2, F), Jakoby Flynn (Jr., 5-9, G), Cash Weiberg (Jr., 5-11, G), Ben Tucker (Jr., 5-10, G), and Peydon Stalder (Jr., 6-3, F) — all expected to step into larger roles this season.
Younger talents like Connor Silman (So., 6-2, G) and Graham Riddell (So., 6-0, G) add energy and depth to the roster, giving Bull plenty of options to build around as the season progresses.
“Inexperience could be an issue early in the season,” Bull admitted, “but if the Eagles can develop chemistry and create their new identity, they will have a chance to be a surprise team in Class 4A even after losing so many talented seniors from a season ago.”
With a championship culture, a tested leader in Smith, and a coach who knows how to build winners, Weatherford’s next chapter looks just as promising as its last.
