NORMAN TIGERS
Coach: ROCKY MARTIN
6-5
Norman brings back a hungry group in 2026 after a 6-5 season and a playoff appearance under 10th-year head coach Rocky Martin. The Tigers face a challenging schedule but return key pieces on both lines and in the skill group, giving them confidence they can remain a factor in Class 6A. With a deep staff and a culture built over a decade, Norman aims to reload quickly despite limited returning offensive starters.
On offense, the Tigers have one returning starter but a promising core of playmakers, headlined by senior receivers London Herbin (5-9, 165) and Kole Baden (6-0, 175). Baden caught seven passes for 105 yards last season and should see a bigger role, while Herbin brings experience and quickness on the perimeter. The line features juniors Haiden Brock (6-4, 253), Colin McGeisey (6-1, 245) and Cotton Patterson (6-0, 260), giving Norman size up front, and junior running back Dezmond Cooper (5-10, 178) returns after rushing 17 times for 114 yards and catching two passes for nine yards. With that mix, the Tigers expect to lean on physical line play while new backfield pieces emerge.
Defensively, Norman brings back three starters and will again rely on a front seven filled with proven producers. Senior defensive lineman Oakley Caruthers (6-3, 285), a three-year starter with multiple Division I offers and a Top 100 nod, anchors the line after recording 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six pressures and six sacks. Linebackers Ashton Byrd (98 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, two caused fumbles, one recovered fumble, one interception) and Kingston Whitham (63 tackles, three tackles for loss) headline the second level, while defenders like Deylan Moore, Rocky Martin Jr. and defensive back JaMarcus Davis add more depth and production. Norman’s 2026 schedule features a rivalry opener with Norman North, followed by road trips to Westmoore, Mustang and Ponca City and a home date with Choctaw. District play continues with Eisenhower, Putnam City, Piedmont, Putnam City North and Putnam City West, giving the Tigers plenty of chances to prove they belong near the top of the 6A-2 conversation.
8-28 – vs. Norman North
9-4 – at Westmoore
9-11 – at Mustang
9-18 – at Ponca City
9-25 – vs. Choctaw
10-2 – at Eisenhower
10-8 – vs. Putnam City
10-23 – vs. Piedmont
10-30 – at PC North
11-5 – vs. PC West
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