2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 34 Bryant

The No. 34 projection leaves room for Shelby’s first full season leading the offense. Bryant could move higher if he settles the offense early. Benton and St. Frances Academy will test that quickly.

Players to Know

Kyler Shelby — QB, 2027

Shelby is the clear expected starter after Motes’ graduation. He is Bryant’s returning senior quarterback on the current roster; 2029 prospect Judah Summers is the only other quarterback publicly listed. Bryant has not issued a formal QB1 announcement, but Shelby is the established leader of the room.

Samuel Nelson — EDGE, 2027

Nelson is an Oklahoma commitment and the player who can change the shape of Bryant’s defense. Sanders describes him as a natural defensive end who has grown into the position. This is the season for that potential to become production.

Tavian Morris — RB, 2029

Morris is a rising sophomore with an Arkansas offer. He gives Bryant a young, physical option in the run game and could become an important release valve for a new quarterback.

Quinton Sykes Jr. — WR, 2029

Sykes is a rising sophomore with an Arkansas offer. His development matters because Bryant needs more than a safe offense; it needs a receiver who can create a difficult matchup.

2026 Outlook

The 2026 Hornets should be strongest when the defense controls the pace and the run game keeps the quarterback out of obvious passing downs. Nelson can help set that defensive standard, and Morris gives the offense a young option with upside.

The path to a third straight title run is clear enough. Shelby needs to run the offense efficiently, make the occasional throw when defenses load the box, and keep the young skill players involved as their roles grow.

Schedule Breakdown

Bryant opens with a benefit game at Sylvan Hills, then has Benton, a road trip to Alexandria (LA), and St. Frances Academy (MD) before conference play.

Benton tests the Hornets’ poise in a rivalry game. St. Frances is the national measuring stick. Neither game is a referendum on the entire season, but together they will show exactly where Shelby and the young skill group stand.

2026 Schedule

Aug. 18 — at Sylvan Hills (benefit game)

Aug. 28 — Benton

Sept. 4 — at Alexandria (LA)

Sept. 11 — St. Frances Academy (MD)

Sept. 25 — Central

Oct. 2 — at Little Rock Christian

Oct. 9 — Pulaski Academy

Oct. 16 — at Northside

Oct. 23 — Cabot

Oct. 30 — at North Little Rock

Nov. 6 — Conway

Biggest Question

Can Kyler Shelby turn a defined opportunity into the kind of quarterback play Bryant needs against its best opponents?

The Hornets do not need Shelby to reproduce Motes’ championship-game performance in August. They do need him to let the rest of the roster matter.

For T25PS partnership or advertising opportunities, email alex@t25ps.com

T25PS Prediction

Bryant will contend for the Arkansas 7A championship again. If Kyler Shelby settles the offense early, the Hornets have a case to climb from No. 34.

Regular Season: 8-2; I LOVE Bryant's schedule, however they do have two of the toughest out-of-state contests in the country. The trip to a very talented Alexandria (LA) team and SFA keep them from running the table again.

Postseason: 7A State Champs

Bottom Line

This is a future-facing ranking: a high-upside edge defender, two young Arkansas-offered skill players and a returning senior quarterback with a chance to lead Bryant higher.

Alex | T25PS

FULL PRESEASON TOP 100

FULL 2026 TEAM PREVIEWS