2026 Anderson County Bearcats Football Season Preview.

PREVIEW ⬇️

Anderson County enters the 2026 season with the feeling of growth and maturity as head coach David Buchanan begins his fourth year at the helm.

Leadership is something that every coach

longs for out of their players. Senior leadership has a hunger and a sense of urgency because they know that now is the time.

After three seasons of steady growth—on the field, in the weight room, and throughout the community— they are in the position to take a pivotal step forward.

A STRONG CORE RETURNS ⬇️

The Bearcats are returning seven starters on offense and six on defense. This gives the program one of the most experienced core groups of seniors in recent history.

At the center of that core is senior stud Hudson DeGarmo, a four-year starter who earned All-State honors at free safety last

year. DeGarmo’s multifaceted talent makes him one of Kentucky’s most dynamic two-way

threats, with offers from Kentucky State, Maryville, and Mount St. Joseph.

His combination of football IQ and blazing speed points to a monstrous senior year.

Sophomore Hudson Hatfield creates another explosive element. His freakish athleticism and ability to score from anywhere on the field make him a breakout candidate.

In the trenches, you have senior linemen Clayton Stratton, who has transformed his strength and mobility, allowing him to anchor a veteran offensive line front with his fellow senior Logan Raley.

In the backfield ⬇️

Alongside Hudson DeGarmo and Hudson Hatfield, Anderson County has Wyatt Shouse, who is as consistent as they come at fullback.

In this lethal backfield, there is also Eli McCann, who isn’t afraid of contact; in fact, he welcomes it. At quarterback, senior Henry Cooper returns to an offense that now has both experience and playmaking ability at the skill positions.

Senior receiver Clay Beasley has great hands that provide Cooper with a reliable target while also being a big defensive contributor.

Defensively, Anderson County brings back a tough, seasoned group led by linebackers Wyatt Shouse, Eli McCann, and Nicholas Aldridge, as well as senior defensive lineman Zeke Pacheco.

With DeGarmo patrolling the secondary, the Bearcats have proven leadership at every level of the defense.

STRENGTHS, CONCERNS, and KEYS TO SUCCESS ⬇️

Nothing excites coach Buchanan more than this team’s athleticism. Anderson County expects to field multiple quick and explosive athletes at once.

This hasn’t been entirely possible in recent

seasons. Buchanan believes that the best football players are typically the best athletes. The starting O-line and D-line are both solid, but the biggest concern is depth.

Building reliable backups in the trenches will be a major focus throughout camp.The program’s culture has strengthened significantly over the past three years. Players have invested in their development, and the community has invested in the facilities and the future of Bearcat football.

Buchanan believes that once this team finds confidence and stacks a few wins,

their level of play could rise quickly.

THE BOTTOM LINE ⬇️

Anderson County enters 2026 with legitimate optimism. With a strong senior class, proven

playmakers, and the best overall athleticism of the Buchanan era, the Bearcats have the pieces to surprise people.

If depth develops and early-season momentum arrives, Anderson County could

be one of Kentucky’s most intriguing teams this fall. Come August 14th, a strong Madison

Central Football team will visit Anderson County.

The expectation is that the county will go

dark, except for the brightly lit playing field.