INOLA LONGHORNS
Coach: JIM BOB ASHLEY
9-3
Inola moves into 2026 knowing it will look very different after a 9-3 season, with major graduation losses and a wave of new faces stepping into key roles. Head coach Jim Bob Ashley, in his fifth year at Inola and first as head coach, understands the challenge of replacing eight starters on each side of the ball. The Longhorns will also be without promising freshman quarterback Easton Hallman, who is out for the year after a second ACL tear suffered during baseball season. Even so, Ashley believes Inola has enough impact players and leadership to remain competitive while a young roster gains valuable experience.
Offensively, Inola returns three starters and will run an Air Raid scheme designed to get its playmakers the ball in space. Senior tight end Owen Ellis (6-2, 235) will be a focal point as both a weapon in the passing game and a physical presence on the edge. Sophomore running back Jayce Kent (5-10, 160) is coming off an impressive freshman season in which he rushed for 896 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he is primed for a bigger role as a two-way standout at running back and safety. Senior guard Dior Seji (6-1, 220) anchors the offensive line and will be critical to establishing protection and a consistent run game for a young offense. The Longhorns want to spread the field, lean on their remaining experience and allow their athletes to make plays in space.
Defensively, Inola also returns three starters and will base out of a 6-2 stack “monster” front built to stop the run and create havoc in the backfield. Ellis will be a force at defensive end, using his size and strength to disrupt opposing backfields. Kent will patrol the secondary at safety, where his range and athleticism allow him to help in both run support and coverage. Seji anchors the middle of the defense at middle linebacker after a big season with 105 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, giving the Longhorns a dominant presence between the tackles. Ashley wants this group to play fast, be physical at the point of attack and rely on its returning stars to set the standard for a young unit. Ellis is Inola’s Top 100 nominee and is expected to be a two-way standout at defensive end and tight end. Kent is tabbed as a breakout candidate after his freshman production and is poised to be one of the top skill players in the district. With their leadership and Seji’s dominance in the middle, the Longhorns believe they can stay in the mix while a new generation of players grows into expanded roles.
8-28 – vs. Claremore Sequoyah
9-4 – at Adair
9-18 – at Catoosa
9-25 – vs. Bristow
10-2 – at Locust Grove
10-9 – vs. Stigler
10-15 – at Muldrow
10-23 – vs. Heritage Hall
10-30 – at Verdigris
11-6 – vs. Perkins
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