Frisco, Texas – The Southland Conference (SLC) will host its annual Football Opening Drive presented by Big Game USA on July 21, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The event will once again be held in conjunction with the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Coaching School and Convention.
All 10 Southland football programs will be represented at the Opening Drive, with head coaches and student-athletes participating panel discussions, press conferences, media availability and digital content creation to help promote the league. The event serves as a chance to spotlight Southland football teams prior to the season and bridge recruiting efforts.
“We’re excited to return to Houston for football media day for the first time since 2021 to officially kick off another Southland football season," Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant said.
"The conference is building on the momentum from a remarkable year that featured three FCS Playoff teams and more NFL Draft selections than any other FCS conference. The Opening Drive brings together our coaches, student-athletes and media to celebrate what more is ahead for this season. Houston, which is home to more Southland alumni than anywhere in the world, along with our outstanding partnership with the Texas High School Coaches Association, makes this the perfect place to launch the 2026 season.”
Members of the media will have access to interview coaches and student-athletes throughout the event. The 2026 Southland Conference Football Opening Drive will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 9am CT and can following along with updates on social media.
Media can pick up credentials on Tuesday between 7:30 a.m.- 1p.m. The full press conference schedule for media day will be released at a later date.
The Southland’s continued collaboration with THSCA reflects its strategic focus on expanding visibility, enhancing recruiting pipelines, and building lasting relationships throughout Texas and Louisiana. With the 2026 season fast approaching, the Southland Football Opening Drive sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year across the league.
Bringing together coaches from across the state, the THSCA Convention is the largest event of its kind in the world, with more than 17,000 high school coaches expected in attendance. As part of this powerful gathering of football leadership, the Southland Conference’s presence offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and elevate the game at every level.
List of 2026 Attendees
| School |
Head Coach |
Student-Athlete |
Student-Athlete |
| East Texas A&M |
Clint Dolezel |
EJ Oakmon (RB, Sr.) |
Orion Kupu (DB, Jr.) |
| Houston Christian |
Jason Bachtel |
Keith Wheeler (R-Sr., WR) |
Trent Zappe (R-Sr., LB) |
| Incarnate Word |
Clint Killough |
Jameson Garcia (R-Jr., WR) |
Terrell Elliott (Sr., DL) |
| Lamar |
Pete Rossomando |
Mar Mar Evans (Jr., DB) |
John Hester (Sr., OL) |
| McNeese |
Matt Viator |
Tre'Vonte Citizen (Sr., RB) |
Javon Davis (Sr., S) |
| Nicholls |
Tommy Rybacki |
Ean Rodriguez (R-Jr., QB) |
Alex Villavaso (R-Sr., DL) |
| Northwestern State |
Blaine McCorkle |
Myion Hicks (Gr., RB) |
Danny Sears (Gr., LB) |
| Southeastern |
Frank Scelfo |
Kyle Lowe (Jr., QB) |
Peyton Anderson (Sr., DL) |
| Stephen F. Austin |
Colby Carthel |
Erik Gray (R-Sr., OL) |
Bugs Mortimer (R-So., RET/WR) |
| UTRGV |
Travis Bush |
Nick Hughes (R-So., OL) |
Jaiden Haygood (R-So., LB)
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