Butler football 2026 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know and schedule
With big seasons come bigger expectations.
The Butler Golden Tornado are about to learn that after a 7-3 campaign that has raised the program’s standard. A return to the WPIAL will wait another two years at least, but Butler continues to play an interesting independent schedule coach Eric Christy and company hope tests the program but also provides enough wins to continue growing interest in it to one day return to WPIAL Class 6A competition.
This year’s slate includes some firsts: Austintown-Fitch (Ohio), Hickory and a rare local-vs.-local matchup against Karns City.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be coming off that and keeping the momentum going,” senior running back Jake Kollinger said.
The Tornado leaned heavily on then-senior Mark Klemz (139 carries, 886 yards, 14 touchdowns), with quarterback Nicco Baggetta providing complementary carries last season. The one-back, downhill run game will evolve this year.
Butler is excited about the thunder-and-lightning combo of seniors Kollinger and Kevin Shriver, who last year combined for just nine carries and 53 yards. Kollinger (5-foot-10, 190 pounds per MaxPreps) provides some of that between-the-tackles physical running Klemz had last year.
“My speed has definitely gotten a lot better,” Kollinger said. “I’ve kind of focused on speed and agility more this year just because (as a) fullback, you don’t really need as much.”
Shriver (5-10, 165), one of the WPIAL’s best sprinters on the track, will absolutely bring the speed, and Christy and Shriver’s teammates are excited about the possibilities.
“He’s definitely stronger than he was last year, and I think he’s gonna be a problem,” fullback-turned-center Jordan Vicari said.
While Kollinger called it the most interesting position battle in camp during Butler Eagle Football Media Day, it does not sound like the Tornado will go with just a bellcow setup. Expect both backs to split carries, as each brings unique traits that can keep defenses on their toes.
“The running back spot’s fun with Jake and Kevin,” Christy said.
There’s also Baggetta, who brings a stiff-arm first, physical run style at quarterback and players said is a middle ground between Kollinger and Shriver. Baggetta’s legs will still be important to Butler’s success.
That gives the Golden Tornado added versatility in its run game as long as the rebuilt offensive line (more on that below) is sturdy and healthy throughout the year. And with a talented top two receivers in Nash Cuffman and Deacon Simko expected to stretch defenses vertically, the run game’s dynamism could return this team to last year’s heights.
1. The present and future at QB: Baggetta’s physical running style played well as a first-year starter behind center last year. But now he has competition in junior Will Dunaway, in maybe a bit of a surprise to those who watched the Tornado’s breakout season. Dunaway (6-2, 190) has the prototypical pocket QB look to Baggetta’s 5-11, 190-pound, downhill-runner frame. At an early practice, Dunaway’s touch on downfield throws was impressive. Baggetta, a possible future college safety, brings the confidence and command of the system. Players and Christy talked about running Wildcat formations, two-QB formations and splitting Baggetta out at RB. Baggetta, to his credit, wants Dunaway to push him. “It’s a cool, new dynamic that Butler, as of recently, hasn’t had,” the senior said. “I think it’ll be fun.”
2. Every o-line position up for grabs: There is so much turnover in the starting lineup this year, but no position group may have more impact on the Tornado’s fortunes than the five starting offensive linemen. Christy had concerns all offseason about his size and depth — on Day 1 of practice, he registered 54 players, a bit more than he expected — at the line. There was no locked-in returning starter, which meant competition at every position. Some of the names to watch: Kyle Newton-Boston (who has the most returning experience), Troy Cherry, Judah Trepanier, Coltyn Povlick, Vicari, Connor Kriebel, Tyler Miller and AJ Morris. Christy particularly is excited about Trepanier, who “we were talking about him starting on the offensive line (last year).” Vicari appeared to have an early leg up on the starting center role, too.
3. Defense needs settling in back: Christy has some confidence in the front seven of his defense, even if some of the pieces will move around — Vicari will bump up from linebacker to d-line, for example. But the backfield needs to replace all four starters. Expect seniors Cuffman (former LB) and Simko to take over at corner while also taking on the top two receiver jobs. Charlie Rodgers could start at safety. Baggetta also sees time at safety.
- Aug. 28, 7 — Shaler at Butler
- Sept. 4, 7 — Taylor Allderdice at Butler
- Sept. 11, 7 — Butler at Meadville
- Sept. 18, 7 — Butler at Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)
- Sept. 25, 7 — Hickory at Butler
- Oct. 2, 7 — Butler at Hollidaysburg
- Oct. 9, 7 — Baldwin at Butler
- Oct. 16, 7 — Butler at Karns City
- Oct. 23, 6 — Butler at Erie
- Oct. 30, 7 — Central Clarion at Butler
2025: 7-3
2024: 4-6
2023: 2-8
2022: 4-7*
2021: 5-5*
*Made playoffs
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Butler's Jake Kollinger, left, Nicco Baggetta, center, and Jordan Vicari, right, hold head coach Eric Christy during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Nicco Baggetta during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Nicco Baggetta during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jordan Vicari during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jordan Vicari during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jake Kollinger during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jake Kollinger during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler quarterback Nicco Baggetta (1) talks with a reporter during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jordan Vicari (55) talks with a reporter during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Nash Cuffman (15), runs with the football during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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A Butler football coach works on conditioning drills with players during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Wilde Paule runs up the sideline during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler quarterback Nicco Baggetta launches a pass during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler players work on tackling during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler players run through a drill during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's offense lines up for a play during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler receiver Charles Rodgers, left, pulls down a one-handed catch while Wilde Paul defends during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's AJ Morris, back, kicks a field goal with Nicco Baggetta, front, holding during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler receiver Charles Rodgers, left, pulls down a one-handed catch while Wilde Paul defends during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler lineman Jordan Vicari tackles a teammate during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Jake Kollinger, left, catches a pass in front of Mark Walter, right, during football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Art Bernardi Stadium. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
