MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — Brewton-Parker Christian University Men's Wrestling enters the 2026-27 season with a combination of experienced leadership, returning national qualifiers and an accomplished group of newcomers as the Barons prepare for another year on the mat.
The Barons are led by Head Coach Tyler Smith, the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference Head Coach of the Year, as the program looks to build on last season's progress and take another step forward in 2026-27.
Brewton-Parker welcomes 12 incoming freshmen to the program this season, highlighted by state champions Samaj Dobbins of Brunswick High School and Kyle Terrell of Cook High School.
The incoming class also features several wrestlers who found success at the state level during their high school careers. Ashton Crawford of Bacon County High School, John Adams of Upson-Lee High School, Jacaden Wheeler of Hart County High School and Braden Harper of Woodstock High School all enter the program as state placers.
While the Barons add plenty of young talent, the program will also lean on an experienced group of returners.
Leading that group are two-time national qualifiers Zahquel Davis, a Winter Haven, Florida native, and Arthur Reed of Douglas, Georgia. The pair gives BPCU proven national experience as the Barons look to take another step forward this season.
Brewton-Parker also returns a strong upperclassman presence with Brandon Lively, Blake Walker, Tate Morris, David Washington and Gailan Wilds expected to provide leadership throughout the year.
The work toward the new season began well before the Barons returned to campus, and the coaching staff has been pleased with the intensity shown throughout the preseason.
"Many of our guys trained hard this offseason and have hit the ground running since we've come off of summer break," Coach Smith said. "We've had great intensity and focus this preseason, I'm excited to see how we continue to grow and step into things as we approach the start of our season."
For Smith and the Barons, the focus entering 2026-27 goes beyond individual results. The program is emphasizing continued growth and making the decisions necessary to reach its goals.
"We are focused on taking the next step and making the next tough decision," Smith said. "We want our program team to make the most of their opportunity and be willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve our goals as a team."
That growth has also been supported by a staff that Smith believes has become an important part of the program's development.
Smith also gave special recognition to Aris Knight, who has been alongside him since day one and has played an important role in the growth of the Barons' wrestling program. Smith described Aris as the "backbone of our program," crediting his consistency, hard work and commitment to the program behind the scenes.
His contributions were recognized beyond Brewton-Parker last season, as Aris was voted Appalachian Conference Assistant Coach of the Year, an honor that reflected the impact he has made on the program and its student-athletes.
Smith also credited team manager Jorden Reed for the work done behind the scenes to support the Barons. The program welcomes back BPCU alumnus Manny Henderson and Smith's father, Sam Smith, affectionately known by the wrestlers as "O.G.," after both joined the staff last season.
"I am grateful to have the support of the school and my assistants as we continue to grow," Smith said. "We have one of the best support staffs in the country."
With a 12-man freshman class joining a veteran group that includes national tournament experience, the Barons enter the 2026-27 season focused on continuing to build the program and taking the next step as a team.
