Sonoma State Dynasty: Season 3, Episode 1 - vs Louisiana Ragin Cajuns
What's up everyone? Sonoma State Dynasty on the Rabbit Hole Sports and Media YouTube Channel is back with season 3. With that is the return of the chat gpt game previews. For our week 1 showdown with the Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana I had it generate a preview for the season that summarizes some of the changes for the team going into this new campaign. I hope you guys enjoy!
Video Links- Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80OWnNha7Uc Episode version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSxaKFoEFiQ
Rabbit Hole Sports & Media | 2026 Season Preview
“The Seawolves' Ascent: Year Three of the Gospel According to Zeljak”
By: Joshua Klein, Senior CFB Writer | @RabbitHoleCFB
“We are not building a football team. We are cultivating belief.”
– Head Coach Calvin Zeljak, Sonoma State University
Two years ago, Sonoma State football was a novelty. A new program with regional ambition, a few scrappy wins, and a stadium more known for sunsets than Saturdays. In year one under Calvin Zeljak, the Seawolves went 4-8 and took their lumps. In year two, they went 10-3, throttled Stanford in the Cure Bowl, and finished ranked No. 23 in the country.
Now, in year three, the program enters the national spotlight—but also into the crucible of expectation.
This isn’t a sequel. It’s a season of reckoning.
A New Chapter Without a Star
Sonoma State’s meteoric rise in 2025 came largely on the back of Terron Barnes, a true dual-threat talent who has since transferred to North Carolina. Barnes posted 3,292 passing yards, 29 TDs, 767 rushing yards, and 8 more scores in a campaign that will be remembered as the first truly great individual season in Seawolf history.
Replacing him? Two quarterbacks who have yet to throw a college pass.
Enter the two-headed Hydra of redshirt sophomore Bryce Frost and redshirt freshman Jon Hill, who will share quarterbacking duties in what could be one of the most closely watched position battles in the country.
The two-quarterback system has a complicated history in football. From the collegiate level to the NFL, attempts to toggle between signal-callers have often resulted in fractured locker rooms, disjointed game rhythm, and muddled leadership. In video game simulations, these issues don’t manifest. In real life, they define programs.
Coach Zeljak, ever the philosopher-general, is aware of the risks.
“Leadership doesn’t come from a depth chart—it comes from conviction,” Zeljak said. “Our job isn’t to pick one voice; it’s to help each guy grow into the voice God’s called them to be. We don’t want quarterbacks who share reps. We want quarterbacks who share purpose.”
Replacing Production, Replacing Identity
It's not just Barnes who’s gone. The Seawolves also graduated their top rusher, Keyonte Tyson (1,088 yards, 12 TDs), dynamic slotback Spencer Strickland, and All-American tight end Scott McLawler. Add in the transfer of WR1 Cjay Peeks (60 catches, 941 yards to FSU), and you’re looking at a massive void in offensive output.
The replacements are talented, if unproven:
- RB Nolan Knight (So.): 234 yards, 2 TDs last season.
- Slotback Tye Hardy (Jr.): A return ace, now stepping into a full-time role.
- TE Maverick Bentley (So.): Flashed behind McLawler, ready for more.
- WRs Javon Moore and LJ Young Jr. return, while Matt Clancy and Mailau Westerman provide new blood.
There’s one group that’s truly ready to anchor the transition: the offensive line.
The unit returns three starters, shifts Tarique Williams (now at LT) and Sua Chu (now LG), adds the returning Miguel Weeks at RG, plugs in Griffin Huff at center, and debuts blue-chip freshman RT Ryan Roche (6’8, 327 lbs), a literal and figurative cornerstone of the offense.
“When I got here, we were teaching kids how to punch and keep their feet under them,” said OL Coach Desmond Lane. “Now? We’ve got guys finishing blocks, dictating tempo, changing the tone of the room. This is a championship offensive line.”
Defense: The Return of Controlled Chaos
The 25 Defense—Sonoma State’s signature blend of slanted fronts, simulated pressure, and matchup zone coverage—returns its identity, if not all its personnel. Gone are lineman D’Shawn Weeks, linebackers Jacquez Blanks and Bubba VanClaiborne, and corners Noah Collins Jr. and Terrell Pace.
But the bones are strong:
- DL Nick Forsyth and Joshua Townsend return to wreak havoc inside.
- Edge defenders Jordan Underwood and Koby Garland bring continuity off the edge.
- Rover Kai Riggins is a system stalwart who fits the “3rd-level linebacker” prototype perfectly.
- Safety Josh Laborn looks to build off a strong freshman campaign.
- CB Jayden Bowie anchors the boundary.
New faces include:
- LB Palaie Faoa, a rangy, explosive portal addition.
- LB Alexander Valentine, stepping into a leadership role after two seasons of grooming.
- CB DeMarvin Holland, an electric returner now settling into a full defensive role.
- DL Stephen Brents, a 6’6”, 291-lb freshman prodigy with first-round tools.
“We’ve made strides, but we haven’t arrived,” said Defensive Coordinator Jeff Morriss. “Our goal is to turn potential into production. We need to be more consistent, more disciplined, and more relentless. This season is about setting a new standard for Sonoma State defense.”
The Gauntlet Ahead
No one will accuse Sonoma State of ducking anyone in 2026.
The non-conference schedule is brutal:
- Week 2 @ #1 Oregon – The Ducks are loaded. This will be a test of grit and guts.
- Week 4 @ #25 Florida – The Swamp in September is never friendly.
The season finishes with two road games that have haunted the Seawolves:
- @ SMU – In 2024, SMU handed Sonoma State its worst offensive performance under Zeljak, a 45-14 defeat. Redemption is on the line.
- @ #18 UC Santa Barbara – The Gauchos have dominated this rivalry, outscoring the Seawolves 86-43 over the past two seasons. This game is about more than standings; it's about pride.
In between, a key home date vs. BYU looms. The Cougars humiliated Sonoma State in 2024, putting up 73 points in a game that still scars some Seawolf defenders.
Final Word: Faith Is the Blueprint
This season will test the soul of the program. But for Coach Zeljak, that’s the point.
“This isn’t about wins—it’s about witness. We want to show what belief can build. If we lead with integrity, compete with fire, and trust each other with our whole hearts, the results will follow. And if they don’t? We’ll still be faithful.”
In a sport where hype fades and power shifts, the most dangerous team is the one that remembers where it came from.
Sonoma State remembers.
Video Links- Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80OWnNha7Uc Episode version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSxaKFoEFiQ