2025–26 Bethel University Men’s Basketball Season Outlook
The Bethel University Wildcats are set to open the 2025–26 men's basketball season with renewed focus, depth, and determination. Returning 11 players and adding seven newcomers, the Wildcats aim to build on last year's foundation and make a strong run at the Mid-South Conference (MSC) championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
Season Recap
The Wildcats opened the 2024–25 season on a high note, racing to an 11–3 record before encountering a challenging January stretch. Bethel dropped five of its first nine conference matchups in one of the most competitive years the MSC has seen in recent memory.
The Mid-South Conference once again proved its strength, producing three NAIA National Tournament qualifiers — including one team that advanced to the Fab Four in Kansas City. As always, the Wildcats battled through a demanding schedule that tested their resolve and prepared them for the future.
This season, Bethel looks to translate that experience into consistency and success. With a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent, the Wildcats are positioned to compete for a spot among the conference's elite.
Roster Breakdown
The 2025–26 roster features a balanced composition of veterans and rising talent: two seniors, three juniors, five sophomores, and one returning freshman.
Seniors
DJ Starr – 5'10 | Guard | 10.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.6 APG
Chauncey Hughes – 6'0 | Guard | 10.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.0 APG
Both Starr and Hughes bring proven scoring ability, leadership, and experience to the Wildcats' backcourt. Their presence provides stability and composure for a roster with a blend of youth and new contributors.
Juniors
Garrett Hayden – 6'2 | Guard | 1.3 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.3 APG
Ethan Turner – 6'8 | Forward | 10.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 0.6 APG
Jackson Hayes – 6'2 | Guard | 4.1 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.5 APG
This junior trio brings versatility on both ends of the floor. Turner anchors the frontcourt as a dependable scorer and rebounder, while Hayden and Hayes offer strong guard play and defensive energy.
Sophomores
Isaiah Darden – 6'8 | Forward | Developmental Call-Up
Brayden Nunnally – 6'5 | Forward | 4.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.2 APG
Jacquarium Collum – 6'4 | Guard | Redshirt
Jacob Bowles – 6'4 | Guard | Redshirt
Joe Wimberly – 5'10 | Guard | 6.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.6 APG
The sophomore class is deep and talented. Wimberly and Nunnally made key contributions as freshmen, while Darden, Collum, and Bowles will look to make their mark after developmental and redshirt seasons.
Freshman
Larry Coleman – 6'5 | Forward | Developmental Call-Up
Coleman steps into his first full season with the varsity roster after gaining experience with the developmental squad.
Newcomers
The Wildcats welcome seven new faces to the program — four freshmen and three transfers — each expected to contribute immediately to Bethel's success.
Transfers
Chiemeka Okereke – 6'7 | Junior Forward | Las Positas College
Taylor Stovall – 6'6 | Junior Forward | Motlow State Community College
Jalen Anglin – 6'5 | Junior Guard | Cumberland University
Freshmen
Alonzo Rhodes Jr. – 6'5 | Guard | Hume Fogg Academic High School
Russell Williams – 6'6 | Forward | Caverna High School
Jason Leek – 5'10 | Guard | Heritage Christian Academy
Eli Lewis – 6'5 | Forward | Pelham High School
This group adds a valuable combination of athleticism, size, and scoring ability. The transfers bring collegiate experience and maturity, while the freshmen provide energy and long-term potential.
Schedule Highlights
Bethel opens its 2025–26 campaign at home in the Chick-fil-A Classic at Crisp Arena, hosting Southeastern Baptist College and Tennessee Wesleyan University.
The Wildcats then hit the road for a four-game stretch, including appearances in the Jim Reid Classic in Georgetown, Kentucky, where they will face Midway University and West Virginia Tech University. The road trip also features an exhibition game against NCAA Division I opponent Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.
Overall, Bethel's schedule includes 16 non-conference games and two exhibitions before opening Mid-South Conference play on January 8 at home versus the University of the Cumberlands. The conference slate runs through February 21 and will once again challenge the Wildcats with one of the toughest lineups in the NAIA.
Team Outlook
The Wildcats return a solid foundation from last season, retaining 47% of total minutes played and 50% of field goals made. The frontcourt appears ready to take on a larger role following the graduation of two senior forwards, while the backcourt remains dynamic and experienced, featuring two of last season's top three scorers.
With depth across all positions and a well-rounded blend of youth and leadership, the Wildcats are poised to compete every night in one of the nation's most competitive conferences.
From Coach Jeff Britt
"I'm looking forward as always to a new season, we have a mixture of returning and new kids, several who are lacking real game experience but very willing to learn. Our schedule may be the most difficult since I've been here and I don't think I'm out stepping my stance on that. Hopefully we can continue to improve daily, correcting our mistakes with hustle, desire and determination".
Head Coach Jeff Britt enters his 26th season leading the Wildcats and his 36th year in collegiate coaching. A fixture in Bethel basketball history, Britt has compiled an impressive 521–361 career record, including 413 victories at Bethel University.
Throughout his tenure, Britt has guided the Wildcats to numerous postseason runs and consistent success, including five straight winning seasons from 2001–06 and nine consecutive from 2011–20. Known for his player development and disciplined approach, Britt continues to build teams that reflect Bethel's competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, Coach Britt and his staff remain focused on one goal — returning Bethel to the top of the Mid-South Conference and earning another opportunity to compete on the national stage.