WRANGLERS ON THE RISE – RE-SIGNING KEY PLAYERS AND BRINGING IN NEW TALENT FOR 2026

The Northern Arizona Wranglers have officially kicked off preparations for their sixth season as a franchise, building on another year of intense, competitive performances—especially on their home field in Prescott Valley.
 
A major focus of the early offseason has been retaining the key players and coaches who fueled the team's success in 2025, while also laying the groundwork for even bigger plans on and off the field in 2026. The Wranglers are moving quickly through the offseason process, gaining an edge on the competition with a sizable portion of the 2026 roster already in place.
 
Fans in Prescott Valley can expect an exciting slate of eight home games in 2026, each featuring interactive game themes and community-driven promotions. The Wranglers' strong partnerships with local businesses will continue to bring special giveaways and unique experiences to the gameday atmosphere.
 
The team's first major move of the offseason came with the re-signing of Head Coach Ron James, who returns for his second year leading the Wranglers. A two-time Arena Football League Coach of the Year (2012, 2017), James is highly respected among his peers and players across the Indoor Football League. James wasted no time in reloading the roster for 2026, bringing back Defensive Coordinator Larry Hendrix, whose defense ranked fifth in the IFL in fewest yards allowed last season. Coach James has been working tirelessly to scout new talent at various college football games and camps, while Coach Hendrix is set to attend a combine in Texas to evaluate potential Wranglers players.
 
On the offensive side, the Wranglers' first re-signing was quarterback Ramone Atkins, who provided a spark to the offense in 2025. In just 10 games, Atkins threw for more than 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, while adding 270 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. With a full offseason of preparation ahead, Atkins looks poised to elevate the Wranglers' attack even further in 2026. The Wranglers also re-signed his brother, offensive lineman Ryan Atkins, a proven leader in both pass protection and run blocking.
 
The Wranglers are thrilled for the return of several offensive playmakers for the 2026 season. Running back Nolan Susel, a tough runner and versatile threat, is back after posting over 360 yards of offense and 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Kobe Smith, another key contributor, re-signed after recording 45 receptions and seven touchdowns. The offense also retains Marlon Cook Jr., who found the end zone four times in just seven games, along with offensive lineman Junior Atuatasi, a steady anchor and leader up front.
 
Defensively, the Wranglers re-signed several key playmakers, highlighted by defensive back Kieran Page. Page was a force in 2025, leading the team with 66.5 tackles, recording five interceptions, and adding six pass breakups. His five picks were just two shy of the league lead, despite playing in only 12 games.
 
Joining him are defensive back Simeon Burns, who made an immediate impact with two pass breakups and a fumble recovery in just two appearances, and defensive back Dayvia Gbor, who tallied three interceptions in only four games. The Wranglers also secured the return of defensive lineman Quran Bouldin, who turned heads as a rookie with a mix of sacks, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and even a blocked kick.
 
So far, the Wranglers have re-signed 10 players from the 2025 squad and brought in 12 new faces set to make their Wranglers debut in 2026. Stay tuned to the Wranglers' social media channels for player announcements and roster updates throughout the offseason. With their core intact and more signings on the horizon, the Wranglers are laying a strong foundation for another year of intensity, community connection, and exciting football in Prescott Valley.


The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2026 Season will feature 8 HOME games starting in March of 2026. The schedule release is expected in the later months of 2025.
 
Grab your Season Tickets for the 2026 season today! Deposit through the link below and we will contact you to select your seats!
 
https://sparkpages.io/?i=_OFwb
 
 For any Season Ticket inquiries, call us at 928-379-5581 
   
You can also email ticketdirector@nazwranglers.com 
 
 
 
Written by: Tucker Welch