New Era Dawns for Barton College Football as Bulldogs Return to Conference Carolinas
Change is in the air for Barton College football as the Bulldogs usher in a new chapter with a revamped coaching staff and roster. On August 28, Barton kicks off its 2025 season — and its return to the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas — with a home game against Virginia State at Truist Stadium. 
After competing in the South Atlantic Conference for the past five seasons, the Bulldogs return to their historical conference roots. The program, which once fielded teams in the 1920s and ’40s, is now entering a new era with head coach Chip Hester at the helm for his sixth season. Most of the core players who helped secure winning seasons in 2021 and 2023 have graduated, ushering in a wave of new talent and staff.
“This year’s theme is change,” said Hester. “College football is evolving, and so are we. That can be scary, or it can be exciting — and so far, our team has embraced the opportunity.”
Veterans like wide receiver Isaiah Jacobs and offensive lineman Robbie Delgado are stepping into leadership roles. Hester is supported by several new coaches, including defensive coordinator Marcus Hilliard and co-offensive coordinator Jazz Vinson, while former players like Quayon Gilbert and Davon Adams join the staff.
After opening against CIAA opponent Virginia State, Barton hits the road for three straight Saturdays, including a Sept. 13 Conference Carolinas debut at North Greenville. Other non-conference matchups include West Virginia State, West Alabama, and Delta State.
Hester emphasized the importance of early-season challenges. “We want to use our tough early schedule to prepare for conference play,” he said. Quoting legendary coach Bo Schembechler, Hester added: “It’s about the team, the team, the team.”
Offense: Talented, But Inexperienced
The Bulldogs return three quarterbacks — senior Trevor Nored, junior Luke Smith, and redshirt freshman Al Lee — all of whom are expected to see action early. Lee, a dynamic dual threat, brings mobility and creativity, while Nored offers Division I experience from Rhode Island. Smith, a 6-foot-5 junior, is returning from injury and has been in Barton’s system for three years.
The offensive line has undergone significant changes, with only Jalen Brown returning as a starter. Freshman Kayden Dillard is likely to start opposite him, while Delgado, Tremel Hester, Joey Brooks, and Kedar Mangum form the interior.
Barton has depth at tight end with Ashton Rhodes and Luke Ellington, and a stable of running backs behind returners Parrish and Davis, including Tobias Joyner, Leonard Williams, and freshman Jayden Brown. The wide receiver corps is deep and fast, led by Jacobs and including track standout Jaidan Lee and redshirt freshman Tyler Davis.
Hester pointed to rushing offense, turnover margin, and special teams efficiency as key areas for improvement this season. “We rarely won all three phases last year,” he said. “That has to change.”
Sophomore Andrew Bontekoe returns as kicker, punter, and kickoff specialist after a strong freshman year, while Sammy Watkins Jr. will handle long-snapping duties.
Defense: Deep, Experienced, and Physical
Unlike the offense, Barton’s defense returns several key contributors, including inside linebackers Keno Jones and Ja’Correy Bible, who have played in 44 games combined. Hester praised Jones for his growth and potential to have a breakout year.
Defensive lineman Joshua Hightower emerged as a team leader in the offseason, and Coastal Carolina transfer Bailey Carraway is expected to be an impact player after battling injuries last season. Other returning linemen include Josh Nolan, Kamari Hall, and Isaac Thomas.
In the secondary, Savionne Rogers is a versatile defender, while returners Zayvion Brady, Corey Peterson, Jay Bridgers, and Kenyon Palmer will rotate in. True freshman Javon Wesley is expected to start at free safety.
Hester is optimistic about the direction of the team. “Our foundation is strong, even if we’re not where we want to be yet,” he said. “After five seasons in the South Atlantic Conference, we’ve grown a lot, and now we’re ready to take the next step in Conference Carolinas.”
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