ACU's Harrell to Speak at Texas High School Coaches Convention
7/8/2026 11:05:00 AM | Football
Abilene Christian co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Graham Harrell is one of the featured speakers at the 2026 Texas High School Coaches Association Convention and Coaching School in Houston.
Harrell is scheduled to speak in the first time slot of the convention on Sunday, July 19 at 10 a.m.
The event spans three days and brings together more than 18,000 coaches, athletic administrators and exhibitors from around Texas to learn, share knowledge, and network.
In Harrell's first season at ACU in 2025, the Wildcats earned their second consecutive United Athletic Conference championship with a 9-5 record and an appearance in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Harrell guided ACU's offense to average 408 yards and 30 points per game. Starting quarterback Stone Earle was one of the most effective in the country as he completed 67% of his passes (9th best in FCS), threw for 3,285 yards (6th most), ran for 433 yards and scored 34 total touchdowns. Earle set an ACU record for most rushing TD by a quarterback with 12 on the season.
Harrell's offense also produced an All-America wide receiver in Javon Gipson, and two All-UAC offensive linemen in tackle Luke Rotaen and center Colter Lynch. ACU was one of only eight FCS schools with three players who rushed for at least 500 yards - the first time ACU has done that in at least 25 years
In 2025, the Wildcats led the UAC with a 47% conversion rate on 3rd down (12th best in FCS), and in time of possession at 32:13 per game.
Harrell's return to ACU for his second season marks the first time the Cats will have the same offensive coordinator in consecutive seasons in Keith Patterson's time as head coach, which began in 2022. Before coming to ACU, Harrell coached at Power 4 programs for 11 years, including stints as offensive coordinator at North Texas (2016-18), USC (2019-21), West Virginia (2022), and Purdue (2023-24).
ACU starts fall practices for the 2026 season on Wednesday, July 29 before the opening game on Saturday, Aug. 29 against Lamar in Beaumont. Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium will host the home opener on Sept. 12 against Stephen F. Austin.
