DYLAN HOLDER

BIG MAN. BIG PRESENCE. DYLAN HOLDER JOINS JERSEY BEARCATS FOR 2027

6’4”, 330-Pound Defensive Lineman Brings Championship-Program Experience and a Relentless Mindset to Jersey

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Jersey Bearcats are adding serious size and strength to their defensive front with the signing of Dylan Holder, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive lineman out of SUNY Cortland, ahead of the 2027 American Arena League season.

Built for the trenches, Holder brings an imposing physical presence, a relentless work ethic, and experience inside one of NCAA Division III football’s most successful programs.

BUILT THROUGH HARD WORK. TESTED IN A WINNING PROGRAM.

A native of Warwick, New York, Holder began his football journey at Warwick Valley High School before earning his opportunity with the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons.

His path wasn’t handed to him. Holder earned his place through Cortland’s competitive walk-on process, proving he had the determination to compete at the collegiate level.

During his time with the program, Cortland continued its dominance in the Empire 8 Conference, capturing consecutive conference championships in 2024 and 2025.

The Red Dragons finished the 2024 campaign with an impressive 11–1 record, including an undefeated regular season. In 2025, Cortland went a perfect 7–0 in conference play, securing its fifth consecutive Empire 8 championship and another NCAA Division III playoff appearance.

Holder was part of that winning culture, surrounded by the expectations, preparation, and intensity required to compete for championships.

MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT

During the 2025 season, Holder appeared in four games, recording two tackles for loss and a quarterback sack.

One of his standout moments came against Hartwick, where he registered a sack during Cortland’s commanding 59–9 conference victory.

He also contributed defensively during a decisive 65–12 victory over Alfred University and saw action in wins against Alfred State and Brockport.

With a 330-pound frame and the ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, Holder brings physical tools that could translate well to the fast-paced, high-contact environment of professional arena football.

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE TRENCHES

As the Jersey Bearcats prepare for their 2027 campaign, Holder enters the next chapter of his football career with an opportunity to establish himself on the professional arena stage.

Arena football demands strength, quick reactions, physicality, and the ability to win battles in tight spaces. For a defensive lineman with Holder’s size, those battles represent an opportunity to make an immediate impression.

His journey from earning a college roster spot to competing within a championship-caliber program speaks to the determination he brings to the game.

Now, he brings that same mentality to Jersey.

Big frame. Strong foundation. Something to prove.

The Jersey Bearcats welcome Dylan Holder to the defensive front as the organization continues building toward the 2027 American Arena League season.

JERSEY BEARCATS | AMERICAN ARENA LEAGUE | 2027 SEASON

Home Arena: Mennen Arena – Morristown, NJ