Colt Daniel Hauser: Cole Hauser’s Son, High School Football Star & State Champion

Growing up with famous parents in Hollywood comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Colt Daniel Hauser, the middle son of Yellowstone star Cole Hauser and actress-turned-photographer Cynthia Daniel, has chosen a path that sets him apart from his family’s entertainment legacy. While his father portrays the beloved Rip Wheeler on the hit series Yellowstone and his mother once starred as Elizabeth Wakefield in Sweet Valley High, Colt has focused his energy on the football field rather than the silver screen.

Born on June 12, 2008, Colt has built his own identity as a student-athlete in Florida. His recent success as part of Cardinal Newman High School’s 2025 state championship team shows he’s determined to make his mark on his own terms.

Who is Colt Daniel Hauser?

Colt Daniel Hauser is a 17-year-old high school football player from West Palm Beach, Florida. As the middle child between older brother Ryland and younger sister Steely Rose, Colt has carved out his own identity within the Hauser family. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing between 253 and 275 pounds, he plays defensive tackle for Cardinal Newman High School.

Unlike many celebrity children who seek the spotlight, Colt has maintained a relatively private life. His parents have worked hard to provide their children with a normal upbringing despite their Hollywood connections.

1. Parents: Cole Hauser and Cynthia Daniel

Cole Hauser has built a successful acting career spanning over three decades. Known for his roles in Dazed and Confused, Good Will Hunting, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and most recently as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, Cole comes from Hollywood royalty. His maternal great-grandfather was Harry Warner, one of the founding partners of Warner Bros. Studios. Cole’s father is actor Wings Hauser, and his mother is Cass Warner, founder of the film production company Warner Sisters.

Cynthia Daniel rose to fame alongside her identical twin sister, Brittany Daniel, in the 1990s teen drama Sweet Valley High. The twins played Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield from 1994 to 1997. After her acting career, Cynthia transitioned into photography, where she has found success working with high-profile clients and publishing her work.

Cole and Cynthia’s love story began in high school. They remained friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. The couple married on December 22, 2006, at the Bacara Resort near Santa Barbara in a private ceremony. Their enduring relationship has provided a stable foundation for their three children.

2. The Hauser Siblings

Colt is the middle child in the Hauser family:

• Ryland Hauser (born September 20, 2004) is the oldest. He played tight end for his Florida high school football team and received offers from three universities. After graduating in 2023, Ryland chose to attend Texas Christian University, though he did not join their football program.
• Steely Rose Hauser (born December 16, 2012) is the youngest. According to Cole, she “runs the roost” in the family. Steely Rose has visited the Yellowstone set and shares a close bond with her father.

The three siblings maintain a tight relationship despite their age differences. They spend time together on family trips, outdoor activities, and supporting each other at sporting events.

Colt’s Football Career

1. High School Athletics

Colt’s athletic journey began at Jensen Beach High School in Jensen Beach, Florida, where he initially played as a defensive end and defensive tackle. His physical attributes—standing 6’3″ with a wingspan of 78.1 inches—made him a natural fit for the defensive line.

In 2024, Colt transferred to Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. This move proved significant for his development as a player. At Cardinal Newman, he continued to excel on the defensive line while maintaining strong academic performance with a GPA between 3.85 and 3.90.

2. 2025 State Championship Season

The 2025 season marked a major milestone in Colt’s football career. Playing for the Cardinal Newman Crusaders, he was part of a team that captured the FHSAA Class 1A State Championship. The Crusaders defeated Chaminade-Madonna 17-14 on December 11, 2025, in a hard-fought championship game.

Colt’s contributions on the defensive line were part of a complete team effort. He played alongside several other transfer students who joined Cardinal Newman, creating a strong defensive unit. Photos from the season show him wearing jersey number 58, making key blocks and defensive stops throughout the championship run.

3. Athletic Profile and Future Potential

Sports databases list Colt’s physical measurements and academic achievements, highlighting his potential as a college football prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and academic performance positions him well for the next level. While he hasn’t publicly announced college plans, his state championship experience and strong GPA give him options most high school athletes don’t have.

The Yellowstone Connection

Cole Hauser’s role as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone brought the family increased public visibility. The show premiered in 2017 and became a cultural phenomenon, turning Cole into a household name. This success has meant that Colt and his siblings occasionally appear at public events.

In November 2022, Colt attended the New York premiere of Yellowstone Season 5 at the Museum of Modern Art. He walked the red carpet with his parents and sister Steely Rose, wearing a long black coat that drew comparisons to Neo from The Matrix. These appearances remain rare, as the family maintains strict boundaries between their public and private lives.

The show’s success has opened doors for unique experiences—premiere parties, meeting cast members, and behind-the-scenes access. However, Colt’s focus has remained on the football field rather than entertainment opportunities.

The Daniel Sisters and Family Bonds

Cynthia Daniel’s relationship with her identical twin sister, Brittany, extends beyond their shared Sweet Valley High fame. In 2011, Brittany was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After six months of chemotherapy and recovery, Brittany learned from fertility specialists that the treatment had left her with a diminished egg reserve, making natural pregnancy nearly impossible.

Without hesitation, Cynthia offered to donate her eggs to her sister. After discussing it with Cole, Cynthia moved forward with the donation. Brittany and her husband Adam Touni attempted IVF using Cynthia’s eggs, and after several unsuccessful attempts, they turned to surrogacy.

On October 24, 2021, Hope Rose Touni was born. Colt’s cousin shares the same genetic makeup as the Hauser children, as Cynthia and Brittany are identical twins. This extraordinary act of sisterhood demonstrates the values of family and sacrifice that run through the Hauser household.

Growing Up Away from Hollywood

Cole and Cynthia have deliberately shielded their children from constant media attention. Unlike many Hollywood families, they rarely share photos or details about their children on social media. This approach has allowed Colt, Ryland, and Steely Rose to develop their own identities without the pressure that often accompanies celebrity status.

Colt maintains a limited Instagram presence (@colthauser_) with approximately 2,800 followers. His profile bio identifies him as “1x State Champ” and references his connection to Cardinal Newman football. His posts are sparse, focusing primarily on football achievements rather than personal details.

The Hausers prioritize spending quality time together. Cole has spoken about the importance of disconnecting from technology and being present as a family. They engage in outdoor activities ,including fishing trips to Montana, water sports in the Florida Keys, and attending sporting events together.

Cynthia has shared moments watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers games with Colt, highlighting their shared interests beyond football. These family experiences have helped Colt and his siblings maintain strong connections despite busy schedules.

Academic and Athletic Balance

Colt exemplifies the student-athlete ideal. His GPA of 3.85-3.90 demonstrates his commitment to academics alongside his athletic pursuits. This balance suggests he takes his future seriously, keeping options open for college opportunities both in football and other fields.

Cole has praised Colt’s work ethic and dedication, noting his ability to stay focused on his goals. The values instilled by his parents—hard work, humility, and perseverance—are evident in how Colt approaches both his studies and his sport.

While football dominates much of Colt’s time, he has inherited his parents’ creative genes. He enjoys outdoor activities, including surfing and swimming, often participating in these sports with his family. These interests provide balance to the intensity of competitive football.

His upbringing in a creative household, with a photographer mother and actor father, has exposed him to artistic pursuits. However, Colt has chosen to express himself primarily through athletics rather than the arts.

The Warner Bros. Legacy

Through his father’s lineage, Colt carries the Warner Bros. legacy. His great-great-grandfather Harry Warner co-founded one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history. This heritage connects Colt to entertainment industry history, even as he pursues his own path in athletics.

Cole’s mother, Cass Warner, founded Warner Sisters production company, continuing the family’s involvement in filmmaking. This background gives Colt unique connections and opportunities should he ever choose to explore entertainment, though he has shown no inclination to do so.

Life in Florida

The Hauser family’s move to Florida provided Colt with opportunities to excel in high school football while maintaining distance from the intense Hollywood spotlight. Florida’s competitive high school football landscape has challenged Colt to develop his skills against top-tier talent.

West Palm Beach offers the family a different lifestyle from Los Angeles. The coastal location provides access to water sports and outdoor activities that the family enjoys. This environment has allowed Colt to grow up with more privacy and normalcy than he might have experienced in California.

Looking Ahead

At 17 years old, Colt stands at a crossroads. His state championship, strong academics, and physical attributes position him well for college football opportunities. Whether he chooses to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, focus on academics in a different field, or explore entirely different interests remains to be seen.

What sets Colt apart is his determination to build his own identity separate from his famous parents. While carrying the Hauser name opens doors, he has worked to earn recognition through his own efforts on the football field and in the classroom.

His parents’ support provides a strong foundation. Cole and Cynthia have demonstrated their commitment to letting their children find their own paths while providing guidance and support. This approach has allowed Colt to develop confidence and independence.