Last Season: 9-2
Ell-Saline enters 2026 trying to reload rather than rebuild after a 9-2 season and a fourth straight playoff appearance. Joe Roche said the Cardinals must replace eight graduates who started for two or more seasons, but he is confident in a group of varsity-ready players who had been waiting behind strong senior classes.
Julian Roche is one of the biggest storylines after moving from the line to quarterback for his first varsity season at that spot. He already brings proven all-around production after recording 42 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions last year, while Jaxsen Seed, Branton Gosvener and Asher Kejr also return as core two-way contributors.
Ell-Saline will run a shotgun spread on offense and a 3-3 defense. Roche specifically pointed to players like JT Moye, Maddox Moore, Luke Walker, Lucas Swetson, Spencer Rains and Ty Tillberg as talented newcomers to full-time roles, so the season may depend on how quickly that next wave turns potential into consistency.
