With kickoff under 100 days away it’s time to start looking towards the 2026 football season. Schedule appears to be finalized. Big news from offseason so far is Keefe is back and Noah Ehrlich is in.
Schedule
(H) Lawrence Tech
(A) Murray State
(A) Indiana State
(H) Butler
(A) Morehead State
(H) Drake
(A) San Diego
(H) Presbyterian
(A) Dayton
(A) Stetson
(H) St Thomas
Projected 50+ newcomers again. 0-11 is in play. 2-9 is more what id expect. 4-7 would be awesome. 6-5 is the absolute ceiling
I have never heard of Lawrence Tech.
who is projected to be the starting QB?
I have never heard of Lawrence Tech.
who is projected to be the starting QB?
Lawrence Tech = NAIA, 2-8 in 2025. Southfield, MI.
Hopefully, Paul will publish his last remaining piece on the 2026 team - Incoming Transfers. It must have gotten lost along the way QB Noah Eherlich was a centerpiece of that article.
Probably waiting for roster to be finalized. 7-8 guys always join for camp. Know Ethan Sathers DL from Western Illinois is coming.
In terms of starting QB. My guess is Keefe.
Taking a look at the QB situation.
#2 Rowan Keefe is the returning starter. Lost his spot to Caron in 2024, started through an abysmal 2025. With staff liking continuity, I would imagine he is QB1 to start season
Noah Ehrlich comes in as the third highest recruited player in rivals era to Valpo (Tyler Day/Robert Washington). Did not wow in the spring game. Will be hard pressed to keep off the field.
Marcus Brown and Nathan Downey are the returning depth pieces who saw time. Nathan fits the offense better and was allowed to finish a game, would imagine he is QB3. Brown could play situationally with speed.
Johnny DiBlassio is the lone QB to return with zero snaps. Bo Brunner is the freshman. Don’t see a world where either see meaningful snaps in 2026.
Waddle had one of the more insightful podcast on gonextplay.com . Definitely recommend for anyone who wants to learn how Valpo recruiting / college recruiting works in general. 40 minute listen
Results show that Keefe as the starting QB is not promising. Sorry, I have to say it. Move on with someone new and build the program.
@usc4valpo. I was at the Spring Game. The QB play was very lackluster (other than 1 long run). No throws were completed down field (all short or intermediate routes), a lot of incompletions and there were atleast 2 intercpetions. This happened with Rowan watching in street clothes. If someone else wants the stop they should earn it and it not be given to them. I believe more than 1 QB will see the field especially game 1. Rowan is the guy until someone shows they are deserving.
Both points are right. I was really disheartened there wasn’t better Noah Ehrlich buzz after the spring game and that defense was dominant.
the defense had some pretty poor first half numbers and really overall in the PFL (except some inspiring halves against USD, Butler, and Stetson).
Cedric Benning at RB is what I’ve heard was really the lone bright spot. Aside from a miracle comeback win at Stetson. Last season was one of the three worst since 2000.
We haven’t seen the typical FBS fall haul transfer wise. But I would say 3-4 wins is the ceiling and 0-11 is the basement.
3 wins and heavy retention, Waddle should be very much applauded 0-1 wins and 55 news players again the next season, then just waiting for contract expiration equilibrium point.
I personally enjoy hearing Waddle talk and think he genuinely cares. Just a complete rebuild.