Preseason Preview: St. Thomas Academy Cadets

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets have long been a staple powerhouse program in 5A football. Fresh off a state tournament appearance where the Cadets ended their season with an impressive 7-4 record, they look to continue that success with a handful of extremely high-caliber players. This 2025-2026 squad is loaded with top talent and even boasts some incoming transfers that should fill positions of need. Meet the stars of the 2025-2026 Cadets squad!   2025-2026 STA Schedule:   Week 1: @ Cretin-Derham Hall   Week 2: @ Rochester Mayo   Week 3: Vs Burnsville   Week 4: Vs Chanhassen   Week 5: @ Apple Valley   Week 6: Vs Hastings   Week 7: @ Two Rivers   Week 8: Vs Mahtomedi    A recent transfer from a 6A school, Rosemount, Karl looks to take over the signal-calling role for the Cadets this fall. He's yet to see significant varsity time, so this junior campaign looks to be a breakout of sorts for him. In his previous film, it's clear Karl possesses the talent to evolve into a high-tier starter. He's able to do everything that is asked of him in a pro-style offense. When he needs to uncork and let his arm loose, Karl showcases that his arm talent is right up there with other top QBs in his class. His ball placement at times is exceedingly high-level, and I hope he's able to put it together and have a big junior year.     Rogalski, without question, has evolved into one of the top DBs in the state, and he's going to be a problem for offenses during his senior season. Somehow, he remains without an "O", but in 2024, the Cadet's star was one of the most productive defensive backs in the state, amassing 42 tackles, 4.0 Sacks, and 3 interceptions. On his tape, Rogalski proves to be a quick defender who can slow down offenses in a variety of ways. He's one of the better slot corners I've seen, and is consistently able to flow across his zone, ball-hawking any pass that sniffs his area. Quick hips and fast feet make Rogalski a tough ask for most receivers, and I think he proves to have one of the more potent senior years across 2026 DBs.     STA has a long history of successful running backs, both at the prep and collegiate levels, and Baez could be the next in that long line of tradition. He was a 1,100-yard rusher as a junior, but he honestly shows a ton of promise at the next level as a slot receiver. Baez is very quick, and that agility and athleticism show on his tape early and often. He's got a phenomenal sense of balance, and when you pair that with his ability to make quick cuts in rapid succession, you get a ball carrier who can turn collapsing run lanes into 6 points. I expect Baez to be the primary offensive weapon for the Cadets this fall, and that will likely carry with it another 1k rushing season.     It's never a bad thing to have returning trench all-stars, and Zeleny, who is a Prep Redzone Rankings Riser, fits that bill to a "T". The big man recorded 2 tackles and a sack last season, but he really shines on the offensive line. The Cadet's center is quick off the LOS, and often plays with exceptional bend in his knees. Zeleny is forceful on his down blocks, and does a great job of getting his hips around when reach blocking DTs lined up in a 2 or 2i. He's aggressive at the point of attack and can bully smaller NTs, often putting them in the dirt. Expect Zeleny to be a leader up front for the Cadets this fall.     One of the top returning receivers for the Cadets ahead of the 2025 season, I've been able to evaluate Sims in person this summer, and I've been impressed. He's a route runner who can reliably reel down balls, even when he's lit up after the catch. He's clutch when needing to bring down short-yardage passes, and at the same time, can bring down deeper contested balls. Sims is likely going to be a top target for the Cadets' signal caller this year and should be a name to know ahead of this fall.     Borman was tied for #2 on the team in total tackles last season, where he put up 39 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 4.0 Sacks, with an additional fumble recovery. This impressive level of backfield disruption is evident on his tape. Borman has a nose for the backfield and never gives up on his pursuit of the quarterback. He works through the wash well, and can flow alley to alley smoothly. He could also likely step into a larger role on the offense. He's got the second-most yards out of the team's returning running backs from last year, and he should easily slide into that RB2 spot.     Cerciuglu recorded 21 tackles and a TFL in only 6 games for the Cadets' last season, a role I'm sure that is elevated this fall. He doesn't have a ton of tape, but something that immediately jumped to me was his closing speed. One moment he'll be working his way to an alley, and the next he's lunging at a ball carrier's legs. He's careful not to overpursue and finishes through his tackles. Cerciuglu should definitely be a name to know going forward.     A built OLB who is looking to finally get starting time in 2025, Young's film from last season was a promising showcase of the now junior's talent. He was primarily a special-teams player last season, seeing some occasional rotation minutes. He's powerful when he can build up a head full of steam, and I admire his pursuit abilities. I hope to see Young's physicality translate to stellar tape during his fall campaign.     A returning starting corner from last year, Dose totaled 19 tackles, a TFL, a sack, and an interception, which helped make him the 21st overall DB in his class. Dose is an incredibly underrated player, both in terms of his on-field production and his athleticism. He's quick, tackles low, and his in-game vertical has impressed me. Dose also isn't afraid to lay the wood when meeting a receiver. There are multiple plays on his tape of him forcing PBUs with his physical tackling. I'm a fan of Dose, and I hope to see some offers start rolling in for the Cadet's product.     A utility TE who is fresh off his first offer from MIAC member St. Olaf, Gottsch provides another much-welcome layer to the Cadets' offense as a whole. He posted the second-most receiving yards on STA last season, but is also a more-than-effective run blocker, ideal for the Cadets' pro-style power offense. He's a great reach blocker. Gottsch has quick feet and is often able to get his hips around defenders and position block big edges, but can also drive an outside backer into the dirt downfield. He's got a variety of nasty kickout blocks as a fullback, and also boasts one of the better block and releases in his class. I see more MIAC offers in the future for Gottsch.

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets have long been a staple powerhouse program in 5A football. Fresh off a state tournament appearance where the Cadets ended their season with an impressive 7-4 record, they look to continue that success with a handful of extremely high-caliber players. This 2025-2026 squad is loaded with top talent and even boasts some incoming transfers that should fill positions of need. Meet the stars of the 2025-2026 Cadets squad!