2025 Preseason Preview: Blaine Bengals

The Blaine Bengals have always seemed one piece away from making a deep state run, and this year, the stars may have aligned for that potential to become a reality. Loaded with talent, including one of the top tight ends in the state, the Bengals are a force to be reckoned with. Meet the 2025 Blaine Bengals!    Obwaya is an all-state long jumper who could emerge as the Bengals' bellcow during his junior season. He's been an explosive camp performer throughout the summer, and combined with his electric JV tape, I have high hopes for what he can accomplish this fall. He's fast, but he's quicker than he is fast, both evident on his film and on his impressive 4.18 pro-agility time he scored at the UWRF Mega Camp. His athleticism is encouraging, and Obwaya could prove to be a legit varsity ball carrier in a couple of weeks.     The biggest name on the Bengals is without a doubt, the rankings riser and D1 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1392997' first='Noah' last='Tieden']. Holding three D1 offers from Montana, Western Illinois, and Northern Iowa, Tieden was one of the most productive pass catchers from last season, and is the most productive returner in 2025. On his tape, Tieden shows that he can really do it all. He can lay out for passes and is a reliable target with a massive catch radius. He can reel down balls in tightly contested traffic, but also has shown utility as a blocking tight end in a pro-style offense. Tieden is going to be one of the Bengals' biggest weapons next season.     A rankings riser who holds a WIAC offer from UW-Eau Claire, Eichele is a high upside trench dog who should be a force on the offensive line this fall. For only beginning to play football during his sophomore year, Eichele is rapidly developing as both an athlete and a football player. Most of his tape is at tackle, where he shows off the ability to stonewall a bull rush completely. He's still refining his movement, but Eichele has shown that he can get out and block in space. When he downblocks defenders, they get moved clear from the play. There's a lot to like from Eichele, and having a starting tackle returning is huge for the Blaine program.     One of the best linebackers in the class of 2026, and one of the best 2026 prospects in general, Harris checks all the boxes that make me think he's due for a massive senior season. He tallied 30 tackles in 7 games last season, but this kid has been lighting up the offseason camp/combine circuit with eye-popping numbers. His size alone makes him a valuable prospect, but when you pair that with Harris's ability to play alley to alley, I think his stock skyrockets. Harris is unfortunately unrecognized for the talent he possesses, and some NSIC or MIAC school is likely going to get a steal.     A rising edge rusher and one of the highest-rated edges in his class, Sowada is a gem of a prospect that doesn't get the attention he deserves. He brought down 42 total tackles, 2 TFLs, half a sack, and an interception during his junior year, and with 3 high-performing defenders graduating, those numbers should only increase. In his film, I think his best traits are his versatility and his tenacity. He fights tooth and nail through blockers and has a number of plays on his tape of him blowing up bubble screens. If Sowada can continue to elevate his level of production, the recruiting attention he'll garner will be significant.     A DT I've spoken highly about previously, Kamara is expected to step into an elevated role on the Bengals' defense in 2025. Last season, he brought down 11 total tackles in just 4 games. His tape from last year is very light, but Kamara possesses a lot of raw tools, like his lengthy wingspan, that would assist him in having a more productive senior season. Kamara is an underrated name to look out for this fall.     An underrated 2027 WR/DB who teammates think can play a large role in the upcoming season, Gibson put together some impressive film from his sophomore campaign on the 10th-grade and JV squad. The first thing that jumps out to you when you delve into his tape is his crazy speed and athleticism. His potential as a return man is exceptional. With top-notch vision as a ball carrier, as well as previously stated speed and agility, Gibson has the potential to break every return he gets loose. Aside from his devastating special teams ability, Gibson is also a tough coverage corner with a nose for the ball. Big things could be coming from this junior athlete.     A 2027 receiver who teammates have spoken highly about, Jones is looking to start his junior year off by breaking out on varsity. Healed up after a leg injury last fall, Jones is a quick receiver who can stretch the field deep. He makes sharp cuts at the top of his routes and can reel in tightly contested passes while being tackled. He routinely takes big hits while bringing down passes and manages to secure the ball throughout the contact. Jones is a dynamic playmaker I can't wait to see more of in the next couple of months.     Another receiver looking to step into a varsity role during his junior season, Johnston is a well-rounded wideout with stellar ball tracking and great hands. He is a legit fade threat, and always seems to create the perfect amount of separation before high-pointing a ball in the red zone. He flashes his hands late and has made several wildly impressive catches on his sophomore tape. A lot to like from Johnston.

The Blaine Bengals have always seemed one piece away from making a deep state run, and this year, the stars may have aligned for that potential to become a reality. Loaded with talent, including one of the top tight ends in the state, the Bengals are a force to be reckoned with. Meet the 2025 Blaine Bengals!