Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Bishop Garrigan

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to 8-Man. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/iowa-8-man-way-too-early-title-contenders-woodbine/">Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Woodbine</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/iowa-8-man-way-too-early-title-contenders-iowa-valley/">Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Iowa Valley</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Losing their leading top two rushers, top four tacklers, and leading passer from last season's state championship team, Bishop Garrigan will have a new look in 2026. Led by legendary head coach, Marty Wadle, though, the Golden Bears should always have a shot at Cedar Falls, and they do have some production back next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2106183' first='CJ' last='McGregor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2106435' first='Carter' last='Cink'] combined for 123 carries for 951 yards and 16 touchdowns. Though they filled in a reserve role in 2025, they'll likely be the feature runners this comint season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top pass-catcher for Bishop Garrigan, [player_tooltip player_id='2117356' first='Michael' last='Joyce'] also returns after grabbing 29 catches for 494 yards and eight scores last fall. Weston Rosenmeyer, the No. 2 receiver for the Golden Bears, is also back after finishing with 18 receptions for 387 yards and seven touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It appears as though Joyce may be in the running to start at quarterback as a senior, though, as he was listed as a quarterback on last year's roster. One of the more athletic players for the Golden Bears, it shouldn't come as a surprise if he takes over at QB in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, who's back that would give the Golden Bears hope after losing their top four tacklers?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Getting state standout, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/audubon-bishop-garrigan-8-man-semifinal-recap-reaction/">Madden Miller</a> back definitely doesn't hurt. The most productive tackler back from 2025, Miller posted 32 tackles, including 3 tackles-for-loss. A versatile linebacker/defensive that does a lot of different things -- including grabbing three interceptions last season -- for the Golden Bears, Miller will be called upon to step up during his senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2105323' first='Karson' last='Kramer'] is also back on the DL after posting 28.5 tackles, including 5.5 TFLs and two sacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joyce, who will undoubtedly play both sides of the ball once again, also finished with five interceptions and 29 tackles. Serving as BG's returner, as well, the junior returned ten kicks for 324 yards and two scores. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->