Teams to Watch in 2026: Springfield Tigers

The Springfield Tigers have been one of the most prominent and successful programs, not just in their class, but in the state as a whole. They've repeatedly not only made the state tournament, but have also made a number of trips to the Prep Bowl since the beginning of the decade. The team that they are putting together for their 2026 campaign looks special, returning a lot of big-name athletes at key positions, including two of the highest-rated athletes in their classes. Keep an eye out for the Tigers next fall!    A consistent attention grabber throughout this offseason, Horkey balled out during his junior campaign, totaling 43 total tackles, 13 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 FFs, and a defensive TD. Horkey has tape as both an on-ball and off-ball linebacker, and he looks plenty capable at either position. He's quick off the line, and as his stats might suggest, Horkey is an incredibly potent pass-rusher. He's strong enough to bull-rush offensive linemen and see success, but he's also got a number of different finesse moves in his bag. His fast feet allow him to stunt around bigger offensive linemen, and he does a standout job of shedding blockers both in the backfield and on the LOS. His straight-line speed for a defensive lineman/linebacker is solid, and he should return as a potent force for the Tigers' defense in 2026.     Kuehn was statistically brilliant last year, racking up insane numbers and taking home several awards, including District MVP and District QB of the Year. He finished his junior season with 2400 passing yards on a 67.4% completion percentage, 37 total TDs, and a great 131.6 passer rating. His tape is astounding, and proves that without a doubt he's one of, if not the best, QBs in "A" MN football. The kid throws a great ball and frequently shows off high-level pocket presence. As the pocket collapses around him, Kuehn bounces outside of it to give his wideouts more time to get open. If he needs to take a big hit to deliver a pass, he absolutely will. He's got a quick release and puts excellent touch on deep balls in particular, often placing them in front only where his wideouts could get it. He consistently makes the right reads at the right time, and with a big camp circuit during the offseason, Kuehn's stock could continue to rise significantly.     Sell was the bona fide RB2 last season, and also started on defense as a linebacker. That offensive role is expected to expand as well, with the graduation of the Tigers' RB1 this spring. As a junior, he totaled 224 rushing yards and 4 TDs while averaging a phenomenal 7.5 YPC, and brought down 52 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and 2 fumble recoveries on defense. His best tape is on defense, where Sell shows off some fantastic form tackling. He tackles like a high-level wrestler, often tackling through ball carriers or jacking up their legs and taking them down. I love how physical he is when collisoning lead blockers, and how he can blow them up and still make the tackle. He's fast enough to bend around offensive linemen when they reach the second level, and physical enough to straight up bully them if they manage to reach around to engage him. Sell is on track for a big senior season.     One of the consensus top prospects in the class of 2027, Moriarty is blessed with both the physical gifts and the technique to play a wide variety of positions in college. On offense, he ran for 83 yards and 4 TDs as a fullback, caught 18 balls for 253 yards and a TD as a tight end. On defense, he tore through offenses, tallying a jaw-dropping 101 total tackles, 7 TFLs, .5 sack, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 FFs, and a defensive TD. He also punted for the Tigers. His tape is exactly what you would expect from a prospect of his caliber. This kid makes plays across the field. He's a defensive lineman who can line up as a 3-tech or a 5-tech and be equally effective at both, but also has tape as an off-ball MLB. Not many 260 lbers move as well as Moriarty. He makes tackles from alley to alley and can execute a mean gator-roll in pursuit of the ball carrier. He provides constant pressure when pass-rushing and can execute successfully anywhere he's played. Big things are brewing for the 2027 Tigers prospect.     A standout football and baseball player who is regarded as one of the best 2028's in the state, Lendt made a massive three-way impact on offense, defense, and special teams. As a receiver, Lendt brought down 35 receptions for 651 yards with 10 TDs. As a DB, Lendt tallied 40 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 FF, 4 INTs, and a defensive TD. As a kicker, he went 31/40 on XPs. As a receiver, Lendt brings a lot to the table. He's a legit YAC threat, capable of turning a 5-yard hitch into a 40-yard TD. He's very dangerous in open space and cooks defenders who play a loose zone against him. Lendt is very difficult to tackle in open space, and has a bunch of film where he makes them look silly en route to a TD. He's also a tough cover in man. Lendt has a smooth release off the line and can create immediate separation from a corner, exposing them on deeper routes. On defense, Lendt is a ballhawking safety. He does a great job of reading the QB's eyes and punishing underthrown balls by jumping the route and picking off the QB. Lendt is going to be dangerous during his junior year.     A stout defensive lineman with an impressive frame for a sophomore, Trevino recorded 60 total tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, a fumble recovery, a FF, a blocked kick, and a PBU last season. This kid is a menace in his pursuit of the ball carrier. He is noticeably more athletic than a vast majority of the offensive linemen he is competing against, and fires off the ball low. He sheds offensive linemen with a crazy amount of ease and proves to be an impressive run defender who can work down the line while evading the wash. He's got a disgusting swim move in his bag that sends blockers head over heels. He produces several QB pressures that cause big mistakes in key moments for the offense as well. That Tigers' defensive line might be the best in A football next season.

The Springfield Tigers have been one of the most prominent and successful programs, not just in their class, but in the state as a whole. They've repeatedly not only made the state tournament, but have also made a number of trips to the Prep Bowl since the beginning of the decade. The team that they are putting together for their 2026 campaign looks special, returning a lot of big-name athletes at key positions, including two of the highest-rated athletes in their classes. Keep an eye out for the Tigers next fall!