2026 Team Preview: Owatonna Huskies

After an outstanding run where the Huskies won a total 19 games between 2023 and 2024, Owatonna fell back down to earth in 2025, dropping with a disappointing 5-5 season that was skidded from the beginning with an 0-3 start to the year. Despite battling inconsistency over the course of the year, the Huskies would rebound and win their opening playoff game over Rochester Century, but came crashing down again when they lost the semifinal round to Northfield 26-23 by giving up 13 unanswered points in the final 2 minutes. The Huskies will look to corral the team back in the right direction in 2026, and their comeback efforts will be aided by a solid returning group of starters for the team.   We take a look at 7 players that will lead the way for the upcoming 2026 season for the Huskies!    By far the most proven prospect among the Huskies' roster, [player_tooltip player_id='1564023' first='Sam' last='Dulas'] will be one of the premier faces for Owatonna in 2026. A powerful RT who packs a strong punch at the point of contact, Dulas possesses the skillset to seal the edge and contain speedy pass-rushers outside of the pocket, giving very little leeway to work with for defenders, and he is one of the most aggressive blockers at the point of contact, showing that he has what it takes to maintain a high motor throughout all 48 minutes of the game. After an impressive offseason, Dulas committed to Sioux Falls at the next level, and he will look to round out his high school career by bringing Owatonna back on to the right track.     [player_tooltip player_id='2256558' first='Nolan' last='Rolloff'] has been more regarded as a highly touted baseball prospect, and the Short Stop has already committed to play baseball at St. Thomas. However, Rolloff talents translate well on the gridiron to make him a standout in the secondary. Rolloff recorded 58 tackles and 2 INTs as a junior, while also ranking 2nd offensively with 126 receiving yards on 11 catches. Rolloff flashes playmaking value in 1-on-1 situations on both sides of the ball, showing potential to burn defenders on the go-routes and make acrobatic catches/interceptions with one hand. Rolloff should continue to bring excitable value for the Huskies through his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2256567' first='Aedan' last='Tackmann'] returns as the starting QB for the Huskies and will look to round out his high school career on a high note. Tackmann finished with 928 passing yards, 6 TDs, and 5 INTs last season while adding 2 TDs on the ground. At times, Tackmann's performance was certainly erratic with his accuracy, but he also flashed a lofty arm that could stretch the field and balance out the potent run-attack, nailing some really nice passes down the field and allowing his receivers to work their magic in 1-on-1 situations. Tackmann will try to corral his offense with more consistency as he enters a pivotal senior campaign.     Cracking the varsity lineup as a junior, [player_tooltip player_id='2256577' first='Carson' last='Bock'] made the most of his opportunity and solidified his spot as a reliable starter for the Huskies' defense. Bock recorded 43 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick as a junior. A solid plug at MLB who isn't afraid to attack the LOS and burst into the backfield to create a play behind the line, Bock was in many ways disruptive, being able to shut down the inside-run, create pressure in the pocket, and disrupt the punt game on special teams. This aggressive style should continue to help benefit the Huskies heading into 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='2256583' first='Cooper' last='Routh'] is a rising star in the makings for the Huskies' offense, already generating enough attention on the varsity lineup to finish as the Huskies' leading receiver in 2025 with 279 receiving yards on 15 catches and 2 TDs. A lengthy, albeit lean WR who shows solid speed and bend on his route-running ability, Routh possesses the attributes to excel as an outside WR, being able to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, and flashing a surprising amount of twitch after the catch to change direction and make defenders miss. Routh should continue to play a vital role for the Huskies' offense that will improve with the growing chemistry between him and his returning QB.     [player_tooltip player_id='2256589' first='Kade' last='Hullopeter'] may have his work cut out for him entering his senior season as he is slated to slide into the No. 1 position on the RB depth chart following the departure of star Tristan Graham. Hullopeter did a solid job on limited carries last season, rushing for 157 yards (6.5 YPC) and 3 TDs. However, his primary position comes at LB, where he will also look to break into the starting lineup as a senior. In the backfield, Hullopeter does a solid job working outside the perimeter, being able to cut and bounce around defenders to get into the open field and generate solid yardage on the ground. Defensively, Hullopeter flashes versatility to be able to effectively stop the run and the pass. A big senior campaign could yield attention for Hullopeter to get opportunities to compete at the next level in 2027.     Despite lacking film for much analysis at the moment, [player_tooltip player_id='2256603' first='Ben' last='Sackett'] returns in 2026 as one of the most effective pass-rushers for the Huskies on the Edge. Sackett had a somewhat limited role for the defense, but was still able to rack up 19 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 FFs, and a PBU defensively, leading the defense in sacks. Sackett will look to further embolden his status as a productive figure for the Huskies' defense to round out his high school career.

After an outstanding run where the Huskies won a total 19 games between 2023 and 2024, Owatonna fell back down to earth in 2025, dropping with a disappointing 5-5 season that was skidded from the beginning with an 0-3 start to the year. Despite battling inconsistency over the course of the year, the Huskies would rebound and win their opening playoff game over Rochester Century, but came crashing down again when they lost the semifinal round to Northfield 26-23 by giving up 13 unanswered points in the final 2 minutes. The Huskies will look to corral the team back in the right direction in 2026, and their comeback efforts will be aided by a solid returning group of starters for the team.