2026 Team Preview: Algona Bulldogs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a strong season in 2024, the Algona Bulldogs took a step backwards with the departures of several key figures, including top-rated QB Alex Manske, along with inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs stumbled to a 4 game losing streak following a 3-1 start before rallying an upset over Bishop Heelan to wrap up the 2025 season. Despite taking a step backwards in 2025, the returning talent on this roster certainly brings a lot to the table and may give the Bulldogs the edge to rally back in the 3A conference and put themselves back into contention this upcoming season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look at 7 players that will lead the way for the upcoming 2026 season for Algona!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204547"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36fd22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1204547' first='Nathan' last='Manske'] entered 2025 with lofty expectations to live up in the footsteps of his older brother, and it will certainly be difficult to match up to those high standards, but Manske gave promise in his first full year as a starter. Manske finished with 1502 passing yards, 14 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for a team-high 745 yards (5.6 YPC) and 10 TDs. He also recorded 48.5 tackle and 3 INTs on defense. Manske performs well under Center, proving to be a solid leader who can stretch the ball down the field and adds range as a dual-threat QB who can beat defenses with his legs. Manske is no ways a bad starting QB, and I think he has the potential to shock a lot of people in his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1902362"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36fddf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1902362' first='Tayten' last='Rummel'] has been building a strong resume this offseason as a continuous standout at the camps he's gone to, and he is primed for a huge breakout campaign leading the way for the Bulldogs' defense. As a sophomore, Rummel finished 3rd on the team with 41.5 tackles, 7 TFLs, and a team-high 4 sacks. A physical and aggressive tackler, Rummel worked very well blitzing from his MLB position to force pressure in the backfield as well as disrupting the pocket, being able to shut down the ball-carrier dead in their tracks while also showing consistent hustle in chasing down players aiming outside the perimeter. Rummel has already generated a ton of attention from D1 and D2 scouts, and perhaps a big season in 2026 could solidify his position as a priority target at the FBS level by his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2264298,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36fe48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2264298' first='Micah' last='Kitzinger'] is primed to become the top target for Manske in the passing game for the Bulldogs as one of the few returning starters at WR in 2026. Kitzinger recorded 12 receptions for 168 yards and 3 TDs as a junior. Kitzinger flashes fluid agility and change of direction, being able to effortlessly flip his hips and adjust to the ball, working especially well on horizontally routes, while also having a keen sense of adapting his route on the fly to adjust to the QB scrambling out of the pocket to get open. Kitzinger should easily be at the forefront of their offense entering 2026 and should garner the bulk of targets from Manske for this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2264307,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36fea2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2264307' first='Will' last='Limbaugh'] is the younger brother of Jack, who will be a redshirt freshman for the Cyclones in 2026, and while perhaps not as flashy as his older brother, Will has done a solid job following in his footsteps. Limbaugh finished last season with 31.5 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 2 sacks. Standing at 6'3" and 240 lbs, Will is a bit bigger in comparison to when his brother came out of high school, and that size has helped him greatly in his matchups, showing solid footwork and being able to overpower blockers, as well as display an array of pass-rush moves to get around the Tackles and to the QB. Limbaugh has also stood out as a rock-solid IOL, being able to pin and jam defenders effectively as well as work his way to the second level to attack the LBs. Will may not generate the same level of attention, but he is a solid force on both sides of the trenches for the Bulldogs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2264310,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36fef9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2264310' first='Cael' last='Rotert'] is another two-way player that has been a strong supporting piece for the Bulldogs already, and may have an even bigger role for the team in 2026. At Strong Safety, Rotert finished 2nd on the team with 44 tackles to go with 2 INTs, one returned for a TD. In addition, Rotert ran for 101 yards on the ground and will contend for the Bulldogs' vacant No. 1 RB role on the depth chart this next season. A solid enforcer on defense who shows solid range to cover both the inside and outside-run game, Rotert also shows soild coverage skills and potential ball-hawk capabilities baiting the middle of the field. Rotert could be seeing time starting on both sides of the ball, though his skills have translated better so far in the secondary. Either way, Rotert should have much more of a leadership role for the team in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2264312,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36ff50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What he lacks in size and tape, he makes up for in motor and speed as a DE that is one of the Bulldogs' top returning defenders for their starting lineup in 2026. Ulrich led the team in TFLs (8) to go along with 26.5 tackles and a sack. His sack is his only moment of film on his Hudl page at the moment, though it showcases his impressive explosiveness and burst off the snap to break into the backfield and bring down the QB with tenacity. Ulrich proved capable of sealing the edge throughout his junior season, and combined with Limbaugh, should form a formidable duo on the trenches to contain the pocket once again in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2201966"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6fcbf36ffa9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2201966' first='Jacob' last='Burns']' role on the varsity lineup for the Bulldogs remains a question mark entering the 2026 season, but he flashes a lot of potential to become a stud at both QB and FS. Offensively, he finished 4 of 9 passing for 113 yards while adding a rushing TD along with an INT on defense. With Manske holding both the starting QB and FS roles, it makes it difficult for Burns to see a lot of playing time, but with great size and a solid arm to stretch the boundaries, Burns should make a solid transition into the starting lineup when his time comes, whether that be this upcoming season or his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->