2026 Team Preview: St. Thomas Academy Cadets

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets have been a storied unit as one of the top perennial contenders in the state each season, generating an outstanding amount of talent produced to compete at the next level. Still, a 4th state championship title for the football team has been elusive since 1975, and they came short once again in 2025, losing in the state semifinal round to the eventual state champion Spring Lake Park. Still, there is no doubt that they should be one of the top units to fare off against once again in the 5A conference for 2026, with a strong returning group of starters and players finally getting their opportunity to start looking to keep this powerhouse chugging along.   We take a look at 7 players that will lead the way for the Cadets' football team in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1061080' first='Tristan' last='Karl'] has emerged as a steady leader and strong competitor to lead the way for the Cadets' offense. Karl threw for 922 yards, 15 TDs, and 4 INTs as a junior while rushing for 514 yards (6.3 YPC) and 4 TDs. He also caught a 10 yard TD pass during the season. Dynamic, elusive, and impressively fast in the open field, Karl boasts the athleticism to work well as a dual-threat QB who can scramble for a chunk gain when necessary. Karl has also continued to grow upon his passing mechanics over the offseason and excels in the RPO-game. Karl has also developed quite a bit this offseason as a WR to possibly yield his athleticism toward even more potential at the next level. It will be exciting to see what's in store for Karl as he enters his senior campaign.     I had mentioned Cooper Flanagan early this offseason as a rising stud, and he should have a much bigger presence on the Cadets' defense as he enters his sophomore season. An explosive and hard-hitting defender who flashes great vision and anticipation for his age, Flanagan excels as an all-purpose LB who could create pressure in the backfield, limit the runs outside the box, and jam the ball out of the receiver's hands as the ball gets to him. Having grown quite a bit since his freshman season, Flanagan could become a starter, and possibly very soon a captain for the Cadets' defense as his stock continues to surge.     Sam McNellis brings a significant amount of potential as a Safety/Overhang defender that has made it difficult for opponents to pass his way. McNellis ranked 4th on the team last season with 39 tackles to go with an INT. McNellis plays the ball very well, being able to shut down 50-50 balls and flashing impressive range around the field to be able to get to the WR and break up the throw, as well as being able to minimize and close down space on the WR to prevent yardage after the catch. McNellis has proven to be exceptional in pass coverage, and should continue pay off huge dividends for their defense going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='2265348' first='Ian' last='Turnbow'] spent 2025 backing up Dominic Baez in the backfield, and he is currently slated to enter 2026 as the No. 1 RB on the depth chart. Turnbow flashed promise in a limited role, rushing for 227 yards (4 YPC) and a rushing TD. Turnbow flashes solid cutback ability, doing a great job working his way through the LOS and around the box to get into the perimeter where he is able to generate big plays in open space. Turnbow may have a tall task ahead of him succeeding Baez, who ran for over 1400 yards and 22 TDs last season, but he should play a vital role for the Cadets' offense as he looks to help guide the team to another deep postseason run and potential state championship bid.     [player_tooltip player_id='1654633' first='George' last='Plum'] possesses great size and frame entering his junior year, and with an opportunity to crack toward the top of the WR depth chart entering 2026 as well. In limited appearances, Plum caught 4 passes for 59 yards. Plum possesses great ball skills, using his length to go up in the air and reel in high passes as well as catching well in traffic. His size also benefits well as a blocker, proving difficult for smaller DBs to match up with, and possessing impressive power to knock defenders to the ground. Plum should enter his junior season as a full time starter, and with that could have a breakout campaign that could see his stock skyrocket entering his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1248615' first='Aidan' last='Frommeyer'] still certainly could grow more into his frame as an undersized DB prospect, but he should enter his senior season with a much more prominent role for the Cadets' secondary after spending most of last season on JV. Frommeyer's pass coverage skillset continues to grow, flashing solid range and first punch ability to jam WRs quickly off the snap. Frommeyer also adds value as a Punter, flashing a solid leg with long hangtimes to pin the opposing team deep. Frommeyer will look to make the most of his opportunity to start on the varsity lineup as he looks to break out in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1630870' first='Grant' last='Young'] rounds out this list as another defensive stud beaming with potential as he looks to become a full-time starter for the Cadets' defense entering his senior season. As a junior, Young recorded 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, a sack, and an INT. Effective as an OLB, Young plays with a high motor around the edge, being able to get into the backfield quickly to disrupt the pass and shut down the run, while also working well outside the box to contain the ball-carrier. With some extra size, Young could bring even more to the table as a LB/Overhang defender who could bring hybrid value at the next level.

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets have been a storied unit as one of the top perennial contenders in the state each season, generating an outstanding amount of talent produced to compete at the next level. Still, a 4th state championship title for the football team has been elusive since 1975, and they came short once again in 2025, losing in the state semifinal round to the eventual state champion Spring Lake Park. Still, there is no doubt that they should be one of the top units to fare off against once again in the 5A conference for 2026, with a strong returning group of starters and players finally getting their opportunity to start looking to keep this powerhouse chugging along.