Detailed Talawanda Football Roster and Player Analysis for the 2025-2026 Season

The Talawanda Brave football program, representing Oxford, Ohio, has recently completed one of its most successful campaigns in recent history, finishing the 2025-26 season with an impressive 10-2 overall record. As the team transitions into the 2026 off-season, fans and scouts are closely examining the roster that propelled this turnaround.

Currently, the official 2026 fall roster is not yet finalized, as high school football programs typically release updated depth charts following spring practices and the commencement of August training camps. However, the 2025-26 roster remains the definitive guide for understanding the team’s current talent pool, the returning starters for the upcoming cycle, and the tactical identity established by the coaching staff.

Complete 2025-2026 Talawanda Varsity Football Roster

The following table provides the comprehensive player list for the Talawanda Brave during the 2025-2026 season. This roster reflects the team that secured a second-place finish in the conference and established a high standard for physical play in Southwest Ohio.

Strategic Analysis of the Talawanda Offensive Depth Chart

The offensive success of the Talawanda Brave throughout the 2025 season was built on a balanced attack that utilized both a potent ground game and efficient situational passing. Analyzing the roster positions reveals how the team’s physical characteristics translated to their 10-2 performance.

The Quarterback Unit (QB)

Oliver Bennett, entering his junior year in the 2025 season, served as the primary signal-caller. At 5'10" and 190 lbs, Bennett possesses a sturdy frame that allows him to contribute not just as a passer, but as a dual-threat runner. In the victory against Franklin, Bennett showcased this versatility by completing 64.3% of his passes (9 for 14) for 116 yards while also contributing a rushing touchdown.

His efficiency is a cornerstone of the offense. By minimizing turnovers and keeping the chains moving, Bennett allows the defense to stay fresh. Behind him, sophomore Colton Wagers and freshman Jake Van Gorden represent the future of the program, ensuring that the developmental pipeline remains strong.

The Ground Game: Running Backs (RB)

The 2025 roster was particularly heavy on backfield talent. Senior Lance Cantrell was the standout performer. Standing 5'11" and weighing 195 lbs, Cantrell fits the mold of a "power back" with breakaway speed. His performance against Franklin—17 carries for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns—included a staggering 82-yard run that highlighted his elite vision and acceleration.

Supplementing Cantrell was sophomore Windon Lowe. While Lowe primarily made his mark on defense (which we will discuss later), his role as a 190-lb sophomore running back provided a physical change of pace. The presence of other juniors like Mamoudou Datt and Colton Smith meant that the Brave could rotate backs frequently, maintaining a high level of physicality throughout the fourth quarter.

Receiving Corps and Tight Ends (WR/TE)

The receiving unit provided the necessary vertical spacing to prevent defenses from crowding the box against Cantrell. Senior Aiden Vorhees and junior Camar Ellis emerged as the most reliable targets. Ellis, in particular, demonstrated big-play capability, averaging 19.7 yards per catch in key matchups.

At the Tight End position, seniors like Ty Davie (5'11", 195 lbs) and juniors like Joey Beckett (6'3", 200 lbs) functioned as "hybrid" players. Beckett’s height makes him an ideal red-zone target, while Davie’s experience allowed him to serve as an effective "sixth lineman" in heavy run sets.

The Trenches: Offensive and Defensive Line Dynamics

Winning ten games in a single season is rarely possible without dominance at the line of scrimmage. The Talawanda roster for 2025-26 featured significant size and depth in the offensive and defensive line groups.

Size on the Front Line

The Brave’s line was anchored by Eric Staley, a 6'5", 305-lb senior. Staley’s massive frame provided a "blind side" security for Bennett and created massive lanes for Cantrell’s rushing yards. Alongside him, seniors like Jericho Fletcher (290 lbs) and Kyler Brown (255 lbs) brought a level of veteran maturity to the unit.

Junior Hollis Hofmann (6'1", 285 lbs) and Jordan Ellis (6'3", 275 lbs) were pivotal in the team's ability to sustain long drives. The weight distribution of the starting offensive line averaged nearly 270 lbs, which is exceptionally high for a high school program of Talawanda's size. This physical advantage often resulted in the Brave wearing down opponents in the second half of games.

Defensive Front Performance

On the defensive side, the line was tasked with stopping the run and collapsing the pocket. Players like junior Braylin Stepp (270 lbs) and senior Owen Perry (185 lbs, utilized as a speed rusher/DE) provided a mix of bulk and agility. The defensive strategy prioritized gap integrity, which was evident in the Franklin game where the team recorded 3 sacks and restricted the opponent to only 10 points.

Defensive Backbone: Linebackers and Secondary

If the line provided the bulk, the linebackers and secondary provided the "bite." The 2025-26 Talawanda defense was noted for its aggressive tackling and ability to create turnovers.

Linebacker Corps (LB/MLB)

Tad Polly, a senior during the 2025 season, was the vocal leader of the defense. Having been a "dog" on the field since his sophomore year, Polly’s experience was invaluable. Alongside him, sophomore Windon Lowe emerged as a defensive superstar. Lowe’s stats against Franklin were elite: 11 total tackles and 2 sacks.

The depth at linebacker, featuring players like Sam Yoches and Collton Back, allowed the Brave to run various 3-4 and 4-3 schemes effectively. These players are characterized by their "downhill" playing style—attacking the ball carrier rather than waiting for the play to develop.

The Secondary (DB/SS/FS)

The defensive backfield was led by ball hawks like Kemper McAfee. McAfee’s ability to read the quarterback’s eyes resulted in key interceptions and pass deflections throughout the season. Senior Demetrius Morris-Williams provided veteran coverage on the outside, often taking on the opponent's best wide receiver. The secondary contributed significantly to the 55 total tackles recorded in the mid-September victory over Franklin, proving that the defensive backs were just as willing to hit as the linebackers.

How the 2025 Roster Influences the 2026 Season

For those looking toward the 2026 Talawanda football roster, the 2025 data offers clear indicators of the team’s trajectory.

Returning Leaders

While the loss of seniors like Lance Cantrell and Eric Staley will be felt, the Brave are set to return a strong core. Oliver Bennett will enter his senior year as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the region. The growth of Windon Lowe from a standout sophomore to a junior leader will be the storyline to watch for the defense.

Developmental Success

The 2025 roster included a large number of sophomores and juniors who saw significant playing time. Players such as Ethan Patterson (OL/DL), Zach Moats (OL/DL), and Camar Ellis (WR/DB) will be expected to step into starting roles. The fact that many of these players were part of a 10-2 season means the "winning culture" is already ingrained in the rising senior and junior classes.

Coaching and Culture Under Andy Stuckert

The 2025-26 roster is a reflection of Head Coach Andy Stuckert’s vision for Talawanda football. Entering his tenure, Stuckert emphasized physicality and a "relentless" hustle. The roster size—nearly 70 players—indicates high engagement within the school, a significant increase from previous years.

The philosophy of "positionless" football is also evident. Many players, such as Windon Lowe and Mamoudou Datt, are listed as both RB and LB. This versatility allows the coaching staff to be creative with substitutions and specialized packages, keeping opponents off balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Talawanda Football

What was the Talawanda football record for the 2025 season?

The Talawanda Brave finished the 2025 season with a 10-2 overall record and a 2-1 record in their conference, placing second.

Who is the head coach for Talawanda football?

Andy Stuckert is the head coach of the Talawanda High School football team. He has been credited with revitalizing the program's culture and physical identity.

When will the 2026 Talawanda football roster be released?

Official rosters are typically released in late July or early August, just before the start of the regular season. The team is currently in the off-season.

Who were the leading offensive players on the 2025 roster?

Key offensive performers included quarterback Oliver Bennett (Jr), running back Lance Cantrell (Sr), and wide receiver Camar Ellis (Jr).

How can I find the most recent stats for the Talawanda football team?

The most reliable sources for up-to-date stats and roster changes are the official Talawanda Athletics website and MaxPreps.

Summary of the Talawanda Brave Program

The Talawanda football roster for the 2025-26 season showcased a perfect blend of veteran size and youthful athleticism. With a dominant offensive line led by Eric Staley and an explosive backfield anchored by Lance Cantrell, the Brave proved to be a powerhouse in their conference. As the program prepares for 2026, the foundation laid by the 2025 squad—specifically the emergence of Windon Lowe and the steady leadership of Oliver Bennett—suggests that Talawanda will remain a formidable contender in Southwest Ohio high school football.