Owensboro Catholic enters the 2026 season at a crossroads that only elite programs experience. The Aces are coming off another deep postseason run, but this time the roster turnover is real, and it forces the program to evolve. A senior class that defined the identity of the team on both sides of the ball has moved on, leaving behind big shoes and an even bigger opportunity.

The most notable loss is Miles Edge, a rare two-way force who anchored both the running game and the linebacker corps. His departure, along with fellow linebacker Nick Sims, leaves a leadership and physicality gap in the middle of the defense. Up front, the Aces must replace an entire defensive line rotation with the losses of Caden Conkright, Barrett Evans, and Reece Sims — three players who set the tone with toughness and consistency. In the secondary, the graduation of Jude Cecil removes a shutdown corner who allowed Owensboro Catholic to play aggressively everywhere else on the field.

Offensively, the change is just as significant. A veteran receiving group is gone, with Xavier Maddox, Luke Thomas, Hudson Ebelhar, and Cam Woodward all moving on after years of production. Up front, the losses of Tristan French, Zach Masterson, and Jacob Hamilton mean the offensive line will look different from day one. This is not a simple reload year — it is a re-shaping year.

And yet, Owensboro Catholic still has what most programs do not: a true difference-maker at quarterback.

Everything in 2026 begins and ends with DreMail Carothers. After throwing for more than 4,000 yards and earning Division I attention from Kentucky and Oregon State, Carothers gives the Aces instant credibility as a state championship contender. His command of the offense, decision-making, and ability to elevate new weapons will determine just how high this team’s ceiling truly is. With so much experience gone at wide receiver, his leadership will be tested early, but his talent ensures Owensboro Catholic will never be out of a game.

The offensive line, while younger, still has a cornerstone. John Paul Carrico returns as one of the premier linemen in the state, armed with numerous Division I offers and the ability to stabilize an otherwise retooled unit. Keagan French provides another critical piece, giving the Aces a foundation to build around as new starters grow into their roles. How quickly that group comes together will be one of the defining factors of the season.

In the backfield and on defense, Jude Evans becomes a central figure. His versatility at running back and linebacker gives Owensboro Catholic flexibility as it replaces Miles Edge’s production by committee rather than by replica. Evans’ development into an every-down leader will be vital, especially early in the year as the defense finds its footing.

One of the most intriguing returners is Noah Grant, who impacts the game on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. With so many receivers gone, Grant is positioned to emerge as a primary target and a trusted presence in the secondary. His ability to handle that workload could quietly define the Aces’ balance.

The identity of the 2026 Aces may look different, but the expectations have not changed. This team will lean more heavily on its quarterback, ask younger players to grow up quickly on defense, and rely on culture and preparation to bridge the gap left by a decorated senior class. The path through Class 2A remains difficult, and Owensboro Catholic will need to be sharper late in the season than early.

If the offensive line develops, if new receivers emerge around Carothers, and if the defense finds answers up front, Owensboro Catholic has the tools to return to the state championship conversation once again. The question for 2026 is not whether the Aces are talented enough — it is whether this next group is ready to carry the weight of expectation and turn opportunity into a title. Coach Jason Morris and the staff will have a plan for the 2026 Aces.

Edited December 29, 2025Dec 29 by TimeWillTell

3 hours ago, TimeWillTell said:

Owensboro Catholic enters the 2026 season at a crossroads that only elite programs experience. The Aces are coming off another deep postseason run, but this time the roster turnover is real, and it forces the program to evolve. A senior class that defined the identity of the team on both sides of the ball has moved on, leaving behind big shoes and an even bigger opportunity.

The most notable loss is Miles Edge, a rare two-way force who anchored both the running game and the linebacker corps. His departure, along with fellow linebacker Nick Sims, leaves a leadership and physicality gap in the middle of the defense. Up front, the Aces must replace an entire defensive line rotation with the losses of Caden Conkright, Barrett Evans, and Reece Sims — three players who set the tone with toughness and consistency. In the secondary, the graduation of Jude Cecil removes a shutdown corner who allowed Owensboro Catholic to play aggressively everywhere else on the field.

Offensively, the change is just as significant. A veteran receiving group is gone, with Xavier Maddox, Luke Thomas, Hudson Ebelhar, and Cam Woodward all moving on after years of production. Up front, the losses of Tristan French, Zach Masterson, and Jacob Hamilton mean the offensive line will look different from day one. This is not a simple reload year — it is a re-shaping year.

And yet, Owensboro Catholic still has what most programs do not: a true difference-maker at quarterback.

Everything in 2026 begins and ends with DreMail Carothers. After throwing for more than 4,000 yards and earning Division I attention from Kentucky and Oregon State, Carothers gives the Aces instant credibility as a state championship contender. His command of the offense, decision-making, and ability to elevate new weapons will determine just how high this team’s ceiling truly is. With so much experience gone at wide receiver, his leadership will be tested early, but his talent ensures Owensboro Catholic will never be out of a game.

The offensive line, while younger, still has a cornerstone. John Paul Carrico returns as one of the premier linemen in the state, armed with numerous Division I offers and the ability to stabilize an otherwise retooled unit. Keagan French provides another critical piece, giving the Aces a foundation to build around as new starters grow into their roles. How quickly that group comes together will be one of the defining factors of the season.

In the backfield and on defense, Jude Evans becomes a central figure. His versatility at running back and linebacker gives Owensboro Catholic flexibility as it replaces Miles Edge’s production by committee rather than by replica. Evans’ development into an every-down leader will be vital, especially early in the year as the defense finds its footing.

One of the most intriguing returners is Noah Grant, who impacts the game on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. With so many receivers gone, Grant is positioned to emerge as a primary target and a trusted presence in the secondary. His ability to handle that workload could quietly define the Aces’ balance.

The identity of the 2026 Aces may look different, but the expectations have not changed. This team will lean more heavily on its quarterback, ask younger players to grow up quickly on defense, and rely on culture and preparation to bridge the gap left by a decorated senior class. The path through Class 2A remains difficult, and Owensboro Catholic will need to be sharper late in the season than early.

If the offensive line develops, if new receivers emerge around Carothers, and if the defense finds answers up front, Owensboro Catholic has the tools to return to the state championship conversation once again. The question for 2026 is not whether the Aces are talented enough — it is whether this next group is ready to carry the weight of expectation and turn opportunity into a title. Coach Jason Morris and the staff will have a plan for the 2026 Aces.

In the state championship game I was impressed with the James kid, and the Simms kid, on defense.

Am I reading this right, they play Boyle Co in the Rafferty's Bowl?

13 hours ago, TimeWillTell said:

Am I reading this right, they play Boyle Co in the Rafferty's Bowl?

Yes.

Edited December 31, 2025Dec 31 by theguru

Bump.

On 1/15/2026 at 1:56 PM, theguru said:

This kid is one of the best players in the State. 

3 minutes ago, TimeWillTell said:

This kid is one of the best players in the State. 

Love it!  Owensboro Catholic almost has to be right at the top in 2026.

Just now, theguru said:

Love it!  Owensboro Catholic almost has to be right at the top in 2026.

They should be. This year we play them at Steele Stadium and Owensboro history at Steele Stadium has not been great. I would say Boyle Co or Bowling Green (not sure if they are playing Bowling Green or Boyle in the Rafferty's Bowl) , Apollo and Owensboro games off the bat would be good tests for them. 

Just now, TimeWillTell said:

They should be. This year we play them at Steele Stadium and Owensboro history at Steele Stadium has not been great. I would say Boyle Co or Bowling Green (not sure if they are playing Bowling Green or Boyle in the Rafferty's Bowl) , Apollo and Owensboro games off the bat would be good tests for them. 

I am ready!  Is it August yet?

On 1/20/2026 at 1:32 PM, TimeWillTell said:

They should be. This year we play them at Steele Stadium and Owensboro history at Steele Stadium has not been great. I would say Boyle Co or Bowling Green (not sure if they are playing Bowling Green or Boyle in the Rafferty's Bowl) , Apollo and Owensboro games off the bat would be good tests for them. 

O-Cath plays Boyle County.

Could this OC team end up the regular season at 6-4; 7-3?

1 hour ago, Big East Zebra said:

Could this OC team end up the regular season at 6-4; 7-3?

I don’t know. Who’s their 3 possibly 4 losses?

1 hour ago, Big East Zebra said:

Could this OC team end up the regular season at 6-4; 7-3?

8-2. I can't see 7-3, nevertheless 6-4 at all.