2025 was a chance at a special year for the Ryle Raiders with the amount of returning starters coming back from a State Championship Runner-Up finish in 2024.  There were many thoughts that this could even be the 2^nd best team in the state, potentially giving Trinity all they could ask for in the big game.  But alas, injuries played a huge role in their post season loss to eventual runner-up South Warren (outside of SW being very good), and what was “meant to be” was never able to come to fruition.

? Nathan Verax (QB) | Jacob Savage (RB/LB) | Dameyn Anness (RB/DB) | Dylan Lee (WR/DB) | Kyle Beatty (OL) | Eli Caldwell (OL) | David Evans (OL) | Kai Workman (LB) | Max Karwath (TE/DE) | Bo Gay (DE) | Aysaiah Riddick (DE/DT) | Jack Rehill (T/DT) | Bredyn Elder (WR/DB) | Gavin Moses (K)

? Shauncey Wynn (TE/LB) | Evan Kincaid (WR/DB) | Andrew Smith (WR/DB) | Grant Foley (WR/DB) | Xavier Collines (RB/LB) | Cruze Sauley (WR/DB) | Jesse Nunn (DE/LB) | Max Neumann (OL/DL) | Eliot Lageman (OL/DL)

There really is no way to replace multiple year, 2-way starter Jacob Savage.  The Paul Horning Award winner will be taking that talent to the potential National Champion Indiana Hoosiers and leaving a large hole to fill in both backfields.  But the Raiders have a stocked cupboard and will do their best to try and replace his production, even if it is through quantity more than quality.  Shauncey Wynn, Xavier Collins, Grant Foley, and Jesse Nunn are all talented players who can help close up some of that void on both sides.  Evan Kincaid will also help control the sidelines on defense after his 7 INT tied for the lead in all of 6A.

2026 will also mark the 1^st time since 2020 that there won’t be a Verax starting under center for the Raiders!  That continuity will almost be as tough to replace as Savage!  But again, there is stock in the cupboard and the potential is there.  Wynn, Cole Welter, Charlie Park, and Brody Smith will all be given the opportunity to take the reins and lead the Raiders.  Smith is the younger brother of current UL DL Dillon Smith and could potentially take the job as a sophomore with his size and arm strength.  Cruze Sauley, Kincaid, and Wynn will be capable targets for whomever is decided as the starting QB.

It is definitely a reloading year, but the pieces are still there for the Ryle Raiders to have a very successful 2026 season!  (Teams and locations below are assumed, order will be determined)

Covington Catholic (H)

Conner (A)

Cooper (A)

CAL (A)

Highlands (H)

Tates Creek (A)

Campbell County (H)

Great Crossing (H)

Simon Kenton (A)

Dixie Heights (A)

Lex Sowards will be one of the assistant coaches this year.

How much playing time did Wynn get last year? Anybody know what his stats ended up being??

20 minutes ago, Ordell said:

How much playing time did Wynn get last year? Anybody know what his stats ended up being??

30 total tackles

14 receptions for 231 yards and 3 TD.

7 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Lex Sowards will be one of the assistant coaches this year.

Great hire for Ryle, great dude in general hope he does well. 

11 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Lex Sowards will be one of the assistant coaches this year.

3 hours ago, DiamondGator23 said:

Great hire for Ryle, great dude in general hope he does well. 

I have known Coach Sowards since his playing days at Ryle, fantastic family man and coach. 

14 hours ago, theguru said:

I have known Coach Sowards since his playing days at Ryle, fantastic family man and coach. 

Indeed.

I'm being a little lazy asking this question as I am sure I could go look it up, but is Verax a senior this season? I would expect Ryle to take a slight step back next season with the extremely talented class of seniors that they are losing. I do know that Ryle has had a lot of success at the lower levels so I am sure they will still be the favorite to win their district. 
What are they losing on both sides of the ball from this years talented team. 

1 hour ago, AvidSportsJunkie856 said:

I'm being a little lazy asking this question as I am sure I could go look it up, but is Verax a senior this season? I would expect Ryle to take a slight step back next season with the extremely talented class of seniors that they are losing. I do know that Ryle has had a lot of success at the lower levels so I am sure they will still be the favorite to win their district. 
What are they losing on both sides of the ball from this years talented team. 

He was a Sr this past year.  I agree that it won’t be a plug and play situation where someone is going to come in and star, but there are some talented kids coming up that can take over.

I've been told there is going to be some significant coaching turnover at Ryle, losing most of their defensive coaching staff including DC Adam Collinsworth and DL/Strength Coach Ryan Ware.

10 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

I've been told there is going to be some significant coaching turnover at Ryle, losing most of their defensive coaching staff including DC Adam Collinsworth and DL/Strength Coach Ryan Ware.

Any news on where their going? Both are great coaches, with loads of experience. Both are big losses!

11 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

I've been told there is going to be some significant coaching turnover at Ryle, losing most of their defensive coaching staff including DC Adam Collinsworth and DL/Strength Coach Ryan Ware.

Voluntary or involuntary turnover?

21 minutes ago, BBHCEAGLE said:

Any news on where their going? Both are great coaches, with loads of experience. Both are big losses!

21 minutes ago, TH58 said:

Voluntary or involuntary turnover?

I was told they chose to leave. I don't believe the two I mentioned had particular destinations in mind.

2 hours ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

I've been told there is going to be some significant coaching turnover at Ryle, losing most of their defensive coaching staff including DC Adam Collinsworth and DL/Strength Coach Ryan Ware.

Coach Collinsworth is still the defensive coordinator. He did not leave.

Isn't Sowards coaching the Dline this year?