Friday Night Drive

Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top defensive linemen to watch as the 2026 season approaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Junior running back Brandon Johnson Jr. and sophomore linebacker Jack Schapendonk were each instrumental in St. Rita's run to the IHSA Class 7A state finals in the fall. The two will be key players to watch as the Mustangs prepare for 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Princeton Tigers football fans wanting to see their favorite team early this fall will have to get their road maps out. Five of the Tigers’ first seven games will be on the road, including the Aug. 21 opener at Port Byron Riverdale. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Whether on the football field or wrestling mat, Duke Mays is always active. Now, the junior is on the move again. A native of Joliet, he has returned home. The football and wrestling standout has transferred from Johnsburg to Joliet Catholic Academy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Montini four-star junior quarterback Israel Abrams announced his commitment to Miami (FL) during a broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show Friday afternoon. Abrams threw for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2025, leading Montini to the IHSA Class 4A state title. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top returning offensive linemen to watch as the season approaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Fenwick junior Jake Thies announced his commitment to Iowa on Saturday. An All-CCL/ESCC selection in 2025, Thies rushed for over 1,100 yards, recorded nearly 60 tackles and helped lead the Friars to an IHSA 6A state title. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A standout wrestler, Montini junior lineman Gavin Ericson-Staton has emerged as a three-star prospect and will be a top player for the Broncos in 2026. Blake Pohlman, a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, is a player to watch on defense. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Junior linebacker Derrick Pomatto became a two-way threat for Joliet Catholic in 2025, rushing for three touchdowns after taking on the role halfway through the season. Pomatto will be a player to watch as the Hilltoppers look to bounce back from a rare losing season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After helping St. Laurence reach the 6A semifinals, Sean Rice holds a dozen offers from Division I programs. The junior linebacker/tight end will be a key returning player for the Vikings, who have several seniors planning to play collegiately. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After 15 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, Bradley-Bourbonnais' Mike Kohl has resigned. He will remain as the school's athletic director. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Grant Foes has always had ambitions to become a head football coach one day. That dream has been put on fast forward. Foes, 23, a 2021 Princeton High School graduate and former Tiger standout, has been named as the new head coach at Kokomo High School in Indiana. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

All-State running back Broden Mackert and Division I defensive line prospect Lamar Winfield are two Providence players who turned in strong junior seasons. The Celtics, who made the 5A state finals, will have 10 seniors playing collegiately. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Multiple Fenwick football players, including All-CCL/ESCC QB and CCL/ESCC White Offensive Player of the Year Jamen Williams, signed with collegiate programs during the National Signing Day period in early February. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The La Salle-Peru football team has an all new nonconference schedule for 2026, adding Springfield Lanphier, Wheaton Academy, Alton and Marquette Academy to the schedule. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The last two weeks Friday Night Drive has highlighted notable quarterbacks and running backs returning to Illinois prep gridirons next fall. This week is all about the receivers, with 10 pass-catchers to keep an eye on this coming fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Former Kankakee and University of Missouri standout Keagen Trost, two weeks after appearing at the NFL Scouting Combine, is getting ready for his Missouri pro day and the final steps of preparation for the NFL Draft. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

This spring, we at Friday Night Drive will start looking ahead to the fall with players we are keeping our eye on. After starting with quarterbacks last week, we move our attention to the running back position this week. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

It was a long and winding journey to get Ron Szudarski to his first varsity head football coaching position, but the veteran assistant is confident he can point Plainfield South in the right direction. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Several St. Francis football players, including All-CCL/ESCC and IHSFCA All-State wide receiver Dario Milivojevic, signed to continue on with collegiate programs during the National Signing Day period in early February. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Football is in Drake Davis’ blood. This week, he fulfilled a dream by landing his first head coaching job at Ottawa Marquette Academy. He said he knew Marquette was the right place for him with all of its tradition. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

This spring, we at Friday Night Drive will start looking ahead to the fall with players we are keeping our eye on. Who are some of the top players to watch in 2026? We will start with the quarterbacks. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Marquette Academy on Tuesday announced Drake Davis as the next head coach for the Crusaders football program, which has been a Class 1A playoff entrant each of the past 13 postseason. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Due to low numbers in its junior and senior classes, the Fieldcrest football program will only field a JV team this coming fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A three-time Big Ten champion at Wisconsin and a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, former NFL veteran James White is ready to embark on his next chapter as Benet's next head football coach. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .