Saint Thomas Aquinas enters the 2026 football season with a strong foundation and plenty of experience on the offensive side of the ball.
The Saints went 8-2 last season and return six offensive starters as coach Randy Dreiling enters his 12th year at the school. Dreiling believes the team has the pieces to develop into a strong squad.
“Should develop into a very good team,” Dreiling said.
The Saints will lean on a veteran group offensively, beginning with senior quarterback Carson Patrick, who will direct Aquinas’ flexbone offense. Patrick will have several experienced players around him, including senior tight end Hunter Cozzy, senior receivers Arthur Witherspoon and Xavier Bachamp and junior running back Colton McGlinn.
Senior offensive lineman Barrett Ryan, listed at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, provides a sizable presence up front.
Aquinas’ flexbone system will emphasize execution, discipline and the ability to create opportunities in the running game. With six offensive starters returning, the Saints should have familiarity with the offense entering the season.
McGlinn is the lone junior among the team’s top six offensive performers, giving Aquinas an experienced core while also providing a player who could become an important part of the program’s future.
The Saints will have more work to do defensively, where just three starters return. However, Aquinas has a group of experienced seniors expected to take on larger roles.
Senior defensive tackle Zion Thornton, at 6-1 and 290 pounds, anchors the interior of the defense. He will be joined by senior linebacker Jsir Chatman, defensive end Jack Boddicker and a veteran secondary featuring nickel Terrence Bryant and safeties Gunnar Greeson and Drew Mortimer.
Thornton’s size should give Aquinas a strong presence along the defensive front, while the experience in the secondary gives the Saints several seniors to help guide a defense replacing three starters.
With a 8-2 record to build upon and significant experience returning on offense, Aquinas enters the season with reason for optimism. The Saints will look to develop that experience into another successful season as they work toward becoming one of the stronger teams in Kansas.
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