2026 Detroit Cass Tech Football Preview

DETROIT, MI- After back-to-back trips to the Division 1 State Championship game, including the 2024 state title, the Technicians enter 2026 with one goal: finish the job.

Head coach Marvin Rushing enters his sixth season leading one of Michigan’s premier football programs. Following a 13-1 campaign that ended with a Division 1 state runner-up finish, the Technicians return an abundance of elite talent on both sides of the football and once again have the pieces to contend for another championship.

The offense is led by junior quarterback Donald Tabron II (Class of 2028), one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in his class. Already a two-time state finalist as a freshman and sophomore, Tabron has thrown for more than 4,500 career yards and over 50 touchdowns. His experience, poise and ability to make plays at every level of the field make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.

Protecting his blindside is fellow junior Antijuan Wilkes Jr., the nation’s best offensive tackle in the Class of 2028 and an Under Armour All-American selection. Wilkes is the favorite for the prestigious Anvil Award, showcasing elite technique with no wasted movement off the snap, outstanding length and perfectly timed first contact that consistently overwhelms defenders. Alongside Wilkes in the trenches are Juniors Josh Baker and Harold Medley

The ground game is powered by junior running back Julian Taylor, a patient yet punishing runner who allows blocks to develop before exploding through the lane. Once he gets downhill, Taylor becomes a freight train capable of wearing defenses down throughout four quarters.

Defensively, senior linebacker Collin Sumpter (Class of 2027) is the heartbeat of the Technicians. His instincts are exceptional, reading offensive guards as well as anyone in the state while thriving as a blitzer and quarterback spy. Sumpter’s sideline-to-sideline speed, pursuit angles and relentless motor make him the leader of an already talented defense.

In the secondary, junior LaMarcus Army, the No. 10 defensive back in the nation for the Class of 2028, is a true game-changer. His recognition off the snap allows him to diagnose plays instantly, while his closing speed enables him to track down ball carriers from anywhere on the field. Army plays with a physical edge, delivering punishing hits while possessing the ball skills to turn takeaways into momentum-changing plays.

Another young name to watch is sophomore Peyton Robinson (Class of 2029), an explosive athlete who contributes on both sides of the ball. Robinson is a natural playmaker whose hands seem to find the football, and his aggressive, physical style at defensive back makes him one of the state’s rising stars.

Cass Tech’s theme for the 2026 season is simple: “Embrace the rain. How else are you going to get out of the mud.” It’s a mindset built on adversity, toughness and embracing the challenges that come with chasing championships.

With elite talent at quarterback, dominant play in the trenches, a physical defense, and a roster loaded with Division I prospects, don’t expect the Technicians to go anywhere. Cass Tech main events the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State 7:00pm, August 28thagainst Indiana’s Michigan City, the Technicians once again enters the season as one of the favorites to capture the 11-Player Division 1 State Championship.