Way too early 2026 Preview

[recycled2]

You have lot class , we will see next year son

I bet you won't see him. He will stay hidden behind his keyboard.

 

[OtisDriftwood]

O-line definitely biggest question mark going into next year for Murphy I feel. #75 and #68 will probably be the tackles and 'Dogs should be in solid shape there, interior o-line has a lot more question marks. #67 will probably start at guard even as a 10th grader, he's a really talented kid. Unsure what they will do at the other guard spot and center. #43 would probably be a good guard if he were a bit bigger but he's more fullback sized barring another growth spurt. I could possibly see #76 playing right tackle (or #72 if he puts in the work this off-season and gets in better shape) and #68 playing center instead.

D-line will definitely take a step back, #84 is impossible to replace and #71 and #51 are big losses. But there's more obvious solutions on the d-line than on the o-line in my opinion. #76 coming back is a good anchor piece and then #68, #80, #72 and #67 should be in the mix to start at various spots on the d-line.

#55 will be greatly missed at MLB, I still like the potential of the LB group next year with #9 moving into #55's spot at MLB and #43 and probably #2 coming into the starting lineup at OLB. I could see #8 starting at OLB too if they decide to not to put him at safety, but I would imagine either #8 starts at free safety or #12 slides over to free safety from strong safety and #8 takes over at strong safety. The secondary will probably be the strength of next year's defense.

Since you mentioned the secondary as the strength of the defense next year (I agree) it got me thinking of 21 (starting CB) and whether he will ever be used on offense. He’s fast and shifty and would be good at WR or as a back up at WB behind 8..

Overall I think Murphy will be fine. Might not do as well early on as last year’s experienced bunch so hopefully the non SMC schedule won’t be as tough as this past season. But by conference and playoff time I think team will put it together and make another deep run. Very important that we get as many home playoff games as possible this next season.

 

[bengal4life]

I bet you won't see him. He will stay hidden behind his keyboard

You probably right lol

 

[vikandpirate4christ]

I love how we've created a culture where a title is the standard every year. Again, our fans have been very blessed. Many teams are content, and call good years deep runs, a good year for us is a title. Looking forward to seeing the Vikings tomorrow in the Shrine Bowl.

 

[SMC Observer]

Since you mentioned the secondary as the strength of the defense next year (I agree) it got me thinking of 21 (starting CB) and whether he will ever be used on offense. He’s fast and shifty and would be good at WR or as a back up at WB behind 8..

I could see #21 getting some offensive reps next year at wing or receiver but I will be shocked if he isnt starting at one of those two spots in '27. The backfield will be loaded next year and in '27, even with #5 and #23 graduating after '26. #8 should take over at RB in '27 and then #2, possibly #9, possibly #21, #40 and #43 in the mix at FB and WB.

Speaking of #40 didnt really know anything about the kid but he pleasantly surprised me with some of his running in garbage time this year, he's a bowling ball (mean that in a good way) and brings a different running style to the other backs. I could see him being an option at fullback as a senior (in short yardage situations at the very least) in '27 if he continues to develop.