Can McCallie Football Roll Again In 2026 Despite Key Losses

With five state championships over the last seven seasons, The McCallie School has established itself as an apex predator in the Tennessee football ecosystem.

State of the Program: The McCallie School Football

Recently, that stranglehold has loosened with the emergence of crosstown rival Baylor. For two programs that constantly measure themselves against one another, this matters. But while Baylor may have gained a slight edge, McCallie is still McCallie, and the road to a championship in Tennessee still runs through Dodson Avenue.

Following a 10-3 campaign that ended in the state semifinals with a 56-35 loss to Baylor, McCallie heads into the spring looking to improve on a 2025 season that did not end the way the Blue Tornadoes faithful had hoped.

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The challenge is steep as McCallie loses substantial experience on both sides of the ball. However, this program has proven resilient in the face of roster turnover before. Replacing key contributors while remaining in the thick of the championship hunt is something this program has proven adept at over time.

What They Lose

The Blue Tornadoes must replace a highly successful senior class that went 43-9, won two region titles and two state championships during their four years.

Twelve members of last year’s squad signed to play at the next level. Defensively, linebackers Gabe Abercrombie (University of Indianapolis) and Cooper Gentle depart, along with defensive ends Fischer French (Butler University) and Jaden Hudgins-Key (Southern Illinois), safety Malakai Jacob (McGill University), cornerback Joseph Korenbilt (McGill) and all-state defensive back Deshun Tipton (Cumberland University).

Perhaps the biggest loss on defense comes in the form of highly regarded defensive back Loia Valade, one of the state’s top players in the Class of 2027. Valade, who holds offers from more than 20 Power Four programs, transferred to Division II-AAA rival Knoxville Catholic in February.

Offensively, they must replace quarterback Elliot Drapeau (McGill), tight end/fullback Jacob Lamontagne (University of Montreal), long snapper Nelson Williams (Colorado), all-purpose star Keeyshawn Tabuteau (Wisconsin) and offensive lineman Mioussa Seck. Kris Lloyd also leaves big shoes at running back for an offense that averaged 37.2 points per game.

What They Return

Junior Louis Fortier replaces Drapeau as the full-time starter at quarterback in 2026. Fortier, who saw plenty of action last season, brings an element to the offense it has lacked in previous seasons.

Bradford said of Fortier, “Honestly, I have very high expectations. He’s 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds and loves the game of football. He has a strong arm and can make every throw. He’s very composed and even-keeled. He’s a guy who is going to learn how to play the game and the position, but I’m very excited about his skill set. I have high expectations for him and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Senior running back Xavier Fillion returns in the Blue Tornado backfield as the lead back in 2026. Last season, Fillion rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 121 carries. He also added 22 receptions for 220 yards and a score.

Fillion is a high-energy back who fits the McCallie mold.

“I’m excited about his skill set; it’s very versatile,” Bradford said. “He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can block and he runs hard. He’s very physical and strong. He’s the type of guy who plays with an edge and sets the tone.”

Caden Lockhart returns at center for the Blue Tornadoes. His experience and leadership along the interior line are a welcome sight for a group depleted by graduation.

Program Snapshot

The program’s success is rooted in an old-school identity: winning the line of scrimmage, playing suffocating defense and refusing to duck competition. It is an identity head coach Joel Bradford has maintained since taking the reins from Ralph Potter in 2024.

“I love the grind. I love the journey,” Bradford said. “I understand it may affect wins and losses, and I know there are coaches and programs out there that worry about that, but I don’t. What I worry about is wins and losses being a byproduct of what we put in: the training, the effort, the mindset and the preparation.”

Spring Storylines

Th e Fortier Era Begins

The Louis Fortier Era begins in earnest following the graduation of two-year starter Elliot Drapeau at QB. The Class of 2028 QB saw meaningful action as a freshman, throwing for 893 yards and nine touchdowns in relief duty.

Spring practice will focus on developing his command of the offense, improving his chemistry with a new receiving corps and ensuring he is ready to handle the pressure of leading a program with state championship expectations.

New Faces On Defense

The departures of Gentle, Abercrombie and Tipton leave significant holes in a defense that thrived on creating turnovers and pressuring quarterbacks.

Spring will be about identifying which underclassmen can step into expanded roles. Mylz Williams returns as a ballhawk in the secondary, but finding a new edge rusher to replace Gentle’s production and a leader to fill Abercrombie’s role will be priorities.

Forging a New Receiving Corps

With Tabuteau gone, the Blue Tornadoes need to identify reliable targets for Fortier.

While McCallie’s offense has traditionally leaned on the run and the tight end position, developing a perimeter threat will be essential to keep defenses from stacking the box. Look for younger receivers to compete for significant playing time this spring.

Maintaining The Offensive Line Standard

The 2025 offensive line was arguably the best in program history, earning national praise after the Mission Viejo win.

With the loss of its core up front, the Blue Tornadoes will spend much of the spring identifying replacements along the interior line.

2026 Outlook

Making a serious run at a sixth state title in eight years will be a tall order for a team in rebuilding mode competing in Division II-AAA East.

But do not sleep on the Blue Tornadoes. As one of the most consistent programs in Tennessee over the last half-decade, McCallie remains a formidable opponent and should make plenty of noise in 2026.