GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College football coach Brent Barnes has seen the Pioneer program on an upward trajectory in his years guiding the team, and by all indicators, the 2026 squad could be his best.
The Pioneers went 2-8 last season and 2-7 in the Midwest Conference, but were in striking range in many of their losses.
"We lost five games by 10 points or fewer," said Barnes. "The team knew it was just a few plays from turning those losses into victories. The players have been putting in the effort both last spring and this fall to move the program upward."
Will Weber '29 returns with experience at quarterback, seeing action in three games. "He has taken a major step up in understanding the offense," said Barnes, who said others competing at signal caller are
Wyatt Harmer '30 and
Dominic Kramer '30.
Leading the charge at running back is the experienced Sam Eaton '27, who ranked second on the team last season with 321 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also was the top kick returner with seven for 121 yards. "He has so much experience and is comfortable with what we're doing," said Barnes, adding he's excited for the future with the addition of
Andre Lopez '30 and
Riley Spencer '30 at running back.
Destino rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown last year, along with 58 receiving yards, and Eisenberg had 123 yards on the ground and 150 receiving yards with two scores while also serving as the team's top punt returner.
The top returnee at receiver is Jack Reed '27, who ranked second on the team with 18 catches for 175 yards. "Jack will lead that crew, with Zane Maxwell '28 and Ryan Feldman '28 also contributing," said Barnes. "Caden Revelle '30 is still learning the offense and will contribute sooner rather than later.
Whalen, Leonard and Tso had 43, 27 and 25 tackles, respectively, last season. Whalen posted 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, Leonard added 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks and Tso contributed 3.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Konczal far and away led the team in tackles last season with 105, including 4.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Stubbs ranked second on the team with 60 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and a pick, while Williams posted 54 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Marionneaux and Warren had 24 and 21 tackles, respectively, with 1.5 and 1.0 tackles for loss.
Noah Davidoff '28 returns at punter for Grinnell. "He's in his third year and has all-conference potential," said Barnes, who said Feldman and others are working at kicker. Davidoff punted 51 times last season for a 38.31-per kick average.
"This is a more close-knit group that we've had in recent years and they are committed to achieving their goals," said Barnes. "It's hard to say what our opponents will bring to the table, but I'm feeling very good where we're at."
Grinnell opens its 2026 campaign at home Sept. 5 against Mount Mercy University, a new program playing its first official game.
