STORY CITY, Ia. — 2025 saw the Roland-Story football program make a return to prominence by winning the program’s first district title since 2008, the last time the Norsemen made the UNI Dome under Hall of Fame coach Kerry Van Winkle. Roland-Story’s 2025 didn’t end in the land of Oz, but the stage is set for the Norsemen to try and find the Yellow Brick Road to Cedar Falls.
Offense
Roland-Story brings back one of Class 2A’s most explosive offenses, led by junior quarterback Colin Willis, who threw for 2,217 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025, both single-season records for the Norsemen. Willis makes up one half of Iowa’s most dynamic quarterback-receiver duo, with Luke Thoreson representing the receiving end, as the first-time all-state wideout caught 75 balls for 1,206 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. Also back are starting receivers Aiden Frey and Logan Smith to help lead a prolific passing attack. The rushing attack should have more help in 2026 with the returns of Fiston Carlson and Ben Mazyck from injury, with second-leading rusher Jake Knoll returning as well. The offensive line has some holes to fill, but brings back a lot of experience behind the play of Chance Georgius, Roman Stotts, Carter Barber and Gavin Jeter.
Defense
The Norsemen defense has a little bit more to replace, starting in the secondary with the graduations of leading tackler Cody Long and Blake Larson. Luke Thoreson, Aiden Frey and Jake Knoll return in the secondary, while athletes such as Cooper Triggs and Logan Smith will likely have expanded roles. The linebacking core remains in tact, with all 3-starters back in seniors Wyatt Ramus, Tucker Hawkins and Carter Barber returning, as the 3 accounted for 121 tackles in 2025. The defensive line will have a hole to replace with the graduation of Blake Nelsen, but TFL-leader Chance Goergius is back, as Fiston Carlson and Gavin Jeter add some depth to the front of the Norsemen’s 3-3 stack.