Leavenworth, Kan.— The University of Saint Mary enters the 2026 football season with a buzz in the air with a young roster and clear priorities under first-year head coach
Taylor Calvert. Coach Calvert and his staff have brought a deeply intentional approach to each day as they establish expectations and prepare the new faces of Spire football for the first taste of a new era.
That test arrives tomorrow when USM opens the season on the road against the No. 19 Evangel University Valor. The battle offers an early opportunity for a young Spire squad to measure its progress against a nationally ranked opponent. With several key positions featuring new faces, USM will look to turn its daily preparation into game-day execution while continuing to build confidence and establish its identity under coach Calvert and his staff.
Veteran experience along the offensive front should provide stability for a Spires offense that returns four of its five starters, including All-KCAC athlete
Jalin Scott. The Spires also bring back All-KCAC running back
Kameron Smith, who will look to build on an impressive freshman season and add another memorable chapter to what is still a young career for the sophomore out of Apple Valley, California.
Tyrrell Nelson and
Savyan Powell are also expected to make significant contributions as USM looks to build a balanced attack around true sophomore quarterback
Garrett Hunnicutt. With continuity up front and proven playmakers at the skill positions, the Spires enter the season with a strong foundation from which a young offense can grow.
USM will also look to
Wyatt Ramsey,
Deante Nobles,
Amari Akins, and
Jake Skahan to take on expanded leadership roles as younger players step into larger responsibilities. Their experience will be especially valuable as the Spires work to establish a defensive identity built on communication, discipline, and physicality. The veteran presence will help provide a steady foundation while younger players gain confidence and adjust to the demands of college football. As the season opens, continued growth and consistency will be key, but the combination of returning leadership and emerging talent gives the Spires plenty to build on.
The Spires will get another opportunity to build momentum in their home opener against Ottawa University on
Saturday, September 5. After opening the season on the road at Evangel, the match up will give USM its first chance to showcase its progress in front of an energetic home crowd. The early-season stretch will be valuable in building confidence, establishing consistency, and showing how quickly the pieces can come together as the season moves forward.
To listen to coach Calvert's first media day, please visit the
Urban Edge Network.
