Returning Lettermen: 22 (6 returning starters on offense; 5 on defense)
Taylor Key Players and Storylines
The last time Taylor went winless was in its debut season back in 1980. It’s not the start Chris Babin would have wanted in his debut season, but he believes the Mustangs have room for optimism.
Four of their ten losses in 2025 were by one score. At the sub-varsity level, both the JV and freshmen A teams went 7-3. Babin believes good days are ahead for Taylor, beginning this year with 11 returning starters.
Offensively, the passing attack has firepower with Zac Phillips (409 receiving yards, 115 rushing yards), a returning all-district utility player, and 6’2” senior receiver Will Dyson (428 receiving yards and three touchdowns).Up front, Babin expects the offensive line to be a strength with returning 6’2”, 290-pound center Zach Berman right at the heart of the unit.
Defensively, the Mustangs are just as sturdy in the trenches. 6’2”, 245-pound senior Andries Dreyer is making the switch from offensive line to the defensive line and will get the nod alongside returning 5’11”, 240-pound defensive tackle Sebastian Sebung (19 tackles, two TFLs).
On the back end, cornerback/safety Jonathan Rodriguez (31 tackles, two INTs) is a three-year letterman who is not only great in coverage but a special teams return threat too.
Babin feels like Taylor’s culture has made huge strides in his first year in charge. He believes they’re ready to turn those one possession losses into wins this year as they look to be in playoff contention down the stretch.