Multiple area schools saw some key players transfer in over the offseason. That influx of talent has those teams about to explode like a stick of dynamite according to the voters of the John A. Logan College Little Egypt Football Poll.
The Centralia Orphans were already a team many expected good things out of in the 2026 season between a slew of returners led by quarterback Archie Goeway and their move to the Cahokia Conference’s Mississippi Division. But the return of running back Jashawn Staples has put the Orphans over the top as the area favorite to be the best team in the region.
The Carbondale Terriers have gotten plenty of attention this offseason. A few transfers, including stud sophomore running back Kegan Shields (who transfers from county rival Murphysboro), the emergence of Joseph Frierdich (a potential Power Four tackle as he continues to collect scholarship offers from some of the top college programs in the nation), and Davin Wooley’s senior season seem to be the recipe for a successful season for the Terriers. They come in at #2 this season.
The Carterville Lions had the top running back last season in Jonathan Miller, rushing for over 1,400 yards. That alone has folks believing the Lions could make noise this year. They enter the season ranked #3.
The Benton Rangers saw their season end earlier than expected after a 9-0 regular season, they ran in to a day full of speed bumps in the first round of the postseason. A pushed back kickoff in their home playoff game against St. Joseph-Ogden ended in an unexpected defeat. Quarterback Drake Porter’s junior season is expected to be more of the same as the Rangers come in at #4.
The Du Quoin Indians were another program this season that benefitted from an incoming transfer. Wide receiver Tyler McConnell (from Pinckneyville), the top returning receiver in the area, comes in like a shot in the arm for the Indians who have a new quarterback with Ayden Henderson taking over under center. The Indians round out the Top 5.
The Nashville Hornets are another team with big expectations this season. Junior quarterback Cole Stiegman tossed for nearly 2,000 yards last year and the development of sophomore wide out Brantley Kozuszek figures to be something all Southern Illinois football fans have their eyes on. The Hornets are #6.
The Johnston City Indians are the only Black Diamond Conference team to crack the top ten this season. The Indians lose key running back Jace Weaver to graduation so they’ll be looking for their next electric playmaker to step up. Johnston City is #7.
The Marion Wildcats are another club that are looking for the answer at what comes next after graduating one of the best passers ever in Southern Illinois history in Callahan Roper, as well as most of his favorite targets. The Wildcats open the year #8.
The Mt. Vernon Rams are down star running back Jashawn Staples but still return enough to garner the #9 ranking in the preseason.
The West Frankfort Redbirds have been building to this season. A pair of good seasons have been strung together and they hope to capitalize on those years with a big senior year from players like quarterback Lucas Parker and twins Parker and Payton Allen. The Redbirds are #10 to start the year.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (2025 Record) [First Place Votes] | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Centralia (7-3) [9] | 121 | – |
| 2 | Carbondale (3-6) [2] | 112 | – |
| 3 | Carterville (10-1) [2] | 109 | – |
| 4 | Benton (9-1) [1] | 93 | – |
| 5 | Du Quoin (9-2) [2] | 88 | – |
| 6 | Nashville (5-5) | 87 | – |
| 7 | Johnston City (10-1) | 68 | – |
| 8 | Marion (6-4) | 59 | – |
| 9 | Mt. Vernon (3-6) | 36 | – |
| 10 | West Frankfort (6-4) | 34 | – |
Also receiving votes: Murphysboro 24, Fairfield 12, Chester 12, Harrisburg 8, Sesser-Valier 6, Sparta 6
*The John A. Logan Little Egypt Football Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week
