Indiana State University has revealed the leadership group that will steer the Sycamores through the 2026 football season, a roster that blends seasoned veterans with emerging playmakers.
The selection came after a player‑driven vote during the fall preseason, a process that reflects the team’s emphasis on peer respect and collective decision‑making.
Quarterback Elijah Owens, a redshirt junior from Jacksonville, Ill., will wear the captain’s armband for the third consecutive year, having earned the honor after a season‑ending injury in 2025 that tested his resilience.
Wide receiver KeShon Singleton, a redshirt sophomore from Springfield, Ill., returns as the Sycamores’ top pass catcher, having finished second on the team in receptions last season.
Offensive lineman Drew Page, a redshirt senior from Noblesville, Ind., anchors the line, prized for his ability to open holes in high‑scoring games and provide stability in the trenches.
Linebackers Braxton Sampson and Alex Rose, both redshirt seniors from Terre Haute, Ind., bring depth to the defense, each ranking among the top tacklers for the Sycamores in 2025.
Defensive lineman Kolten Gajewski, a redshirt senior from Nashville, Ill., leads a defensive front that placed 20th nationally in tackles for loss per game, underscoring his role as the group’s anchor.
Leadership poised to drive the Sycamores forward
With a mix of proven leaders and fresh talent, the 2026 roster aims to build on the momentum generated in the previous season and contend for a strong showing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.