Roman Janek, a 6‑foot‑2 defensive end from Edwardsville, Illinois, emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers for the Tigers this season.
Despite being listed as undersized, Janek combined raw power with relentless work ethic, finishing the year with seven sacks and 57 tackles, 11 of which came behind the line of scrimmage.
His knack for disrupting opposing offenses was highlighted by a season‑high 13 tackles against De Smet and three sacks in a win over Alton, numbers that helped him earn All‑Southwestern Conference first‑team honors.
A Versatile Threat on Both Sides of the Ball
The coaching staff highlighted his disruptive presence, noting his ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure from the interior.
Beyond football, Janek proved equally formidable on the mat, capturing two state wrestling medals — third place in 2026 and fourth in 2025 — and being crowned the school’s Male Athlete of the Year for the 2025‑26 academic year.
That dual‑sport pedigree underscores his versatility; he has lined up on both offensive and defensive fronts, showcasing a rare blend of size, speed and technique.
A Dual‑Sport Future at Central Missouri
Next fall, Janek will continue his athletic journey at the University of Central Missouri, where he plans to wrestle and play football under the guidance of the program’s coaching staff.
The university’s wrestling and football teams have a history of developing well‑rounded athletes, and Janek’s arrival adds a potent mix of size and discipline that could reshape their defensive schemes.