Delbarton Football enters the 2026 season looking to build on a 2025 campaign that saw the Green Wave capture a share of the Super Football Conference United White Division title. While Delbarton graduated a strong senior class and will have several new faces stepping into larger roles, a talented group of returning players gives the Green Wave plenty of reason for optimism heading into another demanding schedule.

The challenge begins immediately with back-to-back out-of-state opponents. Delbarton opens on the road against Gilman School in Baltimore before returning home to face Brooklyn power Erasmus Hall. From there, the Green Wave enter a difficult stretch against some of New Jersey's top programs. Defending Non-Public A champion St. Joseph Regional visits Morristown, along with Bergen Catholic, Pope John and St. Joseph Metuchen, while Delbarton travels to face DePaul Catholic, Don Bosco Prep and Seton Hall Prep.

One of Delbarton's biggest strengths should be up front, where the Green Wave return an experienced offensive line featuring Brooks Koepke, Tanner Koss, Matthew Shivas, Max Markho and Christian Diehl. That group will be counted on to set the tone for an offense that returns plenty of experience in the backfield.

Quarterbacks Gavin Gilardi and Jayden Schmalz are both back after gaining valuable varsity experience, while senior Kobe Irby-Mason returns as a powerful presence at running back after rushing for 603 yards and three touchdowns last season. Easton Wendorff gives the Green Wave another experienced option in the backfield.

The passing game should also receive a boost from the healthy return of Xavier Rodriguez, giving Delbarton another athletic weapon on the outside.

Defensively, the Green Wave return a strong veteran core led by captains Vince Achilarre, Luke McBride and Noah Christie, along with senior linebacker Michael Parrillo. Their experience and leadership will be important for a Delbarton defense that will be tested throughout one of the state's toughest schedules.

Delbarton enters 2026 with a new-look roster but a strong foundation. With experience in the trenches, proven playmakers on offense and veteran leadership defensively, the Green Wave will look to establish themselves once again among New Jersey's top programs.