Detroit Cass Tech Football — 2025 Season Preview

Detroit Cass Tech Football — 2025 Season Preview

2025 Game Schedule

Here’s the official slate for Cass Tech’s 2025 season:

• Aug 29 (Fri): vs Toledo Central Catholic (OH) – 7:00 PM (Non-conference)

• Sep 5 (Fri): vs Grandville – 7:00 PM

• Sep 12 (Fri): vs Detroit Renaissance – 5:00 PM

• Sep 19 (Fri): at Detroit King – 7:00 PM

• Sep 25 (Thu): at Detroit Mumford – 5:00 PM

• Oct 3 (Fri): at Western International – 5:00 PM

• Oct 10 (Fri): vs East English Village Prep – Time TBA

• Oct 17 (Fri): vs TBD (DPSCD Blue City Championship)

• Oct 24 (Fri): at Bedford – 7:00 PM

Team Ranking & Expectations

Cass Tech heads into 2025 as the top-ranked team in Michigan. According to MaxPreps, they hold the #1 state ranking with a team rating of 63.60 MaxPreps.com. Nationally (per On3), they’re also seen as a mid-tier powerhouse (ranked as #8 nationally) On3. With championship pedigree and returning talent, expectations are sky-high—everyone anticipates another deep playoff run and possibly adding to the program’s state title hardware.

Key Players, College Offers, and Commits

Cass Tech’s elite talent pipeline remains strong going into 2025:

• CJ Sadler (ATH, Class of 2026): Detroit Cass Tech star CJ Sadler has cemented himself as the unquestioned top recruit in Michigan and one of the premier prospects in the nation. The senior standout, rated as the No. 7 athlete in the country with nearly 40 offers, recently gave his commitment to North Carolina, where he’ll play under legendary new head coach Bill Belichick. Sadler is a rare two-way talent whose explosiveness and versatility allow him to dominate on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he hauled in 51 receptions for 1,043 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, showing crisp route-running, elite body control, and the ability to break away from defenders. Defensively, he projects as a future star at defensive back, bringing a physical, lockdown style that produced 55 tackles and four interceptions. Sadler’s combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a cornerstone for Cass Tech’s 2025 campaign and a future difference-maker at the college level.

• Khalief Canty (OL, Class of 2026): Khalief Canty, a towering 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman, has cemented his status as one of Michigan’s premier prospects in the Class of 2026. A composite three-star recruit, Canty is ranked as the ninth-best rising senior in the state across all positions, showcasing both his size and versatility in the trenches. Known for his strength at the point of attack and his ability to move defenders with ease, he has drawn the attention of programs nationwide. After weighing his options, Canty made his commitment to the Missouri Tigers, giving Mizzou a physically imposing and technically sound lineman with the potential to be a cornerstone in the SEC. His decision is a major recruiting win for Missouri as they continue building a strong foundation up front.

• Donald Tabron II (QB, Class of 2028) Donald Tabron II, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound quarterback from Detroit’s Cass Technical (Class of 2028), made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2024—taking over the starting job early, he guided Cass Tech to its first MHSAA Division I state football championship since 2016, culminating in a dominant 42-20 win at Ford Field. Displaying composure and arm talent beyond his years, he completed 101 of 155 passes (65.2%) for 1,656 yards with 17 touchdowns and added 77 rushing yards as a freshman in 2024. His performance has drawn significant attention from top-tier programs: he holds 22 Division I offers including Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Auburn, Kentucky, Oregon, Miami (FL), Pitt, among others.

• Joshua Paramore (OL, Class of 2028) Is another Cass Tech player that's playing at the next level. He's committed to Division II powerhouse Grand Valley St. University. Joshua will be a big part of the Cass Tech O-line.

• Marcus Jennings (LB, Class of 2026) Jennings solid play at linebacker is a game changer for Cass Tech. He was also a big part of the 2024 State champion football team. Marcus gained attention from multiple Division I colleges over the past year. He has offers on the table from West Virginia, Purdue, Iowa, and Illinois. Currently, Jennings has made a verbal commitment to Pitt.

• BJ Stovall (LB, Class of 2026) BJ Stovall, a hard-hitting linebacker from Detroit Cass Tech’s Class of 2026, stands at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and combines his size with impressive sideline-to-sideline speed. Known for his physicality and instincts on defense, Stovall has established himself as one of Cass Tech’s defensive leaders. He recently gave his hard commitment to Toledo University, where his toughness and athleticism are expected to make an immediate impact at the next level.

• Key Loss Players- Alex Graham, Cashus Shivers and Logan Howell

The team also brings back rising stars like 4-star athletes CJ Sadler and offensive lineman Canty, giving them a balance of explosive skill players and size-up front. The loss of senior leadership from Alex Graham and Shivers will test new faces stepping into big roles.

Toughest Matchups

Cass Tech’s toughest tests in 2025 will likely be:

• Toledo Central Catholic (OH): Season opener and a cross-state challenge—especially meaningful as a high-profile non-conference clash. Fresh legs and early momentum on the line.

• Detroit King (Sep 19): A longstanding PSL rivalry—always a physical, high-stakes matchup.

• Mumford and Western International: Road games that historically test depth and adaptability.

• DPSCD Blue City Championship (Oct 17): Likely a PSL playoff or city championship bout—high intensity, potential playoff implications.

Season Expectations

With a balanced schedule, top rankings, and high-level talent, Cass Tech is positioned for another memorable season. The narrative for 2025:

• District domination is expected—trophies and bragging rights likely secure.

• Rebuild on defense, transitioning from Graham and Shivers, but with talent ready to emerge.

• Offensive firepower remains in-house with Sadler leading—and Canty anchoring the line.

• Realistic State Title Shot: The combination of talent, coaching, and schedule alignment puts them squarely in the conversation. A playoff run culminating in Ford Field is the goal.

Summary Table

Ranking #1 in Michigan, top-10 nationally, Cass Tech is ready to take on anybody on the high school rankings. Talents like CJ Sadler (ATH, 2026) and Khalief Canty (OL, 2026) will help Cass Tech achieve all obstacles they might endure. Even thought Departures of Alex Graham & Cashus Shivers will make another state championship more challenging, Cass Tech still has a bunch of ammo in the clip. The most Challenging opponents for the season are Toledo Central Catholic, Detroit King, and the PSL title game.

With Coach Marvin Rushing at the helm and a lineage of state champions to draw from, Cass Tech looks primed to keep rolling in the fall of 2025. If they play to their ceiling, another championship run is very much on the table.

Sports Kickback record prediction: 9-0 (Michigan State Champs)

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