Elder High School Releases 2026 Football Schedule

Ohio powerhouse program to face tough out-of-state opponents in upcoming season

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Elder High School, a prestigious private Catholic school in Cincinnati, Ohio, has released its 2026 football schedule. The Panthers, who finished last season ranked 8th in the state, will face a challenging slate that includes three out-of-state opponents - East Central (IN), Mt. Zion Prep (MD), and St. Xavier (KY) - as well as local rivals like St. Xavier (OH) and Archbishop Moeller.

Why it matters

Ohio is known as a premier pipeline for college football recruits, and Elder High School is one of the state's top programs. The release of their 2026 schedule provides an early look at the matchups and talent that fans can expect to see in the upcoming season, building anticipation for the Friday night lights.

The details

The Elder Panthers are slated to bring back several key players from last year's 12-1 team, including 2027 quarterback Kaden Estep, running back Andrew Tallen, and safety Tye Roden. Their schedule features several marquee games, including a rematch with St. Xavier (OH) - a playoff matchup that drew over 20,000 fans to Paycor Stadium last season.

  • Elder High School released its 2026 football schedule over the weekend.
  • The Panthers are set to open their season on August 21 against Middletown.

The players

Kaden Estep

Elder High School's 2027 quarterback, who is expected to lead the team's offense in the 2026 season.

Andrew Tallen

Running back for the Elder Panthers, returning from last year's 12-1 team.

Tye Roden

Safety for the Elder Panthers, also returning from the 2025 squad.

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What’s next

Fans will be eager to see how the Elder Panthers perform against their tough 2026 schedule, which includes several high-profile matchups. The team's progress and results throughout the season will be closely watched by college scouts and local supporters alike.

The takeaway

Elder High School's release of its 2026 football schedule showcases the strength of Ohio's high school football landscape, with the Panthers set to face a challenging slate of opponents both in-state and across the country. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the Cincinnati-area program and its passionate fan base.