Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Champaign Central Maroons aim for playoffs after 4-5 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Football

Summary

Champaign Central football, under coach Matt Leskis, prepares for the 2026 season after a 4-5 campaign in 2025. The Maroons, ranked No. 10 in The News-Gazette's preseason top 10, have a strong roster returning, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Quarterback Mark Johnson's exit creates competition, while receivers Wyatt Christensen and Talin Baker and running back Ziyer Aker are expected to be key contributors. The team begins its season on August 21 against Danville.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Champaign Central finished last season with a record of 4-5.
•Coach Matt Leskis emphasizes experience on the offensive and defensive lines.
•Quarterback competition is underway following Mark Johnson's graduation.
•First game scheduled for August 21 against Danville.
•The playoff field expands to 384 teams in 2026.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — The News-Gazette's Preseason Top 10: Maroons look to take the next step

What they're saying

"
Jun. 19—CHAMPAIGN — Matt Leskis is looking toward the experienced areas of the Champaign Central football roster early in his team's summer program. The Maroons' coach is fond of his offensive and defensive lines, which return plenty of players from a 4-5 campaign in 2025. And that experience could prove especially important this summer, after sweeping changes to the IHSA football calendar ...
— Yahoo Sports

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