CMU football returns for second consecutive spring game
A first look at the Chippewas' 2026 roster
As dozens of players clad in the maroon and gold stormed the field and shouted out their excitement, a familiar buzz filled the air at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
It was clear that for fans and players alike, it was great to be back.
Central Michigan’s spring game, the final practice for the season, returned for the second consecutive year and allowed fans to get a first look at this reshuffled roster. It was a 90-minute scrimmage, alternating between 5-minute periods and special teams reps.
“We had super fan engagement with a great turnout from fans and alumni,” second-year head coach Matt Drinkall said. “It concluded a really great spring.”
Following a 2025 season ending in a 7-6 record with a bowl game appearance, many of the names that highlighted the previous roster have either graduated or transferred out. Now, Drinkall once again gets the opportunity to build from the ground up and compete for a Mid-American Conference title.
“It was actually strange, but it worked out for us in the end,” Drinkall said.
A strong recruiting class, along with numerous impactful transfers, hope to push the team in the right direction. This spring, 98 players took the field for CMU, and only 13 of those started in some capacity in 2025. There are 39 new faces for the program, each of which is ready to make an immediate impact for the Chippewas.
Among these is freshman running back Traverse Moore, the former three-star recruit who recently logged a state-record 397 rushing yards as Dewitt High School’s quarterback during the 2025 Division 3 state title game.
“It’s definitely a unique feeling to be out here with the crowd and with a new group of guys,” Moore said. “I’m so happy to have this group of running backs around me. My coaches have said this is a place where you feel supported and feel loved every day.”
Moore broke wide open for a 32-yard touchdown reception during the scrimmage, along with several chunk plays on the ground.
The offensive game plan for the day was similar to the 2025 strategy, with a heavy dose of quarterback scramble drills mixed with an occasional downfield pass.
“I definitely want to stay as a pocket operator, stay in the pocket and confident in my offensive line,” said quarterback Daniel Gomez. “But whenever things get rough, and I need to do something to extend plays, I want to be able to do that.”
Most of the snaps at quarterback were taken by senior Angel Flores, who led the Chippewas in rushing yards and touchdowns last season.
“It feels really good going out there and having the community behind us, it gives a sense of 'okay, we gotta do it for them’ and not just for ourselves,” Flores said.
Flores went on to score touchdowns both in the air and on the ground, while also incorporating laterals and shovel passes to keep plays alive.
Another offensive standout during the scrimmage included running back John Stowers, a junior transfer from the College of San Mateo. His hurdling capabilities and powerful runs gave the Kelly/Shorts crowd a sudden burst of energy.
The tough, hard-hitting mentality popular with this Central Michigan coaching staff hasn’t gone anywhere on defense, with a forced fumble, five tackles for a loss and three pass breakups impeding the offense’s progress.
Along with the positives are some heartbreaking announcements, and the Chippewas will be without a pair of key playmakers during the 2026 season.
Defensive lineman Joey VanWetzinga, a sophomore with time as a starter last year, tore his Achilles tendon in practice Monday and will undergo surgery on Thursday. This is the second season-ending blow for CMU this spring, as wide receiver Tommy McIntosh suffered an ACL injury earlier in the month as well.
Even with these struggles in mind, Central Michigan is ready to tackle them while keeping its faithful fanbase in mind.
At the halftime point of the scrimmage, the team turned its attention to the bleachers and climbed up the steps of Kelly/Shorts Stadium, shaking the hands of every fan in the crowd and highlighting their focus on connecting to Mount Pleasant’s community.
“When I first got out here, it was a little nerve-wracking, because it’s our first time being in front of people,” said senior quarterback Marcus Beamon. “But once you get out here, it’s a good environment to be around.”
Central Michigan has one other motivation in mind, and they are rallying behind it as they begin the wait for their season opener on Sep. 5 at New Mexico.
“The main focus right now is winning the MAC Championship,” Flores said. “That’s all I can really think about, I know that’s what this whole team is thinking about, so whatever we gotta do to pursue that and make that a reality.”
