2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 29 Folsom

Head Coach: Paul Doherty

T25PS Preseason Ranking: No. 29

2026 Outlook

Replacing a quarterback who threw for more than 10,000 career yards is never simple, but Folsom isn't asking Rudnicki to prove he belongs. He already did that in December.

The Cal commit completed 63 of 87 passes for 972 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while serving as Lyons' backup before taking over during the postseason. His performance against Riordan and Cathedral Catholic gave the Bulldogs confidence that the offense can continue to operate at a high level.

Rudnicki also inherits one of California's better returning receivers.

UCLA commit Rob Larson caught 82 passes for 1,146 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior and gives Folsom a reliable target every time the Bulldogs need a play. Bronson Bambino also returns after a productive sophomore season and is expected to take on a larger role in the running game.

The biggest offseason question comes up front.

USC signee Vlad Dyakonov headlines the departures along the offensive line, but Folsom returns Zach Ramirez, Malachi Coleman, Colin Graham and several younger linemen who gained valuable experience during last year's championship season. How quickly that group develops will go a long way toward determining the ceiling of this offense.

Defensively, the Bulldogs again look strong at linebacker. EJ Coleman and Nick Wegner combined for more than 200 tackles during last year's championship run and give Folsom an experienced core in the middle of the defense. Travis Beatty and Daniel Eagleton also return after gaining valuable snaps in the secondary throughout the postseason.

Players to Know

Brody Rudnicki — QB, 2027

Rudnicki enters his first full season as the starter after leading Folsom through the final two games of its championship run. He already has experience in the biggest moments and gives the Bulldogs stability at quarterback despite Lyons' graduation.

Rob Larson — WR, 2027

The UCLA commitment finished his junior season with 82 receptions, 1,146 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He'll once again be the focal point of Folsom's passing game.

EJ Coleman — LB/RB, 2027

Coleman topped 100 tackles during the championship season while contributing offensively. His versatility makes him one of the Bulldogs' most valuable returning players.

Nick Wegner — LB, 2027

Wegner was one of Northern California's most productive linebackers in 2025 and returns to lead the defense alongside Coleman.

Bronson Bambino — RB, 2028

After rushing for 454 yards as a sophomore, Bambino is expected to handle a larger workload this fall.

Travis Beatty — WR/DB, 2027

Beatty contributed on both sides of the ball last season and should see an expanded role following several key graduations.

Daniel Eagleton — DB, 2027

Eagleton gained valuable experience throughout the postseason and intercepted a pass in the state championship victory.

Schedule Breakdown

Folsom won't have long to wait for its biggest regular-season test.

After opening against Cardinal Newman, the Bulldogs host Mission Viejo (Season preview) in a rematch of last year's only loss. This time, however, the game shifts to Northern California, forcing Mission Viejo to make the long trip instead of Folsom traveling south.

Road trips to Sacred Heart Cathedral and Inderkum close out nonleague play before the Bulldogs begin Sierra Foothill League play against Rocklin.

The league schedule also includes Granite Bay, Whitney, Oak Ridge, Del Oro and Jesuit. Oak Ridge again looks like Folsom's toughest league challenger after pushing the Bulldogs twice last season, but Folsom enters the year as the team to beat.

2026 Schedule

Aug. 28: vs. Cardinal Newman

Sept. 4: vs. Mission Viejo

Sept. 11: at Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sept. 18: at Inderkum

Sept. 25: vs. Rocklin

Oct. 2: at Granite Bay

Oct. 9: vs. Whitney

Oct. 16: at Oak Ridge

Oct. 23: vs. Del Oro

Nov. 6: at Jesuit

Biggest Question

Can the offensive line come together early?

Quarterback and receiver are proven.

The offensive line is where Folsom has the most to replace after graduating several experienced starters. If that group develops quickly, the Bulldogs should once again have one of the better offenses in Northern California.

The Mission Viejo rematch in Week 2 will provide an early measuring stick.

T25PS Prediction

Regular Season Prediction: 10-0

Postseason Prediction: CIF Division 1-AA State Champion

Mission Viejo is the biggest obstacle between Folsom and another unbeaten regular season.

Last year's game was the Bulldogs' only loss, but this season the rematch is in Folsom. The Bulldogs no longer have to make the nearly nine-hour trip south, and instead Mission Viejo will be the team traveling. Expect another close game, but the change in venue gives Folsom a slight edge.

League play won't be easy, particularly with Oak Ridge still among the section's top teams, but Folsom has enough returning production to once again position itself for another Sac-Joaquin Section championship and another appearance in the state bowl games.

Bottom Line

Folsom enters 2026 replacing several key seniors, including one of the nation's top quarterbacks, but the Bulldogs are in a much better position than most teams facing that kind of turnover.

Rudnicki already proved he can win under pressure, Larson returns as one of California's top receivers, and the linebacker group gives the defense an experienced foundation.

The biggest question is how quickly the new offensive line develops. If that group comes together, Folsom should once again be one of the top public school teams in California and have an opportunity to defend its state championship.

Thanks for reading,

Alex | T25PS

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