Two weeks after University City High School ended their 2024 season, 25 of the 35 players from the team returned to the gym ready to work.
The Lions just finished their year with a modest 5-6 record, which included both a 5-game losing streak to start the regular season, a 4-game winning streak to end the regular season, a playoff win and a second-round exit.
And yet, head coach Will Franklin saw over 70% of his team back in the gym to work towards 2025.
“That’s one (event) that’s changed the trajectory of this program,” Franklin said. “Buying into the process here…it will work if you invest in the results.”
No kidding.
That buy-in led to nine wins in 2025, which included a huge road win at Jennings late in the year. It’s also led to the rise of several names that U-City will see again this fall.
For example, Josh McNeal and Dart Barber, two of the best pass-rushers on the team. Barber himself recorded a region-leading 15 sacks as a freshman last season, a whopping 14 tackles-for-loss, and finished second on the team in total tackles, followed by Garrett Ruffin. McNeal had six sacks, nine tackles-for-loss, and 38 total tackles.
They’ll be joined by Devon Bowers, a 2-way player (defensive end and tight end). McNeal and Bowers are towering bookends on the Lions defensive front. Bowers didn’t have the most electric 2025 season (23 total tackles), but he still managed six sacks in seven games.
Behind them will be Barber, who moves to linebacker this season, and Kevin Killingsworth, an underclassman who won his linebacker spot late in the 2025 season and never looked back. Killingsworth was second on the team with four interceptions, and recorded a team-leading four fumble recoveries in 2025.
Then, there’s Teddy Stephens, who returns at quarterback for the Lions offense. Stephens finished 2025 with 1,807 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Stephens will have ‘a ton of weapons,’ Franklin said.
Gerard Minnix will be the top returning receiver for Stephens. Minnix, who’s a senior this year, racked up 414 yards on 32 catches with six touchdowns, second only to now-graduated receiver Jalen Cotton.
Jalen’s brother, Jayshyn Cotton, will also be back after catching 26 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns. Bowers will also line up at tight end to provide size and strength for the Lions offense.
The 2025 season was a big step for U-City. But its second-round elimination by Orchard Farm was a reminder that there are still plenty of steps yet to make.
And as U-City continues their journey towards the horizon, they’ll be faced with challenges at every turn. Especially if they win.
One of their goals for this year? Handling success properly. Franklin said the Lions will need to keep themselves from accepting the rush of short-term success and fix themselves to the bigger picture.
Before they can face that challenge, they’ll need to overcome the challenge of winning those games, first. The schedule won’t be easy. They’ll face Northwest and dual-threat wrecking ball Cohenn Stark, and then turn around for a road rematch with Jennings, all within the first three weeks.
“We’re loaded with talent across the board,” Franklin said. “But how consistent can we be throughout the year?”
U-City will open the season on the road when they travel to play Lutheran St. Charles on Aug. 28. This piece is part of Tim’s 2026 Watch List, a project previewing St. Louis High School Football. Read the full preview here.
