After years of building from the ground up, Destin football under Head Coach E.G. Green looks ready to take the next step.
- The Sharks enter 2026 with a mix of returning talent, rising underclassmen and, for the first time in program history, playoff eligibility.
Here are five storylines to watch heading into the fall.
Eligibility at last
With Destin High School gaining full FHSAA membership last summer, the Sharks earned playoff eligibility. But by the time it happened, it was too late to schedule district games, leaving the program on the outside for another year.
This time, Destin has a district home in Class 2A, District 1 alongside Pensacola Catholic, Freeport and Walton. For the first time, the Sharks know they have a chance to compete for a state title.
“It’s a great boost for our kids first and foremost, just knowing that they have an opportunity to play in November and December,” Green said. “It’s great for our kids, it’s great for the school, and it’s great for the community that that opportunity is available this year.”
Replacing the seniors
How do you replace Junior Harris‘s 1,000 rushing yards, Hampton Woodham‘s leadership under center, or Elijah Ordis, Gabe Escelara and Reuben Martinez on defense?
The simple answer: you don’t. But the Sharks have players waiting to fill those shoes.
Kellen Ramsey is expected to step into the starting quarterback role. Ramsey saw some reps last year, but with Woodham graduated, it’s his turn. Meanwhile, Jayden Phillips, who Green views as “one of the fastest guys in the state,” is expected to replace Harris in the backfield.
An exciting wide receiver corps
The real excitement on offense might be at wide receiver.
Destin returns two standout targets in Cam Kerns and Chase Wandrick along with a solid tight end in Joe Ursua. All three shined last season, and with each entering his senior year, expectations are high.
A young defense
The Sharks’ defense is young, having lost only three key seniors. But the potential is there.
It starts in the secondary, anchored by Brody Hipp. Tristen May and Nate Sills lead the linebacker corps, and the Sharks also boast a strong defensive line.
“I’m excited to see what the defense can put up this year,” Green said.
Playing for Coach Divens
As the Sharks take this next step, they’ll do it in memory of Assistant Coach Eric Divens, who passed away in December.
Divens was a beloved member of the Destin High School family who had been on staff since the program’s inception. A teammate of Green‘s at Bruner Middle School, the two went on to play together on the 1991 Fort Walton Beach Vikings state championship team. Divens was known as someone who “bled blue” for the Sharks.
Green has dedicated the 2026 season to his late friend.
“He really gave his blood, sweat, and tears for this program to get off the ground, and there’s no way anybody’s going to replace him,” Green said. “My goal is to make sure everybody remembers his sacrifices to keep everything going. So we’re just going to have to rally together. All the kids love him and respect him, and we’re going to dedicate this season to him.”
What to expect from the Sharks in 2026
- Two offensive leaders rising to the occasion
- An exciting wide receiver corps
- A young defense with plenty of potential
- Playoff eligibility at last
- A team rallying together in Coach Divens’s memory
Destin Sharks 2026 football schedule
(* District opponent, # Area opponent)
- Aug. 14: vs. Arnold (Kickoff Classic)
- Aug. 21: vs. Port St. Joe
- Aug. 28: at Baker #
- Sept. 4: vs. North Bay Haven
- Sept. 11: Bye
- Sept. 18: Bye
- Sept. 25: vs. Pensacola Catholic *
- Oct. 2: at Northview
- Oct. 9: at Walton * #
- Oct. 16: vs. Graceville
- Oct. 23: at Freeport * #
- Oct. 30: vs. Bozeman
