McClintock football makes gains under coach Nick Offenberger

After going 5-5 in Nick Offenberger's first year leading the football program, Tempe McClinGtock could be poised for a playoff season in 2026.

The team was optimistic during strong spring football sessions in May, with experienced returners and players connecting. The team now has a better understanding of what Offenberger expects.

"We're making sure we're growing our culture right," Offenberger said. "We planted some seeds last year and did some great things. But we're very adamant this offseason with our speed and weight program and just establishing our culture. I feel like everybody is buying in, playing for each other. Not the 'me.' "

There's a good pipeline coming through McClintock.

Last year, wide receiver/defensive back Aidan Whitaker, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, transferred in from Scottsdale Saguaro. He'll be a senior during the next school year. He has seven Division I offers, according to 247 Sports, including Kansas, Colorado State, San Diego State and New Mexico.

Whitaker has noticed a more committed group, playing for each other in the spring. Four of his offers have come this spring.

"I've put in good work, training, taking care of my body," Whitaker said. "Getting stronger and getting faster. Doing things that are going to help me at the next level."

Whitaker said he'll continue to play both receiver and defensive back, perhaps at free safety.

"We're going to be better," Whitaker said. "Coach has brought a way better culture to the school. Everybody has bought in."

McClintock's underclassmen are getting college attention, as well.

They include class of 2028 linebacker Ryan Lee, 6-2, 210, and 2028 offensive lineman Diego Gonzalez, 6-6, 260, who put on 50 pounds in the offseason and is only in his second year of playing organized football.

Gonzalez, during spring practices, picked up offers from Northern Arizona and Idaho. He already had a Sacramento State offer. He is attracting Power 4 interest.

"It just makes my recruiting process a lot better and makes me more excited to play football," Gonzalez said. "I'm really happy where I'm at right now."

The offense should be keyed by the return of 2029 quarterback Kaiden Agbunag, who played only one game last season before suffering a season-ending injury. In that game, a win over Phoenix Camelback, he completed 15 of 21 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 43 yards on six carries.

Agbunag is looking forward to starting and finishing the season strong.

"I'm blessed to be back," he said. "My goal for this year is just win."

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up for Azcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: McClintock football improves under coach Nick Offenberger