Roselle Rams 2026 Football: New Head Coach James Roach

James Roach has spent 30 years in Roselle—long enough to have coached some of his current high school players when they were seven and eight years old in the youth football program. This fall, he steps into the head coaching role for the Roselle Rams for the first time, bringing deep community roots and established relationships with players and their families into a new leadership position.

Union County Life covers Roselle high school athletics, sports, and student-athlete news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

A Coach's Journey

Roach, originally from nearby Plainfield, served as an assistant coach with the Roselle Rams for 10 years before taking a five-year gap from 2021 to 2025. Before his high school coaching experience, he led the youth football program—a role that shaped his current approach to the head coaching job.

"I know a lot of the parents and a lot of these kids I knew when they were seven and eight years old," Roach told TAPinto Roselle. "That does help with coaching them now in high school, because I have a relationship established with them and their parents."

The 30-year tenure in Roselle gives Roach unique insight into the community, the program's history, and the families that make up the Rams organization.

First Season Priorities

Roach is direct about what he considers success in his first season. Increasing the number of players in the program is his first priority—addressing depth concerns that have limited the team's competitiveness in recent years.

Academic eligibility is his second priority. Roach has identified that the program has a problem with players who are not currently eligible to compete, and strengthening academic support is part of his strategy.

Making the program something positive that players want to be part of is central to his culture-changing approach. "Success for me is getting kids involved," Roach said. "Increasing the numbers, getting them out, making this something positive that they want to be a part of. The product of all of that is the wins and losses, but I am coming in just trying to change the culture."

Season Outlook

The Rams posted a 2-9 record last season, but Roach sees potential beneath the surface. "When I got the job, I was thinking rebuild," he said. "I didn't realize we can be competitive right now, we have all the pieces. Our only problem is the depth."

With a 46-player roster, the Rams have more depth than last year but remain focused on building sustainable participation numbers going forward.

Key Players

On offense, senior receiver Raekwon Anderson—also a track competitor described as one of the fastest sprinters in the state—figures into the Rams' receiving plan. Aydin Custis, a receiver who saw significant playing time as a freshman, returns with more experience.

Willie Currie is expected to serve as the lead running back and starting linebacker, adding versatility to the defensive and offensive schemes.

At quarterback, juniors Yoree Nedab and Vaylen Webb are competing for the starting spot. Roach has not yet named a starter, allowing both players the opportunity to compete through preseason preparations.

Season Opener

The Rams open their season on Friday, September 5, 2026, against Hillside—a conference opponent that will provide an early test of Roach's system and the team's preparation.

The 2026 season represents an opportunity for Roach to establish his vision for the program and for Roselle athletes to build on the foundation being laid this preseason.

Find more Roselle high school sports, athletic news, and student coverage on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: James Roach

FAQ

Q: Who is the new Roselle Rams football head coach?
A: James Roach, a 30-year Roselle resident who previously served as an assistant coach for 10 years and directed the youth football program.

Q: When does the Roselle football season start?
A: Friday, September 5, 2026, against Hillside High School.

Q: What is Coach Roach's background?
A: Roach is originally from Plainfield. He has been in Roselle for 30 years, coached the youth football program, and served as an assistant coach for the high school team for 10 years before a five-year gap (2021-2025).

Q: What is Coach Roach's coaching philosophy?
A: Roach prioritizes increasing player participation, addressing academic eligibility issues, and changing the program's culture. He focuses on making football something positive that players want to be part of.

Q: What was last season's record?
A: The Rams posted a 2-9 record last season.

Q: How many players are on the 2026 roster?
A: 46 players.

Q: Who are the key players?
A: Senior receiver Raekwon Anderson (also a track sprinter), receiver Aydin Custis, and running back/linebacker Willie Currie are key offensive and defensive players.

Q: Who is the starting quarterback?
A: Juniors Yoree Nedab and Vaylen Webb are competing for the starting position. No starter has been named yet.

Q: What is Coach Roach's first priority?
A: Increasing the number of players in the program to address depth issues.