Spain: Badalona Dracs add LB JoJo Holmes for 2026 title push

The Badalona Dracs have announced their third major signing ahead of the 2026 Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano season, adding American linebacker JoJo Holmes to a defense looking to reclaim Spain’s national championship.

A decorated college standout

The 25-year-old Chicago native brings an impressive resume to Badalona. Standing 5’10” and 215 pounds, Holmes was named a First Team All-American at the College of DuPage, where he won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. He continued his career at the NCAA Division II level with stops at Walsh University and Wheeling University, where he started at will linebacker and contributed on special teams. Holmes currently serves as defensive line coach at his alma mater, College of DuPage.

Leadership and winning mentality

Holmes made it clear that winning attracted him to the Dracs, stating, “After my first conversation with the organization, I realized it was a club with a long winning history. My mentality on and off the field is also that of a winner.” He described himself as a “field general who excels in all aspects of the game” and emphasized bringing “leadership, hard work, and contagious energy” to the team.

His primary goal aligns with the organization’s ambitions:

“I want to help the Dracs win their twelfth national championship and, at the same time, help them have the best defense in Spain.”

Coaching staff approval

New head coach Genaro Alfonsín praised Holmes’ versatility:

“JoJo is a very dynamic player who will give us depth and power, both in stopping the opponent’s passing game and running game. His experience and football knowledge will give us greater confidence on defense.”

The signing of Holmes follows the acquisitions of Mexican player Sonny Fabbri and fellow American Rickey Spruill as the Dracs reload under their new head coach. With Holmes anchoring the defense, Badalona appears poised to make a serious run at that record-twelfth national title.