The 2026 season of the Midwest Classic‑Midwest football conference is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Comprised of five schools that broke away from the larger Midwest Classic‑Large, the league will pit Racine Lutheran, Saint Francis, Pius XI Catholic, Milwaukee Academy of Science and Cudahy against each other in a tightly contested schedule.
2025 Season Highlights
Racine Lutheran enters the new campaign as the clear favorite after an unbeaten run in league play last year, finishing 7‑4 overall against a slate of strong opponents. Their dominance set the tone for expectations, and the team is expected to again contend for the top spot.
The previous season saw Saint Francis extend its playoff streak to four straight years, though the run ended with a 47‑0 loss to Racine St. Catherine’s in the opening round. Pius XI Catholic also made the postseason with a 5‑4 record before falling 36‑0 to Martin Luther. Milwaukee Academy of Science reached the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season but finished 3‑5 on the field, while Cudahy showed late‑season improvement, finishing with a stronger offensive and defensive core.
Star Players to Watch
Among the standout athletes, Bryce Austin emerged as a dynamic two‑way player, earning First Team All‑Conference honors despite missing several games due to injury. Josiah Evans led the league in rushing a year ago and was also recognized on the first team. Cohen Kraus was named both Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, while Maddox Matson earned first‑team accolades on both sides of the ball. Aero Smith, an honorable mention selection, contributed over 800 yards of offense for the Mariners.
Coaches are already mapping out crossover games against the Midwest Classic‑Classic Division, a format that adds an extra layer of strategy to the schedule. With returning starters on both offense and defense, teams like Cudahy hope to build on late‑season momentum, while others aim to close the gap on Racine Lutheran’s early lead.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 kickoff approaches, the narrative centers on whether Racine Lutheran can translate its regular‑season success into another dominant campaign, or if the rising contenders will finally break through. The blend of experienced returnees, emerging talents and tactical adjustments promises a season full of dramatic moments.