The Coulee Conference is gearing up for the 2026 football season, and early projections already outline a clear hierarchy among its eight members. While the conference is known for its competitive balance, the latest predictions point to a dominant performance by one program and a tightly contested battle for the remaining spots.
Predicted Order of Finish
Aquinas heads the list as the preseason favorite, followed closely by West Salem, Luther, Arcadia, and Westby. The middle tier includes G‑E‑T, Black River Falls, and Viroqua, each looking to improve on last year’s results.
Returning Strength and Coaching Outlook
Aquinas enters the season with seven offensive starters and five defensive starters returning, giving the team a depth that coaches say could be decisive. The conference’s coaching staff, including longtime mentors from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, are optimistic about maintaining that momentum.
West Salem, despite a strong 2025 campaign, fell short against the conference’s top teams, but the return of running back Lucas Fry and quarterback Drew McConkey gives the Panthers a potent ground attack. Their offensive line, anchored by Luke Grube, who earned First Team All‑Conference honors and committed to the University of North Dakota, should provide additional stability.
Luther finished fourth in the league but missed the postseason under the WIAA’s new playoff format, a setback that has spurred a renewed focus on development. Defensive back Brady Lee earned First Team All‑Conference recognition and pledged to continue his career at North Dakota, adding a boost to the team’s defensive outlook.
Arcadia made a noticeable jump last year, finishing 7‑2 in the regular season, while Westby narrowly missed the playoffs after a 3‑4 conference record. Both programs are looking to build on that progress as the new season approaches.
G‑E‑T, which managed only a single win in 2025, is infused with optimism as younger players step into larger roles, and the coaching staff believes the experience gained could translate into a stronger record.
Black River Falls posted a 2‑7 overall record but did secure conference victories over Viroqua and G‑E‑T. Quarterback Braylon Backaus threw for 1,475 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, a performance that has put him on the radar of several college programs.
Viroqua, despite a winless season, is entering 2026 with a much younger roster and a sense of optimism about the future. The team’s youth could provide a fresh spark as they aim to break the losing streak.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout athletes, Braylon Backaus of Black River Falls will be a focal point after his 1,475‑yard passing season, while West Salem’s Lucas Fry will look to add to his 542 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Luke Grube, the All‑Conference offensive lineman, has committed to the University of North Dakota, as has defensive back Brady Lee, who also earned First Team honors.
Drew McConkey, another dual‑threat quarterback from West Salem, combined 1,281 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and added 444 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. Chase Schams, an offensive lineman from Aquinas, earned First Team All‑Conference recognition and has pledged to continue his career at Michigan Tech.
Commitments and Future Plans
The commitments of Grube and Lee to the University of North Dakota, as well as Schams to Michigan Tech, highlight the conference’s growing pipeline to collegiate programs. Additionally, prospects such as Ryan Johnson, Logan Becker, Waylon Hargrove, Justin Jehn, Ryan Olson, Jameson Skifton, Josiah Wolbrink, Will Clements, Jeff Komay, Jonathan Holub, Logan Pierce, Sam Schmeling, Derek Updike, Max Blaschko, Carter Wegman, Jonah Slaby, Maddox Torkelson, Griffin Nelson, Kameron Hulst, Sawyer Foust, Isaiah Carroll, Andrew Lebakken, Mason Meimann, and Jonah Curley are expected to contribute significantly across the league.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, the Coulee Conference’s blend of established powerhouses and emerging programs promises competitive matchups week after week. Fans can anticipate high‑stakes games, breakout performances, and the continued development of talent that could shape the next generation of Wisconsin football.