The 2026 high school football season in the Milwaukee area is set to begin on August 4, when teams will take the field for their first official practices, and the first games will follow on August 20. The preseason buzz centers on a handful of offensive linemen whose size, technique and college interest have turned them into early favorites.
Among them, Hunter Mallinger and his brother Reece have both pledged to the Wisconsin Badgers as part of the 2027 recruiting class, a commitment that underscores the program’s pull on local talent. Cade Reikowski from Pewaukee announced his decision to Northwestern, while Cole Reiter from Germantown chose the Badgers after a standout 2025 campaign. Jamail Sewell, who only began organized football last year, earned a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, highlighting the rapid pathways some players are forging.
Adam Knurr of Milwaukee Reagan added another layer of intrigue by being named co‑offensive lineman of the year and earning first‑team all‑MCC defense honors in 2025, a testament to his impact on both sides of the line.
A New Era of Talent
Last season, Grafton captured the Division 3 state championship while Arrowhead secured the Division 1 title, setting a high bar for their respective programs as they head into the new year.
Germantown’s offense proved especially potent, tallying more than 3,500 total yards and posting five games with 30 or more points. Wisconsin Lutheran’s Vikings also posted impressive numbers, exceeding 2,400 yards and scoring 33 touchdowns.
The Badgers’ recruiting staff has taken advantage of this momentum, landing multiple offensive linemen from the Milwaukee area for the 2027 class, a move that could reshape the team’s front line in the coming years.
With practices set to start next month and the first games on the horizon, coaches and fans alike are watching closely as these young players prepare to translate preseason promise into on‑field performance.