The Great Northern Football Conference is gearing up for the 2026 season, with analysts predicting a tightly contested slate that could see several teams battling for playoff spots. The conference, which saw Mosinee and Tomahawk share the 2025 title, returns a core of experienced talent and faces a series of coaching transitions that could reshape the competitive balance.
Star Power Returns
Among the most anticipated returnees is Forest Hartl of Medford, a First Team All‑Conference offensive lineman who helped anchor the Medford line last year. Joining him will be Kanin Jahnke of Merrill, the 2025 leading rusher who amassed 966 yards and six touchdowns, and Will Wojick, the sophomore back who contributed 722 yards and five scores for Medford. Their presence promises to keep the offensive firepower high across the league.
The conference also welcomes back Max Larson of Tomahawk, who posted 700 yards and eight touchdowns on 134 carries, and Treve Stoffel of Mosinee, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year whose 3,000‑yard, 40‑touchdown output set a high bar. Both players are expected to be central to their teams’ attack plans.
Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics
"Coaching changes add another layer of intrigue," notes Tomahawk head coach Dewey Reilly, who emphasized the importance of returning starters while integrating younger leaders into key roles. Meanwhile, Antigo’s new head coach Dan Witman is counting on a veteran‑heavy roster that graduated only four seniors, aiming to maintain momentum after a strong recent finish.
On the defensive side, Wausau East’s sophomore quarterback Camdyn Rye is expected to take the reins after a rigorous off‑season program, potentially giving his team a dual‑threat dynamic. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent suggests that the conference could once again see seven of eight teams qualify for the playoffs, mirroring the previous year’s competitiveness.
Playoff Outlook
With Medford, Tomahawk, and Merrill projected to lead the pack, the 2026 season is shaping up to be another showcase of depth and rivalry. If the early trends hold, multiple teams will secure playoff berths, setting the stage for a fresh round of sectional battles and perhaps a new champion emerging from the mix.