Preseason Favorites
Bound Wisconsin has released its preseason football rankings for the 8-player division, a list that has already sparked conversation among coaches, players and fans across the state.
At the top of the list, Gilman sits as the clear favorite for the 2026 title. The program finished the 2025 regular season undefeated and reached the state championship game, a feat that has raised expectations for another dominant year.
Returning quarterback Logan Halida will once again anchor the offense after posting more than 1,300 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. His chemistry with teammates such as Kolby Keepers, Lucas Halida, Henry Syryczuk, Terry Laube, Clayton Mueller, Talon Mueller, Logan Schuh and Neil Larson has been highlighted in early practices.
Owen-Withee enters the conversation with seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, giving the team a solid foundation as it looks to challenge Gilman.
Marion/Tigerton will rely on Braylon Mielke, who topped the division in rushing last year with 2,068 yards and 26 touchdowns. The senior back is expected to be a central piece of the team's attack, alongside Max Peterson, who brings additional depth to the offense.
Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas brings back quarterback Jake Farley, who helped the squad advance to the semifinals a year ago, while Wabeno/Laona hopes the return of All-State quarterback Cooper Albrecht will lift its prospects.
Sevastopol returns 11 letterwinners including five offensive starters, and key contributors such as Logan Schuh and Henry Syryczuk are expected to anchor the line.
Turtle Lake is making the move to 8-player football and returns seven starters on offense and defense, with Wylie Cornwell, Cayden North and Terry Laube providing leadership on the field.
Assumption is transitioning from 11-player to 8-player, fielding a very experienced group that includes Dan Judas, Brody Tarman, Jeff Sullivan and Jeremy Fradette.
The Clayton/Prairie Farm co-op will field Cain Casarez and Alex Young, while veterans Clay Mueller, Talon Mueller, Todd Diethelm and Dax Diethelm add experience to the defensive front.
Athens brings a deep pool of returning talent, with nine total starters back, among them Corey Rickert, Austin Harmsen, Xavier Mielke and Neil Larson.
Belmont, a recent Ridge & Valley-8 runner-up, returns 13 letterwinners and five starters on both offense and defense, featuring Evin Passehl, Zack Bender, Sawyer Stluka and Landry Stluka.
North Crawford captured the conference title last season with an unbeaten regular campaign, and players such as Braxten Steinert and Zack Bender are expected to keep the momentum going.
Oakfield secured the Southeast-8 crown and reached the state semifinals, anchored by Bradley Lancaster and supplemented by contributions from other seasoned players.
Clear Lake is making the switch to 8-player football and returns 11 letterwinners, including Brandon Wiese and a strong supporting cast that features additional veterans.
Frederic rallied to win five straight games to close the regular season, led by quarterback Royce Anderson and top receiver Riley Cummings, with Wyatt Temperly adding depth on both sides of the ball.