The 2026 Greater Metro Conference football season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with six schools battling not only for conference supremacy but also for coveted crossover slots against the Classic Eight.
Analysts have already penciled in a likely order: Hamilton is projected to finish first, followed by Catholic Memorial in second, with Germantown expected to round out the top three after a midseason slump against Hamilton and Brookfield Central.
Key Returning Players
Hamilton’s head coach Justin Gumm returns with a potent arsenal, featuring quarterback Cole Erdmann, who amassed 1,533 passing yards and 595 rushing yards last year while scoring 26 touchdowns. Adding to the offense, running back Braydon Schroeder will again anchor the ground game, and the Mallinger brothers — Hunter and Reece — provide depth at the line.
Catholic Memorial enters the season with high expectations after a strong sophomore campaign from quarterback Dalton Steinke, who threw for 1,886 yards and 28 touchdowns. Wide receiver/defensive back Dustin Roach earned first‑team all‑conference honors on both sides of the ball, giving the team a dynamic playmaker.
Germantown’s offense will be anchored by quarterback Cole Reiter, who has committed to Wisconsin and is praised for his chemistry with a seasoned offensive line. The team hopes to rebound from a challenging year and climb back into the upper tier.
Brookfield East, despite losing quarterback Zeke Sawall, brings back leading receiver Beau Evans and will rely on a revamped backfield to replace key departures. The squad is aiming to improve on a season that left them fourth in the projected standings.
Brookfield Central, sitting sixth in the forecast, will field a veteran class and a new signal‑caller in Sam Coragio. The team’s stability could make them a dark horse as the season progresses.
League Realignment and Crossover Challenges
The conference also welcomes a shift in membership: Catholic Memorial transitions from the Parkland Conference, while West Allis Hale and Menomonee Falls exit the league. Crossover games will pit Catholic Memorial against Arrowhead and Muskego, adding another layer of competition.
These realignments mean that traditional rivalries will be renewed and new matchups will test each team’s adaptability. The blend of established powerhouses and emerging contenders promises a season full of twists and turning points.
With the regular season schedule set to feature a mix of intra‑conference battles and high‑stakes crossover contests, the playoff picture will likely hinge on how teams navigate those cross‑league games. Hamilton’s early‑season showdown with Catholic Memorial could serve as a de facto championship preview.
Meanwhile, Marquette’s fifth‑place projection reflects a 4‑6 record from the previous year, indicating a rebuilding phase, while Brookfield Central’s veteran roster may provide the consistency needed to surprise higher‑seeded opponents.