2026 Wisconsin Valley Conference Football Preview
The Wisconsin Valley Conference, a seven‑team league that schedules crossover games against the Big Rivers, is gearing up for the 2026 season. Predictions point to a familiar powerhouse at the top, but several teams are poised to shake up the standings.
D.C. Everest captured the 2025 championship outright, finishing 6‑0 in conference play while dropping four non‑conference games. The team’s perfect projected record for 2026 assumes a 6‑0 conference slate, but the coaching staff acknowledges that depth will be tested after graduating several starters.
Marshfield, which placed second in the 2025 standings, returns a potent offense anchored by running back Haiden Carlson, the conference’s 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, and quarterback Ethan Foemmel, who split time under center last season. The Tigers hope to build on a rally that saw them climb to second after an early three‑game skid.
Stevens Point, despite a 5‑4 overall record that left them outside the WIAA playoffs, bring back quarterback Trent Breitbach, a First‑Team All‑Conference selection who amassed over 2,600 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025. Head coach Ryan Eigenberger returns with an experienced roster and a dynamic passing attack.
Key Players to Watch
Trent Breitbach (Stevens Point QB) returns as a dynamic playmaker, while Haiden Carlson (Marshfield RB) looks to add to his 1,538‑yard, 16‑touchdown season. Niko Kleinschmidt (D.C. Everest DL) earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and will anchor the line.
Chris Ferrario (D.C. Everest OL) follows in his father Bill Ferrario’s footsteps, earning unanimous First‑Team All‑Conference honors as a sophomore. Ethan Foemmel (Marshfield QB) and Trevyn Freis (Marshfield QB) provide depth at the quarterback position.
Miles Waldvogel and Taeden Moua (Wausau West) return as key contributors on offense and defense, while Owen Richardson (Wisconsin Rapids QB) aims to build on his 1,400‑yard debut. Marcus Holmberg (Eau Claire Memorial QB) and Jackson Zuleger (Eau Claire Memorial WR) lead a revived Memorial attack.
With coaches like Mike Sinz taking over at Eau Claire North and Ryan Eigenberger staying put at Stevens Point, the 2026 season promises new storylines, breakout performances and a fresh race for the conference crown.