As the 2026 high school football season approaches, the Appleton area is buzzing with anticipation. Coaches, teammates and local fans alike are turning their eyes toward a group of 25 defensive standouts who have already begun to carve out their reputations on the field.
Conference Honorees
Leading the pack is Reece Joten of Little Chute, who earned the distinction of defensive player of the year in the North Eastern Conference. His relentless pass rush and playmaking ability have set a benchmark for his peers.
Jackson Ervin of Wrightstown adds another layer of depth to the defensive line, having been named first‑team all‑North Eastern Conference. He recorded 65 tackles, 11 for loss, and five sacks, underscoring his disruptive presence.
Isaac Feske, representing Seymour, earned first‑team all‑Bay Conference honors at defensive line. His season stats include 43 tackles, 14 for loss, four sacks and a fumble recovery, highlighting a knack for forcing turnovers.
Osaze Fournillier of Xavier was selected second‑team all‑Bay Conference at defensive back. He posted 13 tackles and an interception, showing his ability to read the game and secure the ball.
Owen Fox from Neenah earned first‑team all‑Fox Valley Association honors at cornerback. With 43 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, he has become a reliable anchor in the secondary.
Cole Hank of Appleton North was recognized first‑team all‑Fox Valley Association at outside linebacker. His 34 tackles, 17 solo stops and six interceptions illustrate a versatile skill set.
Braden Heiges from Fox Valley Lutheran took first‑team all‑Bay Conference at linebacker, amassing 80 tackles, nine for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception, a statistical line that reflects both volume and impact.
Isaac Hendricks, also from Wrightstown, earned first‑team all‑North Eastern Conference at linebacker. He logged 86 tackles, five for loss, two sacks and an interception, cementing his status as a defensive workhorse.
Romell Jones of Appleton West was named second‑team all‑Fox River Classic Conference‑North at defensive line. His 29 tackles, seven for loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble showcase a blend of power and persistence.
Quinn Meyers, also from Appleton West, received second‑team all‑Fox River Classic Conference‑North honors at linebacker. He contributed 83 tackles, eight for loss, a sack and an interception, underscoring his all‑around production.
Dominic Osgood from St. Mary Catholic was selected second‑team all‑Eastern Wisconsin Conference at cornerback. His 46 tackles and seven interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, highlight his knack for creating big plays.
Commitments and Rankings
Brett Singler from Shiocton is being hailed as one of Wisconsin’s premier defensive linemen. The senior has already committed to the University of Wyoming, bringing a blend of size, technique and raw talent that has scouts excited.
The breadth of talent across these conferences suggests that the upcoming season will feature a defensive unit that is both deep and dynamic. With college commitments, conference accolades and statistical dominance, these players are poised to shape the narrative of high school football in the Appleton region for years to come.