The 2026 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association (WIAA) football season is set to kick off with practice sessions on August 4, heralding a fresh wave of competition across the state. High school teams are already gearing up for their first regular‑season games on August 20, a date that marks the beginning of a schedule packed with rivalry and promise.
Among the many storylines, the Appleton area stands out for fielding 38 of the state’s most highly rated offensive players for the upcoming campaign. These athletes, recognized for their size, speed, and skill, are expected to drive the offensive engines of their respective squads.
Conferences and Competitive Landscape
The competitive balance is further illustrated by the diverse conference affiliations of the top prospects. Schools such as Freedom, Weyauwega‑Fremont and St. Mary Catholic compete in different leagues, yet all share a common goal: to translate preseason accolades into on‑field dominance.
Individual statistics from the previous season underscore the talent pool. Aidan Aerts of Freedom logged 32 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns, while Carter Birdyshaw of Weyauwega‑Fremont threw for 1,127 yards with 14 scores and 12 interceptions. Axzil Eggert from Freedom rushed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Jacoby Dobberstein of Fox Valley Lutheran added 45 catches for 886 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Other notable names include Brady Detterman of St. Mary Catholic, a second‑team all‑Eastern Wisconsin Conference offensive lineman, and Isaac Feske of Seymour, who earned second‑team all‑Bay Conference honors. Kevin Gilbertson from Brillion contributed nine catches for 153 yards and a touchdown as a tight end.
The list also features Adam Greenslade and Max Hicks from Appleton North, both of whom have secured Division I scholarships — Greenslade with the University of St. Thomas and Hicks with Eastern Illinois University. Their size and skill set have drawn attention from college recruiters across the Midwest.
Additional standouts such as Jaden Hermsen of Little Chute, who combined 470 passing yards with five touchdowns and 921 rushing yards with 15 scores, and Maddux Hermus of Kimberly, a first‑team all‑Fox Valley Association kicker, illustrate the multifaceted talent that will shape the season.
The depth of the roster extends to players like Reece Joten of Little Chute, the North Eastern Conference offensive player of the year after amassing 1,793 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, and Connor Navis of Appleton West, who threw for 1,543 yards with 18 touchdowns last season. Their performances promise to keep the Appleton area at the forefront of high school football coverage.
Looking Ahead
As the first practices approach, coaches and fans alike are eager to see how these prospects will translate their offseason hype into game‑day results. The convergence of elite talent, competitive conferences, and historic success sets the stage for a memorable 2026 campaign.