The 2026 Central Wisconsin football season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, as teams prepare to battle not only for conference titles but also for playoff positioning in a landscape that has shifted dramatically over the past year.
Defending Champions Face New Challenges
Stratford entered the 2025 campaign as the conference champion and a surprise run to the Division 5 state semifinals, but the following elevation to Division 4 for 2026 brings a new set of opponents and expectations. The team must replace key seniors while trying to maintain the momentum that carried them to the brink of a state title.
Amherst, which finished second in the CWC‑Large a year ago, returns with a core that includes standout senior Ayden Nerdahl. The Offensive Player of the Year in the conference and a WFCA All‑State selection, Nerdahl is expected to be the focal point of the offense once again, giving the Falcons a realistic shot at reclaiming the top spot.
Other programs are also generating buzz. Spencer/Columbus Catholic, after breaking a long postseason drought and securing its first playoff victory since 2019, will lean on running back Jack Hoepper, who amassed 1,729 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025. Meanwhile, Wittenberg‑Birnamwood, despite a 4‑5 record, managed a playoff win over Brookfield Academy, and Marathon’s Garrett Bracewell earned First Team All‑Conference honors, drawing interest from Division 2 and Division 3 programs.
Weyauwega‑Fremont’s quarterback Carter Birdyshaw accounted for nearly 1,800 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns last season, positioning him as a dual‑threat leader. Colby, which struggled to a 1‑8 record in 2025, is banking on a wealth of returning letterwinners to close the gap and become more competitive in the upcoming year.
Coaching perspectives add another layer of intrigue. Michael Glodowski, the head coach at Amherst, has emphasized discipline and adaptability in practice, while also noting the importance of depth at the line of scrimmage. Across the conference, several assistants are experimenting with new schemes to exploit the varied strengths of their opponents.
The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association has been vocal about the need for balanced scheduling and equitable playoff pathways, a sentiment echoed by many of the coaches interviewed during the preseason. Their insights suggest that the 2026 season may see a more competitive balance across divisions, especially as teams like Stratford adjust to the new competitive tier.
Fans can look forward to a schedule that features a mix of traditional rivalries and fresh matchups, with several games slated to be broadcast regionally. As the countdown to kickoff continues, the narrative remains clear: the conference is poised for another year of hard‑hitting, unpredictable football.