The Oshkosh North football program is gearing up for the 2026 season, a year that will test its resilience after a dominant 2025 campaign that ended with a 10‑2 record and a sectional final appearance.
A New Coaching Direction
After four seasons under Luke Ott, the program has appointed Alec Gulan as its new head coach. Gulan inherits a team that lost all 20 seniors but retains a core of experienced players eager to preserve the culture Ott established.
Only six starters return from the previous roster, among them top defender Manny Tlatelpa, who recorded 97 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack last season. Alongside him, the defense also features Ethan Kuhn, while the offensive line brings back four starters, including first‑team all‑conference selection Lucas Davis and second‑team all‑conference Mason Geiger.
At quarterback, Julian Rew will take the snap, having spent the offseason studying under former starter Bryce Ott, whose leadership helped shape the offense. Rew’s ability to blend experience with fresh energy is seen as a key factor for the team’s early games.
The incoming junior and sophomore classes bring a mix of youthful vigor and proven varsity exposure. Amaree Davis and Tre Chapman are highlighted as rising stars who could make immediate contributions at their respective positions, adding depth to both the offense and defense.
Opening the Season
The season kicks off on August 21 with a home matchup against Ashwaubenon at Titan Stadium, followed by a Week 2 clash with cross‑town rivals Oshkosh West. Both games will serve as early barometers for a squad that aims to prove its competitiveness despite the turnover.
Coach Gulan emphasizes continuity, urging the team to build on the foundation laid by Ott’s culture while integrating new schemes that take advantage of the returning talent. The expectation is for an energetic, disciplined performance that can sustain the program’s upward trajectory.