With the 2026 season looming, the high school football scene in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties is buzzing with anticipation. A handful of players who dominated the field last year are set to return, bringing a mix of experience and raw talent that could redefine conference races.
Standout Quarterbacks and Rushes
Aiden Oldenhoff of Kohler/Lutheran/Christian arrives as the most prolific passer in recent memory, having set the Eastern Wisconsin Conference record with 1,891 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. His move to the North Eastern Conference adds a new layer of challenge, but his arm strength remains a focal point for opposing defenses. Conner Schaefer from New Holstein, who amassed 1,275 rushing yards and nine scores while averaging 6.4 yards per carry, is expected to shoulder a larger load after the injury that ended Augie Eigenberger’s campaign early. Eigenberger’s 975 passing yards and six touchdowns at Plymouth, though limited by a mid‑season setback, still illustrate the depth of talent at the quarterback position across the region.
Receivers and Defensive Playmakers
Among the most dangerous pass catchers is Griffin Knight of Cedar Grove‑Belgium, who gathered 626 yards and 10 touchdowns, thriving in open space and forcing missed tackles. He will find a reliable target in Carter Zimmermann, Oldenhoff’s top receiver who set an EWC record with 60 catches for 883 yards and 15 scores. Ely Kohlman of New Holstein adds another dimension, hauling 36 passes for 626 yards and nine touchdowns while also contributing on special teams and defense. On the other side of the ball, Josh Anzia of Cedar Grove‑Belgium led the Big East with 81 total tackles, including 41 solo stops and 11 tackles for loss, while Cole Kuhn of Plymouth posted 67 tackles, 43 solo, 20 for loss and 3.5 sacks, underscoring a defensive surge that could anchor many teams.
The upcoming season also brings strategic shifts as several standouts transition to new conferences, most notably Oldenhoff’s move to the North Eastern Conference. Coaches are emphasizing refined passing accuracy, sustained rushing dominance, and the ability to leverage versatile playmakers in both offensive and defensive schemes. The blend of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen promises a competitive mix that could reshape playoff picture expectations.
Overall, the returning talent from Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties offers a compelling narrative of growth, adaptation, and ambition. As teams fine‑tune strategies and players sharpen their skills, the 2026 campaign is poised to deliver memorable performances that will be closely followed by fans, coaches, and recruiters alike.