Badger-Large 2026 Football Preview

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be previewing every conference in the state as part of our preseason preparations.

Check out all of our Football Conference Previews for every league in the state, here.

2025 Recap: Waunakee claimed another Badger-Large title, as the Warriors were perfect until a 19-17 loss to eventual Division 1 state champion Arrowhead in a state semi-final contest. Monona Grove was close behind in the league standings, advancing to a sectional final. Milton placed third, and Sun Prairie East fourth.

Note: Fort Atkinson departs the Badger-Large to move into the Badger-Small this year. Watertown enters the Badger-Large from the East Central Conference.

2025 Badger-Large Season Information:
Standings
Stats
All-Conference

2025 East Central Season Information:
Standings
Stats
All-Conference

2026 PREVIEW:

Predicted Order of Finish:

1) Waunakee
2) Monona Grove
3) Sun Prairie East
4) Milton
5) Sun Prairie West
6) Oregon
7) DeForest
8) Watertown

Players to Watch:

Deangelo Clay, DL, Monona Grove: Clay is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the state, with 25 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season.

Eli Drangstveit, RB, Waunakee: Drangstveit is the top returning rusher for the Warriors, going for 853 yards and 10 touchdowns last season to earn Second Team All-Conference recognition.

Makai Fowler, RB, Monona Grove: Fowler led the Silver Eagles with 875 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, averaging 6.2 yards per carry as a Second Team All-Conference choice.

Mac Johnson, OL, Waunakee: Johnson started the at tight end before moving inside to tackle, where he was a First Team All-Conference selection.

Braylon Peterson, QB, Sun Prairie East: Peterson threw for 1,204 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, also racking up 292 yards on the ground for the Cardinals.

Jaxon Zukowski, QB, Monona Grove: Zukowski was a Second Team All-Conference pick last year, throwing for 1,588 yards and 16 touchdowns, while adding 360 yards and five scores on the ground.

2026 Team Previews

1) Waunakee was challenged just once in the regular season, and answered that with a 14-13 win over Monona Grove to grab the Badger-Large title. They were impressive in the playoffs, but came up short in a tough 19-17 loss to Arrowhead in the state semifinals. “While we return a number of starters, there are some critical roles we are looking for upcoming juniors and seniors to fill at all position groups,” said head coach Chris Graverson, who welcomes back six starters on both sides of the ball. They’ll need to replace the quarterback, top rusher, and top receiver from a year ago, but Eli Drangstveit did get plenty of action at running back, Aaron Trudell saw some time at quarterback, and tight end Mac Johnson is an emerging D1 prospect. McCoy Smith was outstanding on the defensive side of the ball and earned WFCA Defensive Player of the Year accolades, and will be tough to replace.

2) Monona Grove had one of their better seasons in the last few years, dropping just one regular season game, a 14-13 decision to old rival Waunakee, before exiting against Homestead in a 14-10 playoff defeat. “Though we lose 21 seniors and lack game experience, we bring back some key components,” said head coach Brandon Beckwith, a 1996 Monona Grove graduate. The offense returns five starters, including quarterback Jaxon Zukowski and leading rusher Makai Fowler. Deangelo Clay is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the state, with 25 tackles for loss and nine sacks a year ago. He’s received several D2 offers plus a preferred walk-on invite from Wisconsin as a fullback.

3) Sun Prairie East opened with a 28-21 non-conference win over Verona, but couldn’t find the win column against the rest of the better teams on their schedule, finishing 5-5 overall after a Level 1 playoff loss at Hudson. Veteran head coach Brian Kaminski should have the Cardinals competing higher in the standings in 2026, as there’s a solid group coming back and up through the program. Quarterback Braylon Peterson showed definite promise as a first-year starter last season, throwing for 1,204 yards and 15 touchdowns while also being heavily involved in the running game.

4) Milton somewhat quietly put together a very good season, going 7-2 in the regular season before a tough 23-20 loss to Pulaski in the playoffs. The other defeats were against Monona Grove, by one score, and powerhouse Waunakee. It was a senior-dominated crew for the Red Hawks, who have a good deal to replace to graduation, including quarterback Jake Cummins, who led them in passing and rushing as the Badger-Large Offensive Player of the Year. Ben Hentschel and Caden Pernot are two of the top returners on defense for interim head coach Jeff Spiwak, the school’s AD who previously coached at Clinton, as he replaces Dan Prahl.

5) Sun Prairie West did not make it into the playoffs last year, but head coach Josh O’Connor did see some positive momentum for the program. “Last season was a move in the right direction for our offense as a whole,” he said. “We doubled our scoring output and significantly improved our average yards per game, both in the pass game and run game. Moving into this season, our goal is to maintain that momentum with a very different looking group of players.” The Wolves have to replace eight starters on offense and eight on defense, with just 15 letterwinners back overall. Over 90% of the offensive production graduates from last year.

6) Oregon won the first two games and last two games of the year, but a 4-5 record wasn’t quite enough to get the Panthers into the playoffs. “Despite graduating a large senior class, the outlook for the Oregon Panthers remains extremely positive heading into the upcoming season,” said head coach Mathew Weber, a 2006 graduate of the school. “A strong core of returning letterwinners brings valuable varsity experience, leadership, and continuity on both sides of the ball. That experience, combined with a high level of investment throughout the off-season, has helped establish strong momentum within the program.” The Panthers return 34 letterwinners overall, with five starters back on offense and five on defense. Keep an eye on junior running back Jayce Oparie-Addoh as a potential breakout candidate.

7) DeForest missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2006, finishing 2-7 overall. Head coach Todd Grundahl likes the depth at the skill positions and on the offensive line, though they will need to replace talented quarterback Isaac Ziegler. There’s a solid returning core group on defense with a lot of competition for spots, but there’s a relative lack of varsity experience overall. Four starters return on offense and four on defense for the Norskies.

8) Watertown struggled to a 1-8 record last season, though there were some competitive losses mixed in there for the Goslings. In the lone game against one of their new conference opponents, they fell 44-6 to Milton in an opening non-league game. Top passer and rusher Davis Cashin graduates, along with most of the skill guys from a year ago. Second-leading receiver Alex David is among the returnees.