The first football games of the year are still a couple months away, and we’re excited to kickoff a new season!

Over the next several weeks, Bound Wisconsin will be producing Preseason Football Team Rankings, featuring a Top 15 for each division as well as Others to Watch.

Previously Released Rankings:

Division 2
Division 3
Division 4
Division 5
Division 6
Division 7
8-Player

1. Arrowhead - It seemed like eons to some of the Arrowhead faithful, but the Warhawks finally got back on top of the mountain, claiming their first state title since 2012. The Warhawks’ only loss during the regular season was against Muskego, leaving them in second in the Classic Eight. They’d play a number of close games in the playoffs, including three wins by three points or less. That includes the thrilling state title game against Bay Port, when Ryan Heiman played the role of hero, returning a kick 76-yard for the game-winning touchdown with just 35 seconds remaining. “We are very deep with talent,” said head coach Matt Harris, who welcomes back seven starters on offense and eight on defense. “We have a lot of guys who have played significant minutes back from our state championship team. We are still extremely fast and athletic on both sides of the ball.” Nolan Hanson returns after throwing for nearly 2000 yards, Jebari Craig and Devin Nettles each had more than 700 rushing yards, and Tre Oiler is a top-level Division 1 talent at tight end. Over on defense, they lose All-State linebacker Brendan Foley, but Evn Wozniak leads a strong group. The Classic Eight got even tougher this year, and features the top four in our preseason rankings, but the Warhawks have a strong chance to get back to Madison.

2. Muskego - The Warriors opened the year with a close 14-13 loss to Neenah, but reeled off 11 consecutive wins in a row, capturing an outright Classic Eight Conference championship along the way. Despite taking care of business in the league and the rest of the Milwaukee area, they’d struggle against another Fox Valley-area team, falling to Bay Port in a 38-35 nail-biter. The traditional Wing-T offense should continue to hum along, with seven starters back, including quarterback Joey Shaw and talented playmakers Bryson Hoeffler and Aiden Perlberg. There’s a little more work to do on defense, as just two starters return on that side of the ball. The biggest change comes at the top, where longtime highly successful coach Ken Krause retired in the off-season, and defensive coordinator Ryan Lucchesi takes over. “Our football program will continue to lean in on the consistency of our systems and continuity within our coaching staff,” he said. “Program cohesion will continue to be a huge strength and our young men are incredibly excited to compete against a tremendous schedule on a weekly basis.”

3. Franklin - It was another very good season for the Sabers in 2025, as they went unbeaten during the regular season to claim yet another Southeast Conference title, though in a home sectional final, they’d get shocked by Bay Port 42-13. The new year brings all kinds of changes. Head coach Louis Brown stepped down, and former offensive coordinator Drew Ambrose was hired to lead the program. In addition, they’ll make the move into the absolutely loaded Classic Eight Conference. They’ve faced many of those teams in the playoffs over the years, but the week-to-week will certainly be tougher than what they’ve faced in the Southeast previously. “We graduated a large and very successful senior class, but return starters at several key positions including quarterback,” said Ambrose. “:We have a lot of talent and depth at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, but depth will be an issue on the offensive and defensive lines. Our lower levels were very successful last year, including some very good non-conference wins over quality programs. Our rising sophomore class is large and very talented as is our incoming group of freshman. We will likely start several sophomores on Friday nights due to their talent level, but inexperience could be an issue. The biggest challenge I anticipate for us will be having to play high level competition nearly every week, compared to our previous league.” Keegan Best is back at quarterback, and will be joined at the skill positions by running back Dillon herling and receiver Gavin Schiek.

4. Mukwonago - Mukwonago looked very impressive at times in 2025, but couldn’t quite find the consistency throughout the season, finishing a distant third in the Classic Eight and 7-4 overall after a Level 2 shutout loss to Waunakee. “The team has tremendous offensive skill,” said veteran coach Mike Gnewuch. “The offensive line will be significantly bigger than last year.” George Molitor is back after leading the Classic Eight in passing last year, and senior Jerrell Anderson is a breakout candidate after going for 740 yards on the ground while playing behind Colton Lynch. The Indians bring back six starters on offense and four on defense to go with 35 returning letterwinners.

5. Bay Port - The Pirates claimed the Division 1 state title in 2024, and dropped a couple games in the regular season last year. Still, they’d make a nice postseason run, with victories over Franklin and Muskego, to advance to the state title game once again. A touchdown with less than a minute left put them in front, but they’d drop a heartbreaker when Arrowhead returned the ensuing kickoff for a game-winning touchdown. The Pirates certainly have a chance to make it three in a row for appearances at Madison. “We have strong depth across the board this season, with 28 seniors and 37 juniors,” said head coach Steven Jorgensen. “This quality of depth creates a lot of competition for starting spots with guys who have waited their turn and worked in the program.” Among the returnees are six starters on both sides of the ball. However, the two players who carried the bulk of the load offensively move on, quarterback Matt Stevens, who had more than 2000 passing yards and 1000 rushing yards, as well as 2000-yard rusher Brady Moon. It figures to be a dogfight in the FRCC-North between Bay Port and West De Pere once again.

6. Hamilton - Hamilton had some impressive wins last year, including non-conference victories over Kimberly and Racine Case, and would share the Greater Metro Conference title. The Chargers couldn’t get past Arrowhead, however, dropping a 21-20 decision to the Warhawks in a regular season crossover, then a 34-24 defeat in a sectional final. Head coach Justin Gumm brings back 15 starters this season, eight on offense and seven on defense. They’re the favorites in a redesigned Greater Metro, especially since they avoid the heavyweights in the Classic Eight crossovers. “A lot of guys that have played a lot of football for us,” said Gumm. “Our senior class has lost three games in their career. They went undefeated as sophomores and freshmen.” In addition to Wisconsin twin commits Hunter and Reece Mallinger up front, there’s plenty of talent at the skill positions on offense. Quarterback Cole Erdmann returns, as does leading rusher Brayden Schroeder plus the top three receivers from a year ago.

7. Neenah - The Rockets made waves early with an opening win over Muskego, and nearly knocked off eventual D1 state champion Arrowhead in Week 2. A late season win over Kimberly put them in position to win the FVA, but a shocking Week 9 loss to Hortonville meant a shared crown, and the late season fade continue, as the second-seeded Rockets would lose to seven-seed De Pere in a Level 1 overtime contest. Neenah should be a contender in the FVA again, especially with quarterback Ashton VanBeek returning. He was the FVA Offensive Player of the Year, rushing for 1,416 yards and 18 touchdowns with 828 yards and nine touchdowns passing. Top receivers Cooper Sieck and Matthias Charles also return.

8. Waunakee - The Warriors were 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.

9. Kimberly - The Papermakers couldn’t quite find a rhythm last year, falling to Hamilton to open the year, dropping a game to Neenah in conference play (though they’d still grab a share of the FVA title), and then going out in the playoffs in a second game against Hamilton. Kimberly brings back 35 letterwinners, but just three starters on offense and four on defense. “We have a strong team in the weight room with balanced athletes and good length, speed, and size,” said head coach David Michalkiewicz. “We have strong senior leadership in many position groups to lead the transition with new contributors.” Maddux Hermus is an excellent athlete who can make plays in the running game (684 rushing yards) and passing ame (221 receiving yards). Jake Mau is a rising junior tight end who is receiving strong Division 1 interest.

10. Verona - Verona dropped non-conference games to Sun Prairie East and Oconomowoc early on, then fell to rival Middleton resulting in a second place finish in the Big Eight. Struggles against teams outside the Big Eight continued in the postseason, as after a non-competitive win over Milwaukee Pulaski in Level 1, they’d fall 42-20 to Franklin in Level 2. Brady Bowdish saw some time at quarterback as a sophomore last year, and is joined in the backfield by top rusher Jax Wepking. Of course, the offense features Wisconsin commit Ethan McIntosh up front as well. The defense can turn to tackling machine Jack Guenzler-Soda to lead the way.

11. West De Pere - What a season it was for the Phantoms, who went unbeaten through the regular season, including a thrilling 48-45 win over Bay Port to claim the FRCC-North title. They’d ride a strong offensive attack all the way to Madison, defeating Notre Dame 28-14 in a highly anticipated matchup. West De Pere is another team with a number of changes this year, with head coach Chris Greisen stepping down following the season, as Kegan Wirtz takes over. Also, the WIAA’s Tournament Performance Factor elevates the Phantoms to Division 1. While record-setting All-State quarterback Patrick Greisen graduates, the team has some strong players back on offense, including three, three-year starters. That includes D1 tackles Sam Schmidt and David Provost. The quarterback battle will be interesting, featuring senior Morgan Mertens and junior Andrew Greisen, the younger brother of Patrick. Like the offense, the defense returns six starters for 2025, led by linebacker Braylon Stegall and safety Cooper Borowicz.

12. Racine Case - The Eagles continued their strong recent run, finishing second in the Southeast Conference behind Franklin and winning a playoff game for a third consecutive year. However, they’d struggle with Muskego in Level 2, falling 34-6. Many of the top offensive producers have graduated, but head coach Anton Graham has built the Eagles into a program that is ready to keep things rolling year after year. Linebacker Erik Ynnocencio, linebacker Trent Harris, and defensive back Amarie King are returning standouts on the defensive side of the ball. With Franklin leaving the league, things certainly open up for the Eagles.

13. Badger - It was another outstanding season for the Badgers, who went undefeated in the regular season and claimed a dominating Southern Lakes Conference title. Elevated to Division 1 by the WIAA’s Tournament Performance Factor, they advanced to the sectional finals, falling to Muskego 20-13 in a close one. Head coach Matt Hensler brings back 25 letterwinners from a year ago, with five starters returning on offense and four on defense. The Badgers have to replace 1800-yard rusher Matt O’Grady at quarterback, but Cameron Tennessen and Oliver Schaid saw a good number of carries a year ago and return. “Speed and size will be a strength,” Hensler said. “Depth and experience will be concerns.”

14. Appleton North - Appleton North went 5-5 last year, dropping the final three games of the year, including a blowout playoff loss to Bay Port. The Lightning should be better in 2026, with seven starters back on both sides of the ball. They do need to replace quarterback Grant Hardy and All-State linebacker Ben Wenzel, but there are some nice pieces returning. “We will have a very strong starting unit on both sides, but must build depth,” said veteran coach Rob Salm.

15. Hudson - Hudson was in the thick of the Big Rivers Conference race as usual in 2025, and had a chance to grab a share of the title in the last week of the regular season. However, they’d fall to Rice Lake in a tight one and finish in third. The Raiders knocked off Sun Prairie East in Level 1 but were upset by De Pere in a Level 2 home game. There are five starters back on defense this fall, along with several others that received a good amount of time. However, the experience on the offensive side of the ball is a different story. Just one starter is back there, though head coach Adam Kowles likes the speed in the backfield and at receiver.

16. Fond du Lac - It was another extremely tough schedule for the Cardinals, who took down Hartford and Marquette in non-conference play, but dropped four tough FVA games. They’d sneak into the playoffs, but fell to Kimberly for a second time on the season. “We are looking to replace a group of 32 seniors who accounted for 16 starting positions,” said head coach Sam Plucker. “We will be very young in all positions. our greatests strength is team discipline and work ethic.” Starting quarterback Eli Michalkiewicz does return, while defensive lineman Guardian Harris is a North Dakota State recruit.

17. Brookfield East - Brookfield East opened the conference schedule with a win over Hamilton, and would hold on to grab a share of the Greater Metro Conference crown. They nearly took down eventual Division 1 state champion Arrowhead in Level 2 of the playoffs, but fell 31-29. The Spartans are looking to replace quarterback Zeke Sawall and leading rusher Max Matter, but leading receiver Beau Evans is among the returnees. Defensively, they’ll have to find a way to replace D1 linebacker Jack Murray.

18. Middleton - Middleton claimed an outright Big Eight Conference title last year, defeating Verona mid-season en route to the crown. As has been the case a number of times in recent years, they struggled against top teams outside the league, falling to Bay Port to being the year, then going out to Badger 31-7 in Level 2 of the playoffs. The offensive skill positions were dominated by graduated seniors, including multi-year starting quarterback Joey Passaglia, leading rusher Elijah Jackson, and the top receiving threats. There will be some rebuilding at those key production spots for 2026.

19. De Pere - De Pere went 5-4 during the regular season after a distant fourth place finish in the FRCC-North. However, head coach Ben Strickland’s crew picked up a couple close road victories in the postseason over Neenah and Hudson before falling to Waunakee in a sectional final. The Redbirds bring back just three starters on offense, but Strickland likes the look of a defense that brings back eight regulars, with good speed, athleticism, and experience. Cayden Cavanaugh is a tackling machine at linebacker while Liam Fieber has all kinds of athletic ability in the backend of the defense.

20. Sun Prairie East - The Cardinsl were in a solid spot midway through the season, sitting at 4-1. However, they’d drop four of the final five games, including a Level 1 defeat at the hands of Hudson. The Badger-Large will be no joke again, with Waunakee and Monona Grove looking very strong. Braylon Peterson returns at quarterback, throwing for 1,204 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Leading rusher Brady Kaufman and top receiver Van Vogler to have to be replaced, however.