The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) presents both an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year award in the state of Wisconsin each season for Large School and Small School.

There are 14 weeks in the 11-player football season when regular and postseason are included, meaning we're halfway through with seven games complete.

This week, we'll be looking at the top contenders for WFCA Large and Small School Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

It takes the right combination of name recognition, statistical success, and team success to win the award, which is available to players from any grade but has traditionally gone to a senior. Generally, the player must be from a very successful team that is either unbeaten or a favorite to compete for a state title.

To be clear, the Large School Offensive Player of the Year is presented by the WFCA. However, below is my take on the top ten candidates right now (in alphabetical order), though there is a long ways to go before the selection is made after Level 4 of the postseason, and more candidates could certainly emerge.

Kingston Allen, RB, Notre Dame - Allen got limited opportunities behind WFCA Large School Offensive Player of the Year Christian Collins last season as a sophomore, but always had huge potential. He’s realizing that as a junior, rushing for 1,173 yards and 20 touchdowns on 128 carries, despite missing one game earlier this year. He’s also caught an 87-yard touchdown and sees time on the defensive side of the ball for the Division 2 top-ranked Tritons.

Patrick Greisen, QB, West De Pere - Last year, Greisen completed 249-of-352 passes (70.7%) for 3,846 yards and 49 touchdowns, as his yardage and touchdown numbers are both third in state history for a single season. He was the FRCC-North Offensive Player of the Year and a WFCA All-State selection. He’s been just as good or better in 2025, and is arguably the top contender for the Large School Offensive Player of the Year. He’s completed 127-of-185 passes (68.6%) for 1,890 yards with 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions as the Phantoms are currently unbeaten heading into a huge showdown with Bay Port this weekend.

Kobe Hendricks, RB, Slinger - Hendricks has been the catalyst for the Owls offensively, taking on a much bigger role after last season’s Division 2 state championship. He’s currently fourth in the state with 1,303 rushing yards so far this year, averaging 8.8 yards per carry with 17 touchdowns, including a long of 93 yards. He’s also caught five passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns.

Brooks Hendrickson, QB, Mount Horeb/Barneveld - Hendrickson has continued his high level of efficiency in his senior campaign, following up an All-Conference junior season. The lefty signal-caller is completing 64.7% of his passes (99/153) for 1,443 yards with 20 touchdowns this year. He also has three rushing touchdowns for the Vikings.

Matthew O'Grady, QB, Badger - Badger has posted blowout after blowout this year, limiting O’Grady’s opportunities, but he still has 1,039 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 77 carries in the team’s option offense, averaging 13.5 yards per attempt. He’s also thrown for 342 yards and four touchdowns and plays on defense for the Badgers. O’Grady is also the team’s kicker, connecting on 44-of-45 extra points.

Joey Passaglia, QB, Middleton - Passaglia threw for nearly 2500 yards with 32 touchdowns last season and is on track for another big campaign as a senior. He’s completing 67.7% of his passes (134/198) this season, with 1,609 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s also gotten more involved in the running game and leads the Cardinals with 63 carries for 362 yards and three scores on the ground.

Christian Rudrud, QB/RB, La Crosse Central - Rudrud will line up at quarterback and running back in the team’s power spread attack, though he’ll throw or run the ball out of either position. He’s been nearly unstoppable this year, with 143 carries for 1,126 yards and 16 scores on the ground, adding 42-of-56 passing (75%) for 661 yards and seven touchdowns through the air. He’s also the team’s leading tackler.

Brody Schaffer, QB, Winneconne - Schaffer is a dynamic all-around football player who has remained committed to Iowa despite interest coming from other schools late in the process, including Wisconsin. He lines up at quarterback for the undefeated Wolves, completing 69.6% of his passes (64/92) for 1,085 yards and 10 touchdowns this year, with another 451 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground despite limited touches with a large number of blowouts. He’s also an outstanding defensive back for Winneconne.

Jacob Siner, RB, Arrowhead - Siner is on the precipice of his third consecutive 1000-yard rushing season, with 974 yards and 11 touchdowns on 114 carries. He’s the top offensive weapon on one of the state’s best teams, as Arrowhead is 6-1 against a brutally tough schedule.

Matt Stevens, QB, Bay Port - Stevens has followed up a big junior season that saw him guide the Pirates to a state title with a strong senior campaign. Stevens has completed 64-of-93 passes this year (68.8%) for 1,007 yards with 12 touchdowns, averaging more than 15 yards per completion. He’s very involved in the running game as well, second on the team with 44 carries for 328 yards and five scores.