Madison Football enters the 2026 season with plenty to build on after capturing the Lyon County League championship and finishing 8-2 a year ago.
Head coach Nate Teichgraeber said he was proud of his team’s perfect run through league play in 2025 and appreciated the chemistry and leadership that group brought to the field.
Madison returns half of its starters from last season, but replacing some key contributors will be no easy task. The Bulldogs graduated Octavian Dean, an All-State First Team selection on both offense and defense, along with Cruz Leiser, who led the team in both rushing yards and tackles.
Leading the way offensively is senior quarterback Brayden Grimmett. After throwing for nearly 1,200 yards and rushing for almost 800 more last season, Grimmett gives Madison an experienced leader at the game’s most important position. Teichgraeber said offseason workouts have gone smoothly, thanks in large part to having that experience back under center.
Grimmett will also anchor the Bulldogs’ secondary as a three-year starter on defense. Senior Cory Yowell returns after starting at both wide receiver and defensive back as a junior. At the same time, Colter Luthi takes over at tight end and is back to lead the linebacking corps. The senior trio will be counted on heavily as Madison looks to defend its league crown.
The Bulldogs will also compete in a new classification this fall, moving from Division 1 to Division 2. While the change means potential playoff matchups against smaller schools, Teichgraeber said his focus remains on preparing his team each week rather than looking ahead to postseason scenarios.
Madison opens the 2026 season on September 4 with a Week 1 matchup against Lebo.
