The Big Madonski's Preseason Top 25 (Divisions 1-4)

1. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

The Eaglets return a nest full of elite talent from their back-to-back state championship teams, including the entire backfield. Junior running back Jamari Givhan returns alongside senior wide receivers Chad Willis, Lorenzo Barber and Brannon Hardy, giving Orchard Lake St. Mary’s plenty of firepower on the perimeter. Anchoring the "O'ssembly Line" is lead by junior Michael King III and Kent State-bound Brian Matthews. Future Northwood quarterback Jabin Gonzales provides additional star power. Head Coach Jermaine Gonzales enters his fifth season leading his alma mater.

2. Detroit Catholic Central

The defending undefeated state champions enter 2026 with a senior-heavy roster and championship expectations once again. Texas Tech commit Gideon Gash leads the way, while the Shamrocks bring back four of their five starting offensive linemen from last season. Senior quarterback Duke Banta will have Eric Anderson, Ryan Richardson, James Peters and Austin Woodlock protecting him up front. Replacing former Catholic Central now Virginia Tech Offensive Lineman Benny Ezuika, will be junior Joe Berry, a lengthy guard who credits his teammates for helping him throughout the offseason. The Shamrocks open the year August 27 at Wayne State against Chippewa Valley.

3. Cass Tech

The Technicians are coming off another spectacular season and remain one of the state’s premier programs. With a roster loaded with high-level talent and a program that expects to compete for championships every year, Cass Tech enters 2026 against Michigan City (IN) and with plenty of unfinished business in mind. See full preview: 2026 Detroit Cass Tech Football Preview

4. East Kentwood

Just three seasons into his tenure, legendary Head Coach Ty Spencer has already guided East Kentwood to its first Final Four appearance in 11 years. Now, the Falcons have their sights set even higher. The secondary could be the best in West Michigan, featuring seniors Major Barnes, a Brown commit, and Donovan Jones, a Grand Valley State commit, alongside juniors Austin Nelson and Kenneth Harris. East Kentwood will also welcome senior transfer Colin O’Connor from California as it looks to replace Kayd Coffman.

5. Howell

The Highlanders are led by one of the most highly regarded linebackers in the country, Clemson-bound senior Bryce Kish. Kish was a major factor on both sides of the ball last season as one-third of Howell’s infamous rushing attack while making his presence felt defensively. In just 6.5 full games on defense, he recorded 37.5 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a blocked kick. With Kish setting the tone, Howell enters the fall with plenty of firepower.

6. Harper Woods

Few teams in Michigan have generated as much buzz entering 2026 as Harper Woods. Oregon commit Dakota Guerrant gives the Pioneers one of the state’s premier playmakers, while junior Deandre Bidden adds another dynamic weapon to the offense. The defense brings plenty of experience as well, with seniors Jeremiah McCall and Jessie White at linebacker, with Jayden Evans at defensive back. Returning to anchor the unit, Junior tight end AJ Henley adds another versatile piece to a roster with championship expectations.

7. Brother Rice

The Warriors may be one of the youngest teams in the Top 25, but youth hasn’t dampened their motivation. After a season that left them wanting more, Coach Marshall’s squad returns with plenty of fire. The defense is anchored by nationally regarded defensive end Jayden Bell, while the offense features dynamic juniors Deondre Hill at running back and Tyler Trusel at wide receiver. Senior offensive lineman Donovan Fuller is ready to leave everything on the field, while tight end Maximus Giglio made history as Brother Rice’s first sophomore captain in 30 years.

8. Divine Child

The Falcons return one of the most experienced rosters in the state, bringing back 9 of 11 defensive starters from last season’s championship squad. Quarterback Drew Sheridan and standout offensive tackle Jacob Taylor headline the returning talent, while Finn Cameron is expected to take another major step after starting on both sides of the ball last season at tight end and linebacker. With experience, continuity and championship pedigree throughout the roster, Divine Child enters the newly aligned Catholic League AA Division as an early Division 4 favorite.

9. De La Salle

De La Salle left 2025 with a bitter taste, knowing there was more left to accomplish. Despite finishing last in the Midwest’s toughest high school football league, the Pilots battled their way to a 6-7 record and the Division 3 semifinals before falling to eventual champion DeWitt. Now entering their second season in Division 3, De La Salle will lean on junior quarterback Greyson Thurston and seniors Brady Bullock, Will Husken, Joey Morasco, Will Cartwright and Ryan Baxa as they look to take the next step.

10. DeWitt

The defending Division 3 champions are back with another explosive offensive unit. Griffin Braman steps into the quarterback role following the departure of Traverse Moore, who transitioned to running back at Central Michigan. Junior running back Channing Ridley returns after rushing for 1,183 yards on just 92 carries last season. If DeWitt’s offense continues to operate at the same pace, the Panthers could once again be terrorizing defenses throughout the Capital City area.

11. Detroit King

A perennial state contender, Detroit King came up short of expectations last season following a Regional Final appearance. The Pride of the Eastside are determined to take the next step in 2026. Three-year varsity starter and future Fighting Illini, Darryl Flemister III provides veteran leadership. While top defensive end prospect Jameer Henry has elevated his leadership role heading into the new campaign. King has the talent to make another deep postseason push.

12. Clarkston

The OAA-Red powerhouse is coming off its 19th conference championship and 13th district title before falling to eventual state champion Detroit Catholic Central. The Wolves bring a physical and athletic identity to the field, with a strong ability to execute zone-run concepts while setting the tone defensively. In a conference as competitive as the OAA-Red, Clarkston will have little room for error, but this group has proven it belongs among Michigan’s best.

13. Saline

Saline enters 2026 with an intriguing blend of established stars and exciting newcomers. Michigan commit Louis Esposito, Western Michigan commit Bryce Barbarino and highly regarded defensive end Dawood Issa provide plenty of veteran firepower. Sophomore quarterback Case Campbell arrives from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, while junior Marquis Ray, the son of former Michigan national champion and NFL safety Marcus Ray, transferred from Pickerington North (OH). There is no shortage of talent in the Hornets’ locker room.

14. Rockford

The Westside powerhouse once again faces one of the toughest schedules in Michigan, including road trips to East Kentwood and Hudsonville. Senior linebacker Ryan Kerry, senior wide receiver Drew Ferwerda, senior offensive guard Rylan Kirn and senior linebacker Otto Packard will be among the leaders tasked with guiding the Rams through another demanding campaign. Rockford enters the year chasing what would be a remarkable 32nd consecutive playoff appearance.

15. Muskegon

Michigan’s winningest football program returns with another roster packed with high-end talent. Four-year starter and Michigan commit Recarder Kitchen gives the Big Reds one of the premier defensive line prospects West Michigan has seen in years. Junior linebacker Dacari Johnson joins seniors Sincere Hathorn and Jacob Watkins as key pieces on both sides of the trenches. Muskegon has the tradition, the talent and the expectations that come with being one of Michigan’s most historic programs.

16. Brighton

Brighton enters the final year of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association as one of the conference favorites. Michigan State commit Jack Carlson anchors the offensive line, while West Point commit Jayden Byrd provides a major presence in the secondary. Junior quarterback Dominic D’Agosta also returns after throwing for more than 1,800 yards and earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore. With experience returning at several key positions, the Bulldogs have the pieces to make plenty of noise.

17. Mona Shores

The Sailors bring plenty of size and experience to the trenches, with seniors Mateo Alvarez, Kesean Collins, Dylan Maltoke, Anthony Nash and Desean Taylor leading the way up front. Mona Shores also has plenty of playmaking ability on the perimeter, including junior defensive back Payton Koziak and seniors Jaylon Millstead at wide receiver and Kevin “KJ” White Jr. at running back. If the Sailors can control the line of scrimmage, this group has the potential for a big season.

18. Rochester Adams

“Speak softly and carry a big stick” may be the perfect description for Rochester Adams football. The Highlanders have quietly established themselves as one of Michigan’s most consistent programs, making three semifinal appearances in the last five years while reaching the state finals in 2021. Seniors Charlie Durand, Brady Lindstrom and Lorenzo Sartor will lead Adams into another postseason push. Their 2026 campaign includes a massive Top 25 showdown at Michigan Stadium on August 29 at 7 p.m. against Romeo.

19. Mt. Pleasant

Following a trip to the Division 3 state finals, Mt. Pleasant enters 2026 with a new challenge: playing with a target on their backs. The Oilers will have to navigate a highly competitive SVL-North, but they return two major offensive pieces in senior quarterback Xavier Creuger and running back Prosper Enehiroana. After coming so close a year ago, Mt. Pleasant has every reason to believe it can make another deep postseason run.

20. Dexter

Dexter made history last season with the program’s first-ever trip to Ford Field. Now, the Dreadnaughts want to make sure their first appearance wasn’t their last. Dexter returns one of the nation’s top tight end prospects in senior Holden Niemi and enters Division 3 hungry to get back to the state championship stage. After breaking through for the first time, the Dreadnaughts are chasing a return trip.

21. Walled Lake Western

Grand Valley State-bound quarterback David Krall takes the reins for Walled Lake Western as the Warriors look to repeat their success in a newly realigned Lakes Valley Conference. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Malcolm Ross II and running back Michael Walker Jr. will be among the key contributors alongside Krall. With another competitive conference slate ahead, Western will have plenty of opportunities to prove itself once again.

22. Birmingham Groves

After reaching its third semifinal in four seasons, Birmingham Groves has its eyes firmly set on a championship. The Falcons enter a newly aligned OAA-Blue that includes archrival Birmingham Seaholm along with newcomers Harper Woods and Waterford Mott. Senior running back Jeremiah Whitley leads the offensive attack, while juniors Landon Lewis at linebacker and Kameron Smith along the defensive line anchor a defense looking to carry Groves through another deep postseason run.

23. Hudsonville

What a turnaround it has been for the Eagles. After going just 8-11 across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Hudsonville has won 23 of its last 26 games and made its first state finals appearance in 20 years in 2024. Expectations remain sky-high entering 2026. Grand Valley State commit Luke Brodnicki and senior Hank VanderWal occupy the defensive tackle spots, while Parks Vugteveen brings versatility after moving from safety to defensive end last season. Offensively, senior Tyler Floriana and juniors Trey Snip and Donovan Terres are battling for the quarterback job as they look to fill the shoes of Hudsonville legend Brady VanLaecke. Head Coach Brent Sandee enters his ninth season looking to guide the Eagles toward an OK-Red three-peat.

24. West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield endured several nail-biters last season, including a heartbreaking final-play loss to Oxford. The Lake Show now turns the page with Davenport-bound quarterback Jaxson Carver leading the way. Four-year starter Tristan Hunter joins juniors Will Thornton and Carson Pikur as key pieces along the offensive line. Defensively, sack leader Jamar Ray returns alongside Ferris State commit Bryce Tillman at cornerback and safety Christian Banks. In an incredibly competitive OAA-Red, West Bloomfield will need to capitalize on its opportunities to make another postseason push.

T-25. Grand Blanc

Grand Blanc’s explosive offense put up a staggering 506 points in just 11 games last season, the Bobcats return a dangerous running back tandem in senior Jeremiah Coleman and junior Ashton Brown. Senior quarterback Jake DeWitt takes over for Jake Morrow, who is now at Western Carolina, while Grand Valley State-bound offensive lineman Joey Asperger will be among those charged with keeping DeWitt upright. The Bobcats won’t have to wait long for a measuring-stick game, opening against an elite Belleville squad.

T-25. Romeo

The defending MAC Red champions are ready to take center stage at Michigan Stadium alongside Rochester Adams. The Bulldogs will be led by seniors Marino Gai and Tayshawn Proctor, with Proctor also expected to take snaps at fullback. The backfield features a lightning-quick duo in Troy Smith and Parker Cohoon, who combined for more than 2,100 all-purpose yards last season. On defense, senior Jayden Mancini and junior Antonio LaLama form an imposing linebacker tandem. With Coach Curt Reinas leading the way, Romeo is hunting for another MAC Red title and the Bulldogs will get a marquee opportunity at The Big House, August 29 against Adams at 7 p.m.