2026 Team Preview: Northfield Raiders

Northfield enjoyed a strong rebound in 2025 following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Aided by a strong roster and a favorable schedule, the Raiders improved in 2025 from 3-6 to 6-4, reaching the section championship round before losing to Rochester Mayo. Entering 2026, the Raiders enter with a bit of a disadvantage after losing a significant amount of key starters from this previous season, including stars JT Graupmann and Kayden Oakland. But ultimately, they retain several key starters from that playoff team that may also make contributions to replace their lost starters that could propel the Raiders back into the mix once again within the 5A conference.   We take a look today at 5 starters from the Northfield Raiders team to watch in 2026!    Even with a change at QB, Northfield's passing game should remain elevated in 2026 with the presence of [player_tooltip player_id='1633454' first='Ben' last='Ims'], one of the most elite WR prospects in the state entering this season. Ims put up an explosive 844 yards on 45 receptions (18.8 YPC) and 9 TDs in 2025, taking significant steps forward following his sophomore season. With a great combination of length, speed, and quick twitch moving around, Ims flashes a well-rounded skillset as a reliable target at all 3 levels of a defense, capable of burning defenders deep as well as catching the ball and gaining huge yardage in space. Ims holds several D2 offers already this offseason, and he may have the edge to push as a D1-caliber talent with the right fit.     The frontrunner to fill in the shoes left by Oakland is [player_tooltip player_id='2126701' first='Tyler' last='Holz'], and with the way Northfield utilizes their TEs in the passing game, Holz could be in for a heavy workload in 2026. Holz saw limited playing time behind the upperclassmen on the roster, but warrants immediate attention for his size, length, and usage as a multi-purpose tool both on the Edge and at TE. A capable pass-rusher who uses his lengthy frame to his advantage to pose as a difficult defender to block, Holz can easily set the edge to contain the QB and the outside-run, just as much as he's able to contain the edge to open up room for the run-game, and can stretch the field as a down-field target. Holz holds a pair of D3 offers already, and is bound to be one of the Raiders' priority targets at the next level entering his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2124090' first='Davis' last='Ness'] has already proven to be a viable piece of the Raiders' secondary at the Free Safety position. Ness recorded 29 tackles and 2 INTs during the 2025 season. Ness proves capable as the deep man in the middle of their secondary, showcasing great sideline-to-sideline range, being able to track the ball and read the QB's eyes to bait him for an INT while also showing solid capabilities as a run-stopper who can act as the last line of defense and chase down a ball-carrier before he can break away. Ness also provides value as the Raiders' primary return specialist, handling both kicks and punts with consistency and explosiveness. 2026 will be an interesting season for Ness, as he is slated to compete for the starting QB position following the departure of JT Graupmann this offseason, and there is a real chance that he could have a huge presence as an all-purpose threat for the Raiders in 2026.     A solid leader at MLB for the Raiders, [player_tooltip player_id='2164799' first='Brody' last='Jenson']'s return to Northfield provides the team with quality leadership and energy for the unit. Jenson led the defense with 42 tackles, 8 TFLs, a sack, and 2 PBUs. He also contributed to the run game, rushing for 122 yards (5.1 YPC) and a rushing TD while adding a receiving TD. A capable run-stopper who is consistently able to find the open lane into the backfield, Jenson shows great tackling form and pursuit angles to be able to shut down the RB at the point of contact, showing no fear in getting down in the trenches and attacking the LOS and gives little room for RBs to work around or through. Jenson should remain the focal leader of the Raiders' defense while also potentially seeing some more reps in the backfield in 2026.     Northfield holds a pretty solid backfield with numerous players seeing reps, and the Raiders' run-game will benefit with their leading ball-carrier returning in 2026 in [player_tooltip player_id='2249625' first='Sam' last='Harner']. Harner led the team with 325 rushing yards (4.2 YPC) and 3 TDs while adding 9 receptions for 142 yards and a TD. Harner has shown to be a solid contributor for the Raiders' offense as a well-rounded back who is able to churn ahead and drive his feet consistently for solid yardage while also contributing in the passing game as well as a pass-blocker to keep his QB protected. Harner has a good shot of distancing himself among the pack and handling a significant workload in the backfield in 2026.

Northfield enjoyed a strong rebound in 2025 following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Aided by a strong roster and a favorable schedule, the Raiders improved in 2025 from 3-6 to 6-4, reaching the section championship round before losing to Rochester Mayo. Entering 2026, the Raiders enter with a bit of a disadvantage after losing a significant amount of key starters from this previous season, including stars JT Graupmann and Kayden Oakland. But ultimately, they retain several key starters from that playoff team that may also make contributions to replace their lost starters that could propel the Raiders back into the mix once again within the 5A conference.