2026 Team Preview: Waconia Wildcats

Two years ago, on this day, my first article with Prep Redzone was a preview of the Waconia Wildcats, and to honor this anniversary, we return to where we started by taking a look at their upcoming 2026 season. Coming off a 5-4 campaign, Waconia stumbled following a 4-1 start last season with several big losses against their conference rivals leading to a first-round playoff exit. However, with the return of several key starters, including several players that have stood out as some of their most prominent prospects in the last few years, Waconia is poised to be a contender within the 5A conference and look to make a much deeper run this postseason.   We take a look at 8 players on the Wildcats' roster to keep an eye on in 2026!    Waconia isn't always a team that stands out with the size of their athletes, but [player_tooltip player_id='2126055' first='Max' last='Greenwell'] is a perfect exception to that as a towering, lengthy DE. A potent run-stopping 3-4 DE, Greenwell boasts the strength, speed, and length to leverage around blockers, being able to control the direction of where he goes to get around the defender to find the ball while also being able to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage, having potential to make an impact in pass-coverage as well. Greenwell has been a budding prospect, especially over this last month, and Greenwell recently received his first D1 offer to play at St. Thomas, and it likely won't be his last over the coming weeks.     Speaking of St. Thomas, starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='1704256' first='Karsen' last='Herman'] just announced his commitment to play for the Tommies, an exciting and well-deserved feat considering how well he played over this last season. Herman finished with 920 passing yards 13 TDs, and only 3 INTs while adding 122 rushing yards on 11 carries and 2 rushing TDs. A fluid passer with great touch and delivery on his deep throws, Herman is capable of fitting his passes through some very tight windows as well as nailing his medium-deep throws to his receivers in stride ot create big plays down the field. A tall, physically-gifted QB who commands his offense with quality leadership, the Tommies certainly got a great signing, and Herman will look to close out his tenure with Waconia with a bang.     [player_tooltip player_id='2126060' first='Adam' last='Hayden'] has been a prominent name for the Wildcats emerging as a powerful piece on the O-line. A staple at Left Tackle, A great run-blocker who's consistently driving his feet and when he gets his hands on a defender, they are usually going straight to the ground. Hayden moves well on the line, being able to get to the second level, and create gaps for his RBs to go through to create a huge play in the ground game. Hayden's skillset can suit both as a bookend on the line or in the interior at Guard, and he already holds several D2 offers, signaling a bright future at the next level for Hayden.     I wrote on his older brother Tyler two years ago, and [player_tooltip player_id='1966739' first='Jacob' last='Ess'] has been emerging already in his sophomore season as a solid piece for the Wildcats' defense. Ess recorded 23 tackles, 2 TFLs, and an INT returned for a TD last season. His pick came off a perfect snatch on a RB checkdown route, and he has proven capable of containing the Edge both against the run and as an overhang defender against the pass. Ess also saw playing time at RB, and he has a good chance of competing for a starting role in the backfield in 2026. Ess has proven already to be a great fit at OLB, and he should remain a focal point of their perennially strong LB corps over the coming years.     Tyson McDonald provides dual-purpose value playing in the secondary and at WR, but his primary has often been most prevalent at his Free Safety role. McDonald finished the 2025 season with 21 tackles, a FF, a PBU, and an INT. Flashing great footwork and agility as an athlete, McDonald reacts well to the flow of the play, showcasing quick closedown speed to get to the ball-carrier and limit the opponent's run game while boasting the physique and length to prove difficult to match up against in the pass game. McDonald should have a major role for Waconia's secondary in his senior year, and a strong campaign could help see him spark some offers to play at the next level.     Jumping back to the LB corps, [player_tooltip player_id='2244240' first='Blake' last='Miller'] adds himself among this rock-solid corps to provide substantial value in the run-defense. Miller recorded 23 tackles, 1 TFL, and a FF in 2025. Miller showcases great speed and explosiveness off the snap, being able to close down the outside perimeter and set the Edge as well as chase down the ball-carrier going the opposite direction. Despite his smaller size, Miller showcases an impressive level of strength to win against his blocks as well as double-teams, and he also provides special teams value in both punt and kickoff coverage units. Playing on the opposite side of Ess, these two should form a formidable OLB group that should set the tone outside the tackle box.     [player_tooltip player_id='2244246' first='Elijah' last='Seim'] won the team's trust to immediately start as the placekicker in his freshman season, and he continues to grow in this role in his 2nd season with the team. Seim went 2 of 3 on FGs and 20 of 22 on Extra Points. A natural shot with his kicks stemming from his role as a midfielder for Waconia's soccer team, Seim possesses the kicking power, arc, and velocity downfield, allowing him to excel both in placekicking and in kickoffs. Seim should continue to grow as a special teams ace for the Wildcats.     [player_tooltip player_id='1969626' first='Seth' last='Leier'] describes his play-style as violent, and he definitely brings an upfront and tenacious attitude at his Nose Guard position. Showcasing impressive explosiveness off the snap, Leier is impressively quick and agile in the interior, being able to slip his way through the pocket and into the backfield to force pressure on the QB, and also uses that speed to flash impressive sideline-range to be able to chase down the ball-carrier running outside the perimeter. Leier should have a much more prominent role for the Wildcats' defense in 2026 and could be a hidden gem in the makings.

Two years ago, on this day, my first article with Prep Redzone was a preview of the Waconia Wildcats, and to honor this anniversary, we return to where we started by taking a look at their upcoming 2026 season. Coming off a 5-4 campaign, Waconia stumbled following a 4-1 start last season with several big losses against their conference rivals leading to a first-round playoff exit. However, with the return of several key starters, including several players that have stood out as some of their most prominent prospects in the last few years, Waconia is poised to be a contender within the 5A conference and look to make a much deeper run this postseason.