2026 Preview: Milwaukie Mustangs

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Milwaukie Mustangs</h1>   Milwaukie was one of the biggest surprises in Oregon high school football last fall. After making the jump from 4A to 5A, many expected the Mustangs to spend the year adjusting to the higher classification. Instead, they put together a 7-1 regular season, earned a playoff berth in their first year at the 5A level, and brought real excitement back to the program. While their season ended with a first-round loss to a talented Dallas team, the foundation was clearly established.   Head coach Jonathon Simpson believes the program has continued to move in the right direction this offseason. Participation has taken another step forward, with 35-45 athletes consistently attending offseason workouts, a major jump from the 32-player roster the program had when Simpson completed his first season as head coach. He credited the coaching staff for creating a culture centered around consistency, accountability, and player development, both on and off the field.   The Mustangs are now looking to build on last year's success rather than simply repeat it. Their goal is to continue creating a competitive program the Milwaukie community can rally behind while making Friday nights an exciting event. With a talented returning core and growing confidence throughout the program, the Mustangs appear poised to remain one of the top contenders in Special District 2.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2>    Few players in the state can match Schell's athletic profile. A First Team All-League selection on both offense and defense since his sophomore season, he pairs elite track numbers with a physical brand of football that shows up every Friday night. Expect him to once again be one of the Mustangs' most impactful two-way players.     Fiallos is a physical, versatile football player who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. His combination of strength and speed makes him a difficult matchup, and he has developed into one of the leaders of this senior class. He also carries a strong 3.5 GPA in the classroom.     Aruwah is making the transfer from California to Oregon for his senior season. Coach Simpson called Aruwah one of the best route runners in the state, and his complete skill set makes him a dangerous receiving threat. He combines strong hands, explosiveness, and impressive leaping ability to consistently create big plays.     Locke quietly put together one of the best sophomore seasons in the state, throwing for 2,439 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading Milwaukie's breakout campaign. Coach Simpson believes he deserves much more statewide recognition, and it's easy to see why after the production he put on last season. With another offseason under his belt, he enters 2026 as one of Oregon's most intriguing junior quarterbacks.     Harper is simply electric whenever the ball finds his hands. Whether it's at running back or in the return game, his vision, burst, and change-of-direction ability make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He is capable of changing the momentum of a game in an instant.     Standing 6'0" and weighing 300 pounds, Diaz is the physical presence up front for the Mustangs. What makes him even more impressive is his athleticism relative to his size, as highlighted by a 13.3-second 100-meter time. He has all the tools to become one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the conference.     Sounds like Jackson is making the transfer from Gladstone to Milwaukie to play some 5A ball. Jackson has all the physical tools to make a major impact this season. Coach Simpson believes he has the potential to reach double-digit sacks thanks to his explosiveness and physicality coming off the edge. He also excels in the classroom with a GPA above 3.5.     Perez developed into one of the conference's top cover corners last season, leading the team in interceptions. His instincts and technique allow him to consistently challenge opposing receivers, and he gives Milwaukie another dependable playmaker in the secondary.     At 205 pounds, Preston brings an impressive blend of size, speed, and athleticism to the field. He tracks the football naturally and consistently finishes plays with reliable hands. His ability to stretch the field gives Milwaukie another dangerous weapon in the passing game.     Wheat is one of the more polished receivers in the program thanks to his football IQ and feel for finding open space. Coach Simpson compared him to Cooper Kupp because of his ability to read defenses and consistently get open. He is another standout student with a GPA above 3.5.     Barone earned varsity snaps as a freshman and now returns as Milwaukie's starting middle linebacker. At 6-foot and 215 pounds, he already possesses impressive size and maturity for such a young player. With three more seasons ahead of him, he looks like another cornerstone piece for the future.     Dickerman has made one of the biggest jumps in the program this offseason. After leading the JV offense at quarterback last year, he has developed into a legitimate contender for a starting role at safety. His intelligence, work ethic, and coachability have made him one of the biggest offseason success stories for the Mustangs.    Milwaukie proved last season that its move to 5A was no fluke. With nearly every major contributor returning, a growing culture within the program, and another talented sophomore class beginning to emerge, the Mustangs have every reason to believe last year's playoff appearance was just the beginning. They'll open the 2026 season looking to build on that momentum and establish themselves as one of Special District 2's premier programs. Milwaukie begins the season on September 4th at home vs Wilsonville.

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.