Albert Lea is certainly on the up-and-up, coming off their best football season since the late 1980s and transitioning that success to the wrestling mat, where the Tigers are perennial state contenders. 2027 QB/RB hybrid Brecken Wacholz Brecken Wacholz 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Albert Lea | 2027 State MN was arguably the 2025 campaign’s most dynamic and productive figurehead, leading the Tigers on the ground with 75 rushes for 578 yards and 7 TDs to go along with 25 completions on 43 attempts (58%) for 324 yards and 6 TDs to 2 INTs through the air, PLUS 64 tackles and 7 TFLs on the defensive side of the ball. Someone is more than due for a rankings bump and then some, it seems. To sweeten the pot and Wacholz’s budding recruiting resume, Wacholz is currently ranked 7th at 172AAA and is a 2025 Fargo Junior All-American, placing 8th at 190 in Greco-Roman this past July, bringing some serious momentum from 2025 into the 2026 sectional and state tournament.

Sadly, the versatile, experienced, and electric multi-sporter Wacholz doesn’t have any updated tape from the 2025 season, which breaks the heart of PRZMN, so I hope someone tells the Albert Lea product to update his Hudl account soon! The multi-sport talent is too good to go unwatched!

In several ways, Brecken Wacholz Brecken Wacholz 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Albert Lea | 2027 State MN outperformed senior starter Teaghen Tolbers Teaghen Tolbers 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH/QB Albert Lea | 2026 State MN despite playing with fewer reps, and Wacholz has the opportunity to take full advantage of his potential entering 2026 as the full-time starter for Albert Lea. In 7 games, Wacholz threw for 324 yards, 6 TDs, and 2 INTs while adding a team-lead 578 rushing yards (7.7 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. Wacholz showcased more potential as a versatile dual-threat who could create big plays with his legs, and while he lacked the passing volume that Tolbers had, Wacholz did a good job with short-to-medium pass plays down the field. Wacholz will need to work more to find a steady rhythm in the pocket, but he has a great opportunity to excel as the lone starting QB for Albert Lea in 2026.