High school football in Greater Lansing witnessed a remarkable comeback from the Williamston Hornets, who improved from a disappointing 3-7 season in 2024 to an impressive 11-1 record in 2025. As the 2026 season approaches, other local teams are vying for similar turnarounds, with fans encouraged to vote for which team will see the greatest improvement. The voting is open until July 24, with several teams, including Corunna, Dansville, and Eaton Rapids, looking to bounce back from challenging seasons.

By the Numbers
  • Williamston improved by 8 wins, finishing 2025 with an 11-1 record.
  • Corunna finished 2-7 in 2025, marking their first losing season since 2019.
  • Dansville had a 1-7 record in 2025 and is transitioning to 8-man football.
  • Lansing Catholic posted a 2-7 mark in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Yes, But

While there is excitement around potential improvements, teams face various challenges, including coaching changes and transitioning to different formats of play, which may hinder their ability to rebound effectively.

State of Play
  • Williamston's success in 2025 has set a hopeful tone for other programs in the region.
  • Multiple teams, such as Eaton Rapids and Ionia, are under new leadership, bringing uncertainty to their upcoming seasons.
  • Several teams are looking to break patterns of losing seasons, aiming for a fresh start as practice begins soon.
What's Next

As practices commence, teams will need to quickly implement strategies and adapt to any new coaching styles. The upcoming weeks will be critical for building momentum ahead of the season's kickoff, with fans eagerly anticipating the results of the polls for the most improved team.

Bottom Line

The Greater Lansing high school football landscape is poised for change as teams aim to turn their fortunes around. The successes and challenges faced in the past seasons will heavily influence their performance in 2026, making it essential for fans to engage in the voting process to support their teams.