2026 Team Preview: Milan Brings Back Plenty of Experience After Semi-State Run

The Indians kickoff the season on the road at Rushville (Aug. 21)

Head Coach: Ryan Langferman (126-83 in 19th year at school)
2025: 7-5 (Sectional Champs, Regional Champs, Lost to South Putnam in Class A Semi-State)
Players Lost to Graduation (8): Kayden McClellan (WR/DB), Micah Norman (WR/DB), Wyatt Marsh (QB/DB), Brady Alcorn (RB/LB), Josh Pettit (RB/DL), Ryan Betz (OL/DL), Tim Robbins (OL/DL), Noah Morgan (TE/DL)

Crunch Time Episode Featuring Milan: Crunch Time - July 27, 2026 - Crunch Time - Eagle Country 99.3

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The 2025 season was largely a success for the Milan Indians. Milan went (7-5) overall and captured their second consecutive Sectional Title and eighth overall with a 27-7 win over North Decatur.

In the Regional Championship, the Indians took down the defending Class A State Champs, defeating Providence 22-7. 

The win gave Milan their second Regional Title in program history, and their first since 1996. 

Milan's terrific state tournament run came to an end at the doorstep of the state championship when they were defeated 40-7 by eventual Class A State Champion South Putnam.

OFFENSE

One of the glaring positives for Milan entering the 2026 season is the amount of experience on the offensive line. 

The offensive line is led by 2025 All-State selections Zane Richardson and Lukas Hensley. Other key returners include Levi Pierce, JJ Mutz, Hunter Wickizer, and Jose Blanco. 

Over the past three seasons, Milan has found an identity offensively as a heavy run team out of the Wing T. Last season, the Indians averaged 256.4 rushing yards per game. 

Beckett Langferman returns as the Indians top rusher last year as a freshman. He ran for 1,125 yards and seven touchdowns. Grant Langferman is back as a wing after rushing for 375 yards on 30 carries a season ago. 

Gavin Trenkamp has been repping at tailback. Hunter Snelling has been at fullback. Luke Hendron and Caydin Davidson are expected to see time as a wing. 

Lane Smith, a sophomore, will take over at quarterback after backing up senior Wyatt Marsh a season ago. Marsh was a three-year starter for Milan, totaling 3,694 yards and 38 touchdowns through the air and another 1,402 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground. 

Coach Langferman describes Smith as an athletic quarterback that throws well on the run and is not afraid to hit. 

DEFENSE

Milan allowed 17.5 points per game in 2025.

The Indians return several key contributors, including All-State defender Grant Langferman, who tied for the team lead in tackles last season with 68 (11 tackles for a loss). Milan also returns JJ Mutz and Colby Bushhorn as three-year starters at linebacker. Kam Miller is also expected to see time at linebacker.

Zane Richardson, Levi Pierce, Jose Blanco and Lukas Hensley are among a group of returning defensive linemen. Luke Hendron will add depth along the defensive front, moving from linebacker to defensive end. 

Brennen Berry, Brison Hornberger and Kolton Harris return in the secondary. Beckett Langferman should see some time as a defensive back. Lane Smith could also see time as a defender. 

SEASON GOALS

While the players have a state championship in mind, Head Coach Ryan Langferman is taking a different approach heading into the 2026 season. 

"Beat Rushville. That's our goal right now. Take it one game at a time and get everybody healthy throughout the offseason. I've tried to motivate this team all throughout the offseason. Instead of preparing like you are Regional Champs, prepare like you lost five games."