Season 9 of The Meat Grinder podcast just dropped, and hosts Sean Patrick Bowley and Pete Paguaga are hitting us with the complete rundown for the 2026 CIAC high school football season. They’ve been busy this offseason, and now they’re breaking down everything from the Preseason Top 10 poll to who’s gonna be lifting state championship trophies this fall. It’s time to get hyped!
Incumbents Are Stacking Wins, But The Carousel Is Spinning!
We’re talking about pure dominance here. New Canaan? They’re coming in as four-time defending Class L champs. Four times! And Greenwich isn’t far behind, sitting as two-time defending Class LL champs. You’ve also got Hand, Windsor, Berlin, and Sheehan, who just keep on running the table. But don’t think it’s gonna be a snooze-fest. The big question is, will these powerhouses keep their run going, or are we about to see some serious shake-ups this season?
The hosts already dug into what’s new in CT high school football for 2026, and the coaching carousel has been wild. Seriously, who’s new on the sidelines for 2026? It’s a whole new game out there. And get this: Jack’s Back! Cochran is making his return to New London. That’s a storyline everyone’s watching, you know it!
Co-Ops Are The Future, And Who Takes The Title?
Another big trend this year? More and more towns are going co-op this season. It’s changing the landscape of the game, no doubt about it, and you’ve gotta wonder how that impacts team dynamics and rivalries. Sean Patrick Bowley and Pete Paguaga didn’t just stop at the headlines, though. They gave us the full breakdown on every single playoff division.
We’re talking Class LL, Class L, Class MM, Class M, Class SS, and Class S. They went through each one, giving their predictions for who takes home the state championships this fall. You’ve gotta tune in to hear their takes because everyone’s got an opinion on these matchups, and the predictions are flying around already!
The 2026 season is kicking off, and the first week is already packed with games to watch. Make sure you’re caught up with the Preseason GameTimeCT Top 10 and those 50 players to watch before the whistle blows. This season is set to be a wild one, and we can’t wait to see who steps up and makes some noise!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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