After a taste of success a year ago Milan is hungry for more. The Indians captured the school’s second regional title in program history and now return a strong, veteran cast of players that has the potential to make an even deeper playoff run this season.
Milan returns eight starters on defense. That group allowed just 7.0 points per game during the teams five-game winning streak down the stretch before falling to eventual state champion South Putnam in the semistate battle last fall. The Indians bring back four players that combined for 42.0 tackles for losses last season – Zane Richardson (12.0), Grant Langferman (11.0), Levi Pierce (11.0) and JJ Mutz (8.0).
Head coach Ryan Langferman does have some concerns on offense. “Our quarterback and top receiver have graduated. Our passing game will need time to develop.” A veteran offensive line and running back Beckett Langferman, who ran for 1,000 yards as a freshman, will lead the way early on.
This is a team that doesn’t lack confidence. They beat the 2024 state champion Providence in the regional championship before bowing out to South Putnam last fall. The Indians understand the effort that is needed to win it all. Expect Milan to rise to the occasion again and have another outstanding campaign in 2026.
Class 1A, Sectional 46
2025 RECORD: 7-5 Class 1A, Sectional 46; 2-2 MIFC
COACH: Ryan Langferman (126-83 at Milan, 18 years; 126-83 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Grant Langferman, Sr, HBack/OLB, 6-2/212
2025 Honors: IFCA Class 1A Jr. All-State (DL) & MIFC DPOY
2025 Stats: 375 RuYds, 5 RuTDs, 22 rec., 324 ReYds, 3 ReTDs, 63 Tkls, 11.0 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, 9 PBUs & 2 INTs
Career Stats: 392 RuYds, 5 RuTDs, 54 rec., 859 ReYds, 9 ReTDs, 185 TotTkls, 8.5 sacks, 34.0 TFLs, 1 FF, 2 FRs, 12 PDs & 2 Ints
Lukas Hensley, Sr, C/DE, 5-11/245
2025 Honors: IFCA Class 1A Jr. All-State (OL)
Zane Richardson, Sr, OG/NT, 5-11/245 I
2025 Honors: IFCA Class 1A Jr. All-State (ATH)
2025 Stats: 46 Tkls, 2.0 sacks, 12.0 TFLs & 1 FF
Career Stats: 116 Tkls, 6.5 sacks, 27.0 TFLs, 2 FFs, 2 FRs & 1 PD
JJ Mutz, Sr, OT/LB
2025 Honors: Honorable Mention All-MIFC
2025 Stats: 68 Tkls & 8.0 TFLs
Career Stats: 136 Tkls, 19.0 TFLs, 1 PD & 1 Blk FG
OTHER RETURNEES
Levi Pierce, Jr, OT/DE
2025 Stats: 38 Tkls, 2.0 sacks & 11.0 TFLs
Beckett Langferman, So, RB, 5-11/170
2025 Stats: 1,125 RuYds, 7 RuTDs, 3 rec., 22 ReYds, 79 KRYs, 1,226 APYds & 13 Tkls
NEWCOMERS
Lane Smith, So, QB
2025 Stats: 41 PaYds, 1 PaTD, 75 RuYds, 2 RuTDs, 10 Tkls, 1 PDs & 1 Int
Hunter Snelling, So, RB, 5-10/220
2025 Stats: 26 RuYds
Zander Burkett, Jr, OL
2025 Stats: 3 Tkls & 1.0 sack
PLAYOFF HISTORY (51-42)
Sectional Champion (eight) – 2025, 2024, 2016, 2011, 2010, 2000, 1996 & 1995
Regional Champion (two) – 2025, 1996
2026 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/21/26 – at Rushville (2-8in 2025) – 7:o0 PM
Fri – 08/28/26 – BATESVILLE (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/04/26 – NORTH DECATUR (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/11/26 – at Switzerland County (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/18/26 – EDINBURG (1-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/25/26 – at Brown County (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/02/26 – PROVIDENCE (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/09/26 – at South Decatur (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/16/26 – EASTERN HANCOCK (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/23/26 – IHSAA Playoffs Class 1A, Sectional 46
