After finishing the 2025 season with a chip on their shoulder following a trip to the IFL National Championship, the Green Bay Blizzard are ready to run it back with a new-look roster and plenty of motivation.
The offseason has brought plenty of change this year. Some key pieces from last year’s team won’t be back, including MVP quarterback Max Meylor and versatile two-way player TJ Davis. Davis recently signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL for the 2026 season, and Meylor signed with the Arizona Rattlers of the IFL. Even with the player turnover, the Blizzard are confident that they have the right mix of talent and leadership to make another deep run.
Offensive coordinator Matt Behrendt said the focus this offseason has been on building chemistry among the new faces and returning players. He emphasized that the culture built during last season’s championship run has carried over the upcoming year.
“Building chemistry is going to be huge this offseason, especially with such a big turnover from last year,” Behrendt said. “Communication is going to be big and just trying to get a head start as much as possible on the mental side of things, especially the playbook.”
According to the Indoor Football League (IFL), the Blizzard finished the 2025 regular season at 10-6, earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference before falling just short in a 61-64 loss to the Vegas Knight Hawks in the IFL National Championship. Offensively, Green Bay was one of the most explosive teams in the league, finishing first in points per game (54.1) and first in total yards per game (252.8). Their offensive line was also dominant, allowing the fewest sacks in the league with just six all year.
On defense, the Blizzard ranked 12th in scoring (46.5 ppg allowed) and 13th in yards allowed (249 ypg), per the IFL.
Losing Meylor will be a challenge for the Blizzard, as he threw for 3,019 yards, 67 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions, while also rushing for 795 yards and 28 touchdowns. Still, Behrendt believes the offense can stay competitive.
“It’s definitely going to be a different offense from last year with really only one guy returning,” Behrendt said. “We’ll be young, but I like the group we’ve got coming in. It’s all about that next man up mentality.”
The Blizzard are bringing back a small but strong core from last year’s roster, including Andrew Carter, an All-IFL Second Team offensive lineman who played a major role in Green Bay’s success. Carter is ready to take on an even bigger leadership role this season.
“The standard never changes,” Carter said. “My goal is to be the best I can be for the team and those who believe in me. Effort, attitude, and toughness are the things we control, and that’s what I focus on every day.”
Coach Behrendt praised Carter as a leader and what he can do for Green Bay.
“Having Andrew back to lead the big boys up front on offense is going to be huge. He does such a great job making sure everyone knows their job and is working hard,” Behrendt said.
Alongside Carter, the Blizzard have re-signed offensive lineman Rod Williams, and defensive linemen Scean Mustin and Allen Henry. The team also added several proven IFL players from the Bay Area Panthers, who will be dormant this season. Among them are Trevon Alexander (WR, 1 year experience), Jaime Navarro (OL, All-Rookie Team 2025), Jonathan Ross (DL, All-IFL First Team 2025), Delvin Salter (OL, 2 years experience), and Franky West Jr. (DB, 1 year experience).
Carter talked about the mindset for this season, focusing on team success and unfinished business.
“The success from last year doesn’t mean anything this season,” he said. “I’m excited to give my all to help Green Bay win. The goal is to win the last game of the year, simple as that.”
The Blizzard are heading into the 2026 season with high expectations and a championship on their mind. Green Bay may always be known as a football town because of the Packers, but the Blizzard continue to make their own identity with the success the organization has been having.