The 2026 Maple League season is set to kick off on June 4 as seven teams from six Finnish cities begin their pursuit of the country’s most prestigious American football prize. The road to the championship will culminate on September 12 when Maple Bowl XLVII is played at Bolt Arena in Helsinki, crowning Finland’s 47th national champion.
The season opens in Helsinki’s Myllypuro district, where the East City Giants host the Kuopio Steelers in the first game of the year. Each team will play a 10-game regular season schedule before the top four advance to the semifinals at the end of August. Reigning champions Porvoon Butchers enter the season as the team to beat after capturing the title in 2025, and league coaches are nearly unanimous in viewing the Porvoo club as the favorite once again. Behind them, the battle for playoff positions is expected to be fierce, with several clubs believing they have the talent to challenge for a place in Maple Bowl XLVII.
Porvoon Butchers
The 2025 champion Porvoon Butchers enter the 2026 Maple League season as the clear title favorites. Head coach Markku Vuoksenturja has retained much of the club’s domestic core despite losing quarterback Christian Arrambide and defensive back Zach Wright. The biggest question is at quarterback, where former Helsinki Wolverines signal-caller Teemu Hautakangas joins the roster. The return of defensive standout Timi Nuikka and offensive linemen Väinö Pääkkönen and Martin Veinberg strengthens an already talented lineup. Celebrating the club’s 40th anniversary, the Butchers were the unanimous pick of opposing coaches to finish first and defend their championship.
Seinäjoki Crocodiles
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles are again expected to contend after collecting four consecutive silver medals. Head coach Jaime Hill enters his second season in charge and has rebuilt much of the American contingent. New quarterback CJ Fowler arrives from the NCAA Division I level and is expected to lead an expanded offensive system under new coordinator Leon La Deaux. Defensive lineman Charles Akanno returns after terrorizing Maple League quarterbacks for two seasons. National team center Arttu Blomqvist and defensive back Sifiso Salama headline the domestic additions as the Crocodiles look to finally convert silver into gold.
Kuopio Steelers
The Kuopio Steelers are hoping a familiar face can return the club to championship form. Head coach Pekka Utriainen is back on the sidelines after helping build the Steelers dynasty of the early 2020s. The team has replaced all five American imports, with quarterback Slade Jarman and running back Josh Mack expected to drive the offense. Defensively, linebacker Chris Cox and lineman Damien Lowery will be key contributors. The Steelers earned seven medals in the last eight seasons and were picked by opposing coaches to finish second in the Maple League standings in 2026.
Helsinki Roosters
The Helsinki Roosters begin a new era under head coach Lasse Voipio after missing out on a medal in 2025. Unlike the rest of the league, the Roosters will rely on a Finnish starting quarterback, national team signal-caller Ambro Urjansson. The club also has Rasmus Laalo available under center. Returnees Samuli Vehkomäki, Tony Koskinen, and Will Lydle strengthen the roster, while Sidney Gibbs is currently the only American skill-position player on offense. Opposing coaches still expect the Roosters to contend, predicting a third-place finish despite significant changes to the coaching staff.
Wasa Royals
The Wasa Royals are looking to break a two-year playoff drought under returning head coach Seppo Evwaraye. The biggest offseason change comes at quarterback, where American AJ Abbott takes over after Elias Haapamäki’s departure. Abbott played collegiately at Division I East Texas A&M University and will lead an offense coordinated by fellow American Jimmie Johnson. The Royals boast a strong domestic core led by Raul Khalifa, Axel Arvila, Anton Silfver, Samu Hautala, and Karim Limam. Despite their roster changes, opposing coaches once again predicted the Royals to finish fifth in the league.
East City Giants
The East City Giants continue their rebuilding project after finishing sixth in the Maple League in 2025. Head coach Mika Eloranta has added depth throughout the roster, including several former Helsinki Wolverines players. American quarterback K’Hari Lane is expected to lead the offense after developing strong chemistry with receiver Austin Brock during the preseason. Defensive lineman Tyran Dixon and defensive back Nolan Bernati headline the imports on defense. The Giants believe they are moving in the right direction, but rival coaches have once again projected a sixth-place finish.
Tampere Saints
The Tampere Saints finished seventh in the Maple League in 2025 but ended the season on a high note with victories over both Helsinki clubs. Head coach Hannes Mattila hopes that momentum carries into 2026. The biggest change comes at quarterback, where American CJ Howard replaces longtime starter Jessie Robbins. Receiver Logan Collier returns after earning an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots. Along with Chase McCoy and Austin Euler, the Saints will again rely on American talent while also looking for major contributions from Kimi Tuomi, Luca Koskenkanto, and promising youngster Joona Tuominen.