Malachi Brunk returns for his senior season as one of the top two-way players in Class 1A after an outstanding junior campaign that earned him First Team All-State honors at both quarterback and defensive back.
Sports in Kansas said Brunk is one of the football players to watch in 2026.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound standout threw for 1,086 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 1,336 yards and 18 more scores, making him one of the state’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
On defense, Brunk added 61 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups, earning Sports in Kansas All-State honors at defensive back and a spot on the Sports in Kansas 3A and Below Non-Senior All-State Team.
Brunk has steadily built an impressive résumé throughout his career. As a sophomore, he earned First Team All-League honors at defensive back, Sports in Kansas All-State honorable mention recognition and qualified for the state track meet.
He followed that with first-team all-league honors at both quarterback and defensive back as a junior while also earning all-league honorable mention and Sports in Kansas All-State honorable mention recognition in basketball, along with another state track qualification.
After an 8-2 season, Brunk believes Inman is ready to take the next step.
“The whole team is super excited to get back out on the field and represent our town,” he said. “After grinding this summer in the weight room and on the field we are ready to play football. We have a big group of upperclassmen that know what it takes to win.
“Our season didn’t end the way we wanted it to last year, but our goal is to bring a championship to Inman, which has never been done.”
Brunk already has earned an offer from McPherson College and continues to attract recruiting attention with his production and versatility.
Athletics also run deep in his family. His mother played basketball at Hutchinson Community College. Two uncles competed at HutchCC in football and track. Cousin Harrison holds the All Classes State Football Game record for receiving yards.
Brunk and the Inman football team open the 2026 season Sept. 4 at Sedgwick Other road games are Sterling, Sept. 18; Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Sept. 25; and Remington, Oct. 9.
Home games are Marion, Sept. 11; Hillsboro (homecoming), Oct. 2; Council Grove, Oct. 16; and Moundridge, Oct. 23.
Kansas Class 1A state football playoffs begin on Oct. 30 with cross district bracket games, followed by regionals, Nov. 6; sectionals, Nov. 13; and sub-state games, Nov. 20.
The Kansas Class 1A state championship game is Nov. 7 at Hutchinson’s Gowans Stadium.
The Inman Teutons are coached by Lance Sawyer. Assistant coaches are Billy Gerst, Tom Broomfield and Brock Blair.
