Brownsburg High School is aiming for a third consecutive Class 6A state football title as the 2026 IHSAA season kicks off.
Key contenders include Westfield, Carmel, and Warren Central, while questions linger about record‑breaking performances and coaching changes across the state.
Top contenders and star players
Brownsburg returns quarterback Oscar Frye (Illinois State) and receiver Branden Sharpe (Indiana), while Westfield’s junior quarterback Cooper Melvin is tipped as a favorite in the north bracket.
Carmel, last year’s runner‑up, remains a strong contender after a narrow overtime loss to Westfield in the sectional championship.
Warren Central fields 14 starters, featuring Purdue commit Kaleb Elkins at safety and Kentucky commit Sean Fox at linebacker.
Coaching changes see Brett Cooper take charge at Ben Davis, Nick Brickens lead Cascade, and Steve Moorman head Tech High School.
Several schools have shifted divisions; for example, Whiteland and others have moved up to Class 6A, while Cascade, Greenfield‑Central, and Pendleton Heights have risen to Class 5A.
The 2025 Class 3A champion Cascade is moving down to Class 2A, and Roncalli will open its 2026 season against Bishop Dwenger, the team that beat them in the 2025 Class 4A final.
Cole Stephens, a senior from Greencastle, is close to breaking Indiana’s all‑time passing record with 9,234 career yards.
The season’s excitement will culminate at Lucas Oil Stadium, the venue for the state finals.