The 2026 Southeastern 3A/4A/5A Conference football preview brings together a mix of rising programs and established contenders as the league looks to build on a dramatic 2025 season. Six schools — Fairmont, Red Springs, South Brunswick, South Columbus, West Bladen and Whiteville — are slated to battle for supremacy, each with distinct storylines that could reshape the competitive landscape.
Championship Tie and Playoff Outlook
The 2025 campaign ended with a three‑way tie for first place among Whiteville, South Brunswick and South Columbus, a result that has set the stage for a tightly contested 2026 race. Analysts expect the conference to again produce multiple playoff qualifiers, with Whiteville projected to host a home game and both South Brunswick and South Columbus slated to secure postseason berths.
Fairmont’s Breakout Potential
Fairmont enters the new season with a chance to rebound from a 1‑9 record in 2025 under head coach Scott Loosemore. The team retains key contributors, most notably senior quarterback Jamarion Brown, who amassed 742 passing yards and 512 rushing yards with five touchdowns last year. The combination of experienced players and coaching stability positions Fairmont as a potential breakout team.
Red Springs’ Rebuilding Challenge
Red Springs will have to navigate a rebuilding year after graduating its Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback Chase Boone. The loss of top talent creates uncertainty, but the program hopes to develop new leaders while maintaining its competitive edge within the conference.
South Brunswick’s Resurgence
South Brunswick’s turnaround from a 0‑10 record in 2024 to a 7‑4 mark and co‑championship in 2025 was anchored by senior running back Amerius Revels, who rushed for 1,356 yards and nine touchdowns. The team’s favorable 2026 schedule, featuring only one non‑conference opponent that won more than three games a year ago, further enhances its playoff prospects.
South Columbus’ Returning Quarterback
South Columbus returns senior quarterback Jaxon Greene, the only all‑conference player retained from the previous season, but must contend with the toughest schedule in the league, including road trips to Pender and Loris, South Carolina. The added challenges could test the team’s depth, yet the return of Greene provides a solid foundation for offensive continuity.
Whiteville’s Sustained Success
Whiteville, the smallest school in the conference, finished 7‑4 as a co‑champion in 2025 and returns key players such as Tylae Rose and Sabeyhon Shipman. Head coach J.P. Price’s program is expected to remain a favorite, with predictions pointing to another home playoff game for the 2026 season.
West Bladen’s Young Roster
West Bladen aims to improve from a winless conference season in 2025, fielding a young roster that includes seven seniors and several newcomers. The team’s development will hinge on how quickly its newcomers can adapt, but the experience of a largely senior‑laden squad offers a promising foundation for future growth.
Schedule Implications and Playoff Outlook
The differing schedules across the conference add another layer of intrigue. South Columbus faces the most demanding path, while South Brunswick enjoys one of the most favorable calendars. These variables will likely influence win‑loss records and could shift the balance of power as the season unfolds.
The outlook for the conference remains optimistic, with several teams poised to make deep playoff runs. Fans can anticipate exciting matchups as each program leverages its strengths and addresses its challenges heading into the new season.