The latest Mississippi high school football preseason rankings have already sparked conversation among coaches, players and fans, with Tupelo sitting at the top of the list.
The Golden Wave enter the 2026 season ranked No. 1 after a 13‑2 campaign that fell just one point short of the Class 7A championship, and they will rely on returning stars Kylan Bobo, Devontray Brewer and Amijai Frederick to maintain their momentum.
Close behind, Gulfport, the defending champion, holds the fourth spot and is already being circled as a potential opponent for a December showdown with the Golden Wave.
Rivalries and Rematches
Brookhaven, ranked third, will lean on Jaden Allen, who topped the state in both passing and rushing last season, while Hattiesburg’s Gavin Ducksworth, the leader in passing touchdowns, returns to bolster the offense.
Jackson Academy, a perennial contender, slides in at No. 8 with a formidable offensive line anchored by Caden Moss and PJ Evans, adding depth to a schedule that includes several top‑ten matchups.
Oxford, positioned at No. 12, faces the task of replacing Drew Dean and Knox Kiffin, but the team still boasts a core of experienced skill players aiming to stay competitive.
Clinton, the only squad entering the rankings with a losing record from the previous year, sits at No. 25 and is determined to rewrite its narrative with a revamped roster.
The excitement extends beyond the field, as teams such as Tupelo and Gulfport are already planning strategies to capitalize on their early‑season momentum, with state title aspirations driving every practice.