Preseason Powerhouses
MaxPreps has rolled out its statewide preseason high school football rankings for Alabama, a list that places four programs inside the national top 100.
Thompson, Clay‑Chalkville, Central‑Phenix City and Saraland each crack the top 100, with Thompson also breaking into the top ten of the USA Today national poll, underscoring the state’s depth.
Central‑Phenix City continues to dominate the flag football arena, holding the No. 1 spot in USA Today’s rankings and riding a 57‑game winning streak after back‑to‑back state titles.
New Classifications and Rankings Structure
The Alabama Sports Writers Association (AHSAA) has introduced new classifications that reshape weekly rankings, now featuring a top‑10 list for each of six public school divisions and a top‑five for private and AISA programs.
In the 6A division, Thompson sits at the summit, followed by Central‑Phenix City and Auburn, while Clay‑Chalkville leads the 5A category.
The 2025 AHSAA Super 7 championship will return to Protective Stadium in Mobile, and Clay‑Chalkville plans to unveil a brand‑new football stadium in 2026, reflecting the growing infrastructure across the state.
These preseason lists blend editorial insight with past performance, but once the season unfolds the rankings will pivot to a results‑driven model, promising fresh movements on the scoreboard.