2026 Vermont Division I Football Preview
The 2026 Vermont Division I high school football season is set to begin on September 4, promising a slate of competitive matchups as teams vie for a coveted spot in the November 14 championship game at Burlington High School.
Middlebury, the reigning champions, enter the new campaign with a wealth of experience from their backfield, featuring standouts like Jason Sperry and Tucker Wright, while also reloading an offensive line that helped secure last year’s title.
St. Johnsbury, the runners‑up, bring back roughly 80 % of their starting offensive line, giving them continuity on the front, and they will be led by sophomore quarterback Gavin Huntington‑Monroe, who showed promise in his first season under center.
Burr and Burton Academy, a semifinalist in 2025, boasts 17 senior returnees, among them dual‑threat quarterback Sam Dowd and a strong group of offensive linemen, positioning them as a formidable contender.
Contenders to Watch
Other teams worth watching include Champlain Valley Union, where Demarcus Riggs is transitioning to quarterback after a solid receiving career, and Essex, which leans on returning defensive stalwart Ben Hotaling now seeing time on offense. Mount Anthony Union returns 16 seniors, highlighted by third‑year quarterback Jonathan Crossman and top receivers, while Mount Mansfield Union, under coach Norm Lozier, faces depth challenges after losing key players.
Rutland, coached by Mike Norman, looks to remain a contender despite a hole at running back, with returning players Gio Spallieri and Aden Galiano expected to shoulder increased responsibilities.
The season’s narrative will be shaped by how these squads adapt to new quarterbacks, the performance of revamped offensive lines, and the ability of coaches to blend experience with emerging talent as the championship chase unfolds.