East Region Football Rankings Preview: Super 25 Contenders and Title Aspirations
A look at the top-ranked teams, key transfers and emerging storylines ahead of the upcoming high school football season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning North Carolina across Basketball, Football, Nascar.
A look at the top-ranked teams, key transfers and emerging storylines ahead of the upcoming high school football season.

Freshman forward Nick Sarantakos made an immediate impact for High Point University, scoring his first collegiate goal and setting up a teammate in a 5‑2 win over LIU, earning conference Freshman of the Week honors.

Nina Meyer’s two goals, assist and five-point contribution lead the Buccaneers to a 9‑1 victory over Columbia College, marking the first weekly accolade for a Charleston Southern player this season.
Ryan Ahlum, a Myers Park alumnus and longtime assistant, has been appointed head coach of the school's baseball program, succeeding Erik Foor who moved to Hough High School.

UCF’s 2026 campaign hinges on Scott Frost’s revamped staff, a new quarterback in Alonza Barnett III, and a defense eager to improve turnover margins as the Knights aim for their first Big 12 breakthrough.

North Carolina taps NBA veteran Michael Malone as head coach, unveiling a transfer class ranked eighth nationally and a freshman big man from Spain, while key departures reshape the roster ahead of a fifth‑place ACC projection.

The Bears finished second in the SAC preseason poll and are ranked No. 8 nationally, blending a deep roster with fresh talent as they open the season at home.
N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren enters the season with a bold proclamation: his team will win every game. A blend of experienced leadership and fresh talent sets the stage for a clash with Virginia on August 29.

The Volunteers appoint true freshman Faison Brandon as their 2026 starter, while veteran George MacIntyre enters a four‑season window to reclaim the position.

Faison Brandon, the newest starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, combines elite high‑school accolades with notable philanthropic work, shaping his early leadership role

UNC’s new head coach Michael Malone explores the storied UNC‑NC State rivalry, outlines a deliberate hiring process and highlights early recruiting wins that could reshape the program.

Coach Erin Matson unveils a revamped roster featuring ten fresh recruits, including top prospects Sofia Ferri and Morgan O’Donnell, as the Tar Heels look to build on last year’s Final Four run.
Arkansas has announced KJ Jackson as its starting quarterback for the 2026 season, replacing AJ Hill. The former Alabama standout, who earned SEC experience with five starts last year, will open the season against North Alabama on September 5.

From high school phenom to NCAA trailblazer, Chris Webber’s two‑year stint at Michigan remains a defining chapter in the story of the Fab Five.

Clemson will open fall training on September 18 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, featuring 19 newcomers headlined by top‑rated transfers Troy Sudbrook and Jamie Daly.

After a distinguished career that includes a Cup Series win and multiple Xfinity victories, Regan Smith is set to re‑enter the Truck Series in 2026, joining Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program and Kaulig Racing for select events at historic tracks.
Gunner Rivers, a highly rated high school quarterback, has pledged to NC State, continuing a family tradition that began with his father, former NFL star Philip Rivers.

With a new coaching philosophy centered on daily improvement, North Carolina’s 2026 season promises a focus on development rather than an instant championship, amid a competitive ACC and recent tournament setbacks.

Terrell Williams, 44, broke into Greg Biffle’s Georgia residence following the December 2023 crash that killed the NASCAR star and his family, stealing cash, weapons and collectibles while authorities uncovered a scheme to siphon funds from Biffle’s bank, Venmo and PayPal accounts.

Kurt Busch reflects on his brother Kyle’s battle with illness, the pressures of racing culture, and his new role guiding the next generation of drivers.

TCU announced the dismissal of projected starting safety Jacob Fields due to a team rule violation, a move that reshapes the defense just days before the Horned Frogs open their season against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

A look at the Tar Heels’ special‑teams revamp, from coaching changes to fresh talent, as they seek to improve punt coverage, punting and overall field position in the upcoming season.

After stepping into the role left by Annabel Skubisz, Juliana Boon has delivered a series of standout performances that have positioned Northwestern for a strong 2026 campaign.

The Kyle Busch Invitational marks the first NASCAR race dedicated to the memory of Kyle Busch, combining high‑octane competition with fundraising for the Bundle of Joy Fund.