The 2026 high school football season is fast approaching, and a handful of storylines are already shaping expectations across the nation. From Texas appeals to Georgia's elite classes, the upcoming season promises twists that will influence rankings, coaching milestones, and national conversations.
Eligibility battles and appeal fallout
John Meredith III and Colton Nussmeier, two senior standouts, find their eligibility for the upcoming season in jeopardy after a recent appeal was rejected by the Texas University Interscholastic League. Their potential absence adds a layer of uncertainty to team projections and sparks debate among coaches and fans alike.
Alcoa (TN) is chasing a record 11 consecutive state championships, a streak that has become a benchmark of sustained excellence. The team’s tradition fuels both admiration and the pressure to maintain a dynasty that few programs have matched.
Garden City (NY) aims to extend its unbeaten streak to eight straight seasons, having gone six years without a loss. The community’s sustained success has turned the program into a model of consistency, drawing attention from analysts who track national power rankings.
Southside (AL) sophomore quarterback Kole Moody is poised to lead the nation in passing yards once again, building on a freshman campaign that already placed him among the top throwers in the country. His development is watched closely by college recruiters and state media.
Randle (TX) senior running back Landen Williams-Callis is on track to become the next 10,000‑yard rusher in Texas high school history, a milestone that would cement his place in the state’s storied backfield lore.
Georgia's elite Class 6A and 5A landscape
Georgia’s Class 6A and 5A divisions feature a cluster of top programs, including Buford, Carrollton Grayson, McEachern, Thomas County, Langston Hughes, Rome, and Gainesville. Each brings a distinct identity, but all share a common goal: securing a spot in the deep playoff picture that often feeds into national conversations.
Florida's new Open Division
Florida’s newly created Open Division will crown a true state champion, eliminating the previous split between public and private schools. Teams such as St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Northwestern, and Chaminade are expected to battle fiercely, with the division’s outcome likely to influence the broader national championship conversation.
Coaching milestones and new leadership
Edgar (WI) head coach Jerry Sinz is four victories away from reaching 500 career wins, a milestone that would place him among the most victorious coaches in Wisconsin history. Meanwhile, new Waxahachie (TX) head coach Lawrence Williams is aiming to restore the program’s former glory, targeting its first state title since 1992.
The triangle of games involving Bishop Gorman, Mater Dei, and St. John Bosco continues to dominate headlines. The unbeaten team emerging from that trio is widely considered a strong contender for the national championship, while Mater Dei and St. John Bosco seek to reclaim dominance after being overtaken by Santa Margarita and Centennial last season.
Rising stars in the 2027 class
Kemon Spell and David Gabriel Georges are among the top contenders for the title of the best running back in the 2027 class. Their performances will be tracked closely as they transition from high school to the next level, potentially reshaping the backfield landscape in the coming years.