The Alabama Sports Writers Association unveiled its preseason football rankings for the 2026 season this week, setting the stage for a competitive year across the state's high school programs. The release comes as teams gear up for a schedule that blends tradition with a fresh approach to classification.
When the action begins
Practice officially opens on July 27, giving squads a chance to fine‑tune before the season officially kicks off on August 20. Unless a school opts out of spring practice, the early weeks will be packed with conditioning, scrimmages and the first glimpse of how the new public‑private split will affect matchups.
Championship pathway
The playoff road starts on November 6, culminating in a five‑day rotation of state championship games in Mobile from December 2 through December 5. The coastal city will host the finals for each classification, marking the first time the new rotation is put into practice.
Teams eyeing repeat titles
Defending champions from each class are already listed at the top of their respective rankings. In Class 7A, Thompson leads the pack, while Clay‑Chalkville holds the Class 6A crown. Moody, Jackson, Mars Hill Bible, Coosa Christian and Maplesville represent the reigning champions in Classes 5A through 1A, respectively. Private programs such as McGill‑Toolen, St. Michael and Briarwood also enter the conversation as early contenders.
A new public‑private framework
This year’s rankings introduce a distinct public‑private split, creating six public classes alongside two private divisions. The restructuring aims to balance competition and preserve traditional rivalries while giving private schools their own tier. Early reactions suggest both excitement and debate among coaches, administrators and fans eager to see how the new format will play out on the field.
With the schedule set, the countdown to August 20 is already generating buzz across Alabama. As teams finalize rosters and strategies, the preseason rankings provide a first look at which programs might dominate the upcoming months and whether the new classification system will deliver the competitive balance its architects envisioned.