Season Preview and Rankings
The 2026 Michigan high school football season will officially open its doors on August 27, kicking off a slate of games that promises early excitement across the state.
The Detroit News is preparing an extensive coverage plan that includes conference previews for the Charter School Conference, the Macomb Area Conference, the Huron League, the Detroit Public School League, the Western Wayne, the Downriver League, the Catholic League, the Oakland Activities Association and the Lakes Valley Conference.
On August 26 the publication will spotlight the top 25 teams and the most anticipated matchups, followed by player rankings — both the elite top 10 and the broader 26‑to‑75 group — on August 27.
Features will highlight rising seniors, juniors and sophomores who are expected to shape the narrative, while predictions, game‑by‑game analysis and player spotlights will run throughout the season.
Teams such as Detroit Catholic Central, Belleville, Grosse Pointe South, Brighton, Cass Tech and Riverview Gabriel Richard are among those singled out for their potential impact.