The Mississippi High School Athletic Association has unveiled its Super 25 preseason football rankings for the 2026 season, and the results have sparked excitement across the state.
Tupelo Leads the Pack
In the latest poll, Tupelo’s program sits at the top of Class 7A, earning the preseason No. 1 designation. The team’s early focus on conditioning and non‑conference matchups has positioned it as the favorite heading into the first games of the year.
Practice sessions officially began on August 14, marking the start of a compressed preparation window for coaches and players. While many squads opened the season on that date, others waited until August 21 to take the field, setting up a staggered kickoff that promises a busy opening weekend.
Week One Matchups
The first week of competition, slated for August 27‑28, will feature a slate of high‑profile contests. Tupelo is scheduled to host No. 8 Brandon, a rivalry that promises an early test of the rankings. Oak Grove, also in Class 7A, will travel to face Starkville, while Oxford will journey to Tennessee to meet Collierville. Madison Central will hit the road to Pearl, adding another layer of intrigue to the opening round.
Beyond the on‑field action, fans can follow all the games live through the NFHS Network, which is providing streaming coverage for the majority of Mississippi high school football contests this season. The platform aims to bring the excitement of the Super 25 rankings to a wider audience, ensuring that even remote communities can stay connected to the sport.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, coaches are emphasizing the importance of early performances in shaping playoff trajectories. With the preseason poll already setting expectations, each game in the opening week could prove pivotal in determining which teams rise or fall in the next edition of the Super 25 rankings.