The 2026 high school football season is set to ignite across Virginia, bringing with it a blend of seasoned powerhouses and fresh storylines that promise to reshape playoff brackets. The debut Super 12 poll underscores the depth of talent, with more than half of the state’s teams eyeing postseason action.
Highland Springs enters as the favorite in Class 5, Region C, bolstered by the arrival of Dashaun Chisem from Meadowbrook, a prospect who could deliver the program’s sixth title. Meanwhile, Oscar Smith’s Class 6, Region A squad will rely on freshman quarterback Justice Culler after their starter went down with an injury, a situation that could reshape early-season dynamics.
Varina, the defending state champion in Class 4, Region B, returns with an abundance of experience, featuring returning quarterback Kaleb Wyche and transfer Zion Boisseau. Charles Scott, Jr., a top national prospect committed to Alabama, will spend one more year in high school before heading to college.
Other contenders include Lake Taylor, the current favorite in Class 3, Region A, and Benedictine, which aims for a fourth straight championship with quarterback Ralphie Pucinelli back and a defense anchored by Sean Boyd and Damari Hawkins. Wyatt Jessup, a returning standout for Thomas Dale, looks to build on his region‑final performance from a year ago.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond the headline names, coaches and teammates point to hidden gems such as Avery Curtis of Hermitage, who must fill the void left by a backfield loss, and Goochand’s second‑year coach Chase Phillips, who is rebuilding culture and improving both offensive and defensive play. The emergence of girls’ flag football in Richmond, now in its second full fall season, adds another layer of excitement, with Olympic implications for 2028 on the horizon.
Week 1 matchups promise immediate drama, featuring clashes like Midlothian versus L.C. Bird, Douglas Freeman against Atlee, and Highland Springs taking on Hopewell. These games will set the tone for a season where leadership, preparation and a narrow margin for error define success.