The Alabama Sports Writers Association has unveiled the preseason rankings for high school football for the 2026 season, released on August 5. The kickoff for the season is scheduled for August 20, with practices having begun August 3, or earlier for some teams. Defending champions such as Thompson (Class 7A) and Clay-Chalkville (Class 6A) are eyeing to defend their titles in the new format separating public and private schools. This year marks the first championship event in Mobile, set for December 2-5, rotating venues across the state.

By the Numbers
  • Thompson leads Class 7A with a 2025 record of 11-3 and 240 points.
  • Clay-Chalkville topped Class 6A with a perfect 15-0 record last season, also receiving 240 points.
State of Play
  • The new public and private school split introduces 6 public and 2 private school classes.
  • Playoffs begin November 6, culminating in state championship games from December 2-5 in Mobile.
What's Next

As teams prepare for the season, watch for which defending champions can maintain their dominance under new classification rules. The focus will be on team strategies as they adapt to practice schedules and rival matchups leading up to playoff performance.

Bottom Line

Anticipate an exciting season with the potential for surprises, especially given the changes in school classifications and venues. Fans should keep a close eye on how well teams perform with their new dynamics and playoff implications.