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As another Georgia high school football season kicks off, championship expectations, national recruits and marquee matchups once again dominate the conversation across the Peach State. From powerhouse programs loaded with Division I talent to rising contenders looking to crash the title picture, there is no shortage of storylines heading into the 2026 season.
Five Best Teams
1. Buford Wolves: Until you knock them off, it is hard not to put Buford on top. The Wolves know how to win. They expect to win. Buford lost a lot, especially at the skill positions, but new names will step in, led by quarterback DJ Hunter, they will play a tough schedule and be ready for December when that time comes.
2. Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets: Thomas County Central may have been playing the best football in Georgia when the season ended last year. Some key contributors graduated, but return many key contributors, and when all is said and done in December, it would be surprising to see the Yellow Jackets hoisting up the trophy for a third time in four years.
3. Creekside Seminoles: Maurice Dixon and Creekside had the perfect 15-0 season a year ago and broke records while doing so. Their offense scored 845 points in 15 games, so can they repeat? The Seminoles are the one to beat. They lost some key players, but 15 starters return, and it is a good mix of linemen and skill guys. The move up to 6A will be something to watch.
4. Gainesville Red Elephants: Gainesville has a new head coach in Santavious Bryant. He won a state title at Grayson in his first year as the head coach there in 2023. Don’t be surprised if he leads the Red Elephants to the same accomplishment this season. The Red Elephants have been knocking on the door, and they have the pieces to compete for a title again in 2026.
5. Carrollton Trojans: Joey King has won state titles before, and he has had Carrollton in the game three of the last four years, but they fell to Mill Creek, Grayson and Buford. They lost a lot of leadership, but the young talent is there, King will have them prepared and the Trojans will be playing deep into the season again this year.
Game of the Year
Gainesville Red Elephants at Buford Wolves – Aug. 22: Two of the top teams in the state of Georgia will meet on ESPN to kick off the season. Buford is coming off another state championship, Gainesville lost in week 15 last season, and both are under new leadership.
Sleeper Teams to Watch
1. Newton Rams: Newton opens up their own stadium on campus this season and the Rams have been knocking on that door for some time, and this could be their year. Josh Skelton has been around the program for a long time, the players play hard for him, and Newton is one to keep an eye on.
2. Woodward Academy War Eagles: Just a few years ago, Woodward Academy was playing inside the Benz for a state championship. John Hunt and the staff always have a well-coached team, they always have a good pool of talent to work with, and Ryan Harrigan could be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the Southeast.
3.Walton Raiders: Walton has a tough schedule to start the season, but they usually get better as the season progresses. Daniel Brunner and his staff have some new pieces to play with this season, including talented 2028 quarterback Christion Peacock. The Raiders are a team to watch.
Instant Impact Transfers
1. Jai’lil Goley, Gainesville: Goley is an elite cornerback who can also help at wide receiver and as a return man. He is one of the top athletes in the state of Georgia and the 2028 four-star made the move to Gainesville from Hebron Christian Academy, where he won a state title last season.
2.Keyon Standifer, Newton: This was a big move for Newton. Standifer led the state in receiving last season with over 1,600 yards. He added 25 touchdowns, so he gives the Rams a playmaker.
3. Zach Watts, Carrollton: Watts grew up in Columbus, and was part of Carver‘s state championship team as a freshman in 2025. He gives Carrollton a special talent, and a weapon they can use all over the field. Watts is a 2029 running back who will be able to name his school.
Super Sophomores
1. Landon Ghea, Milton: Ghea was a name to know coming out of middle school, and he started as a freshman at Milton last season. He is up 20-plus pounds this season, he is already in that five-star discussion and he is truly a super-sophomore at left tackle. Ghea is already an elite recruit.
2. Zayquan Dozier, Taylor County: It all starts in the trenches, right? Dozier is a big body, but very long and athletic too. He will be strong against the run game and be able to pressure the quarterback. Dozier is high on a lot of recruiting boards already with major offers. Look for him to have a big year for the Vikings.
3. Zach Watts, Carrollton: Watts is one of the most electric players in the state regardless of position or class. He is an elite running back who has a long, impressive offer list. He is a do-it-all playmaker out of the backfield.
4. CJ Cypher, Carrollton: Cypher is very mature for his age. He played in a state championship game last season, so the experience is there. He is already committed to Miami and he will be one of the top-ranked signal callers in his class. Cypher starts the season as one of the best in 2029, but he could reclassify to 2028.
5. Jacorey Shockley, McEachern: Shockley came out as a freshman last season and had close to 600 yards and scored 9 touchdowns. He is bigger, stronger, faster and better as a sophomore and will be a big part of McEachern’s offense. Over three dozen schools have already offered.
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