As the 2026 Alabama high school football season approaches, the air is thick with anticipation and a myriad of questions. The AHSAA's decision to separate public and private schools for championship play has added a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. With so many unknowns, it's time to dive into the 10 pivotal questions that will shape the narrative of this football season. From the potential dethroning of a powerhouse program to the possibility of a defensive player winning Mr. Football, each question carries significant weight and could have a lasting impact on the landscape of Alabama high school football.
Can anyone dethrone Thompson?
The Thompson Warriors, led by Mark Freeman, have dominated Alabama high school football for the past few years. With the AHSAA reclassification moving them from Class 7A to Class 6A, the question on everyone's mind is whether anyone can dethrone them. Central-Phenix City, with new coach Cody Flournoy, is a strong contender, having lost a close game to Thompson in the state semifinals in 2025. Other teams like Auburn, Spain Park, Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Prattville, and Opelika will also be in the mix. The AHSAA Kickoff Classic on August 20 in Phenix City will be a crucial early test for these teams, providing a glimpse into their potential for the season ahead.
Is this the year Dale Pruitt wins a state title?
Dale Pruitt, in his 45th year as a head coach, is seeking his first state title. With his son, Jeremy Pruitt, leading the defense and Coosa Christian transfers Mac Long and Kylen Johnson on offense, the stage is set for a potential breakthrough. Pruitt has already led the Bears to back-to-back title games in 1990 and 1991 and to the state semifinals a year ago. This season, with the right mix of talent and coaching, he might just be able to break through and secure that elusive state championship.
Can a defensive player win Mr. Football?
Only once before has a defensive player won Mr. Football, and that was when Blount's Demarco McNeil took home the honor in 1998. However, there are several candidates this year who could join McNeil in the pantheon of defensive Mr. Football winners. Thompson's Cam Pritchett and Junior Tu'upo, Ramsay's Karlos May, Vigor's Jabarrius Garror and Isaac McNeil, and Williamson's Ellis McGaskin and Jaylen Scott are all in the running. The question remains: can a defensive player break through and secure the prestigious award this year?
Who ends the year as the state's all-time leading passer?
St. Michael's Gunner Rivers and Thompson's Trent Seaborn are not just competing for Mr. Football; they are also in a race to become the state's all-time leading passer. Currently, former Piedmont star Jack Hayes holds the record with 11,024 yards. Rivers and Seaborn, both with their senior seasons to go, are close behind, with Rivers at 10,200 yards and Seaborn at 10,145 yards. The question remains: who will end the year as the state's all-time leading passer, and will it be one of these two talented quarterbacks?
Will Philip Rivers coach in the NFL?
NFL quarterback legend Philip Rivers, who is currently the head coach at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Ala., has a 42-16 overall record. After a high-profile, four-game return as an NFL player last December, Rivers interviewed with the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching job but returned to coach St. Michael. The question remains: will Rivers eventually coach in the NFL, or will he continue to follow in his dad's footsteps as a high school coach? At this point, it seems Rivers is happy staying involved in the game, but the possibility of a return to the NFL cannot be ruled out.
Who will be the first AHSAA private school champions?
With the AHSAA separating public and private schools for championship play, the question of who will be the first AHSAA private school champions is on everyone's mind. The favorites in the larger Double-A division include McGill-Toolen, St. Michael, St. Paul's, UMS-Wright, Briarwood, and Montgomery Catholic. In the smaller Single-A division, Bayside Academy may be the favorite, having played for the 3A title a year ago. Mobile Christian and Cottage Hill also have plenty of talent. The question remains: who will emerge as the first AHSAA private school champions?
How many, if any, AHSAA private schools will join the new league?
A new athletic league for Alabama independent schools, officially called the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association, will start play ahead of the 2027 season. Macon-East Montgomery coach and head of school Glynn Lott has been a primary proponent of the league. Private school coaches attending media days have appeared content to give the new AHSAA divisions a try instead of jumping ship. However, teams unhappy with the separation of public and private schools or facing huge travel issues may be intrigued by the new group. The question remains: how many AHSAA private schools will join the new league?
Is this the year Columbia wins?
Columbia High School holds the state's longest losing streak at 101 games, last winning a game on October 16, 2015. However, former Auburn wide receiver turned head coach Sammie Coates gave Columbia hope in 2025, with the Eagles suffering close losses against Huffman and East Lawrence. The question remains: is this the year Columbia breaks its losing streak and wins a game, or will the Eagles continue to struggle?
Which teams will surprise people in 2026?
Southside-Selma and Bullock County were two of the biggest surprises in 2025, with Southside going 13-1 and reaching the 3A semifinals and Bullock County finishing 9-4 and reaching the 4A quarterfinals. However, both of those coaches left for new jobs in the offseason. Russell County and James Clemens are two teams that have a chance to surprise in 2026, with Russell County on a steady rise and James Clemens looking to build on a promising 2025 season. The question remains: which teams will surprise people in 2026?
Will Mary G. Montgomery, Pell City be playoff eligible?
Both Mary G. Montgomery and Pell City were placed on restrictive probation in May by the AHSAA, with a 2026 playoff ban included. The two schools appeared before the Central Board of Control, but the Board took no action at that time. Pell City appealed to the District 6 Board, but the Board upheld the AHSAA ruling. Mary G. Montgomery appealed to the District 1 Board, and its ruling was also upheld. The question remains: will Mary G. Montgomery and Pell City be playoff eligible in 2026, or will their appeals be successful?
As the 2026 Alabama high school football season unfolds, these 10 pivotal questions will shape the narrative and determine the fate of teams and players across the state. From the potential dethroning of a powerhouse program to the possibility of a defensive player winning Mr. Football, each question carries significant weight and could have a lasting impact on the landscape of Alabama high school football.
