10 pivotal questions for a new Alabama high school football season

The wait is almost over. A fresh Alabama high school football season is nearly here, bringing with it a wave of anticipation and a long list of storylines to track. As teams prepare for kickoff, the AHSAA’s decision to separate public and private schools remains the primary focus of the 2026 landscape.

While managing producer Ben Thomas covered the basics in his recent “This week in HS Sports” column, the depth of talent across the state leaves plenty more to uncover. With the 2026 season set to launch between Aug. 20-22, here are 10 key questions defining the year ahead.

1. Can anyone dethrone Thompson?

Thompson has dominated the state for years, securing six of the last seven titles. Now, as the powerhouse shifts into the new Class 6A, all eyes are on who might finally stop the Warriors. Central-Phenix City, led by new head coach Cody Flournoy, stands as a top contender, especially after falling to Thompson by just one point in the 2025 semifinals. The two programs square off in the Aug. 20 Kickoff Classic. Programs like Auburn, Spain Park, Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Prattville, and Opelika are also in the hunt.

2. Will Dale Pruitt finally claim a state title?

In his 45th year as a head coach, Dale Pruitt is hunting for that elusive first state championship. Back for his third stint at Plainview, Pruitt is bolstered by a strong roster that includes his son, Jeremy Pruitt, managing the defense and newcomers Mac Long and Kylen Johnson energizing the offense.

3. Can a defensive powerhouse win Mr. Football?

Since Blount’s Demarco McNeil earned the title in 1998, no primarily defensive player has won Mr. Football. This season, heavy hitters like Thompson’s Cam Pritchett and Junior Tu’upo, Ramsay’s Karlos May, Vigor’s Jabarrius Garror and Isaac McNeil, and Williamson’s duo of Ellis McGaskin and Jaylen Scott are looking to break that trend.

4. Who will become the state’s all-time leading passer?

The race for the history books is heating up. St. Michael’s Gunner Rivers and Thompson’s Trent Seaborn are both pushing to surpass Jack Hayes’ record of 11,024 yards. With Rivers at 10,200 and Seaborn at 10,145, both enter their final seasons within striking distance of the top spot.

5. Is the NFL in Philip Rivers' future?

Philip Rivers is entering his sixth season at St. Michael Catholic with an impressive 42-16 record. Though he interviewed with the Buffalo Bills last winter, he remains committed to coaching his son, Gunner, through his senior year. While he seems settled in Fairhope, one can never rule out a potential return to the professional ranks down the road.

6. Who claims the first AHSAA private school titles?

The new private school divisions are wide open. In the 16-team Double-A division, names like McGill-Toolen, St. Michael, St. Paul’s, UMS-Wright, Briarwood, and Montgomery Catholic are early favorites. In the Single-A division, Bayside Academy—fresh off a 3A title game appearance—looks to be the team to beat alongside Mobile Christian and Cottage Hill.

RELATED: ASWA preseason football rankings

7. Will more schools join the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association?

While the new independent league starts in 2027, coaches remain focused on the AHSAA for now. According to Macon-East Montgomery head coach Glynn Lott, the league is an option for current AISA members and AHSAA privates, but many programs seem content to test the current AHSAA reclassification first.

8. Is 2026 the year for Columbia?

Columbia is looking to snap a 101-game losing streak that dates back to 2015. Under coach Sammie Coates, who brought renewed energy to the program in 2025, the Eagles are hoping for a breakthrough when they host Greensboro on Aug. 22.

9. Which programs will surprise us?

With several coaching changes at schools like Southside-Selma and Bullock County, the door is open for new faces to emerge. Russell County, coming off a 10-2 season, and James Clemens, entering Juan Johnson’s second year, are two programs primed to make noise this fall.

10. What is the status of Mary G. Montgomery and Pell City?

The eligibility of Mary G. Montgomery and Pell City remains a major question mark following their restrictive probation and playoff bans. As both schools continue their appeals process to the Central Board of Control, their participation in the postseason remains unresolved.