Get ready for an exciting season of Mississippi high school football! The 2026 preseason rankings are out, and they're packed with intriguing storylines and potential championship contenders. Personally, I can't wait to dive into this and share my thoughts on what makes this year's crop of teams so fascinating.
A Golden Wave at the Top
Tupelo, the Golden Wave, has earned the top spot in our preseason rankings. This team came agonizingly close to a state championship last year, falling to Gulfport on a last-second Hail Mary. Now, they're poised to make another run, and I think they have the talent and experience to go all the way.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the departure of star player J.J. Hill to Mississippi State. While this might be seen as a blow to some teams, Tupelo has a history of reloading, not rebuilding. Kylan Bobo steps into the feature back role, and Devontray Brewer leads a talented defensive unit. This team has the potential to be a juggernaut.
Gulfport and the Rematch
Gulfport, the defending Class 7A champions, opens at No. 4. Their dramatic win over Tupelo last year sets up the possibility of a highly anticipated rematch in December. Gulfport will be without Cooper Crosby, who also joined Mississippi State, but Amijai Frederick is ready to step up and lead the run game.
I find it interesting that Gulfport and Ocean Springs are the only teams from the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the top 10. This shows the strength of the region and how competitive these teams are. It will be intriguing to see if they can maintain their dominance against the North Mississippi teams.
North vs. South
Speaking of North Mississippi, they have a strong showing in the top 10, with four teams represented. Starkville, in particular, has a reputation for surprising everyone and reentering the championship conversation when least expected. This year, they have a dynamic playmaker at quarterback in Kingston Johnson, so I wouldn't count them out.
The balance of power between North and South Mississippi is an ongoing narrative in high school football. It will be fascinating to see if the North can continue their dominance or if the Gulf Coast teams can make a statement this season.
Underdogs and Dark Horses
As we move down the rankings, there are some teams that could be considered underdogs but have the potential to make a splash. Jackson Academy, for example, has a formidable offensive line led by four-star prospect Caden Moss. Their opening games against Gulfport and Jackson Academy will be a true test of their mettle.
Brookhaven, the Class 5A champions, are out to prove that last year's title wasn't a fluke. With Jaden Allen returning, they have a dual-threat quarterback who can light up the scoreboard.
Columbia, the Class 4A champions, begin their title defense with a tough game at Hancock. Can they maintain their winning ways and make another deep run?
A Season of Upsets and Surprises
One thing that always makes high school football so captivating is the potential for upsets and unexpected outcomes. Last year, West Point suffered an upset loss to Brookhaven in the Class 5A title game. This year, they'll be looking to bounce back and add to their impressive state title tally.
Northwest Rankin has a challenging schedule, facing seven teams from our preseason top 25. How will they fare against such stiff competition?
These are the storylines that make high school football so exciting. The unpredictability and the rise of unexpected heroes make for a thrilling season.
Conclusion
The 2026 Mississippi high school football season promises to be an action-packed ride. From the top-ranked Tupelo Golden Wave to the underdogs looking to make a statement, every team has a story to tell. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the drama, the triumphs, and the surprises that will unfold on the gridiron. It's going to be a season to remember!
