The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its latest high school football rankings Wednesday, Sept. 16, as the 2026 season moves past its first third and state-title contenders begin to emerge.
Top programs rising in early-season pecking order
In Class 6A, Thompson sits atop the poll with a perfect 4-0 record and 240 points, followed by Central-Phenix City (3-1, 173) and Prattville (4-0, 157). The list of ranked teams also includes Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville and Auburn, while perennial powers like Hoover and Daphne remain in the mix despite uneven starts.
Class 5A finds Clay-Chalkville leading with 228 points and a 3-1 mark, while Oxford and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa are unbeaten at 4-0 and figure among the programs to watch as region play intensifies. In Class 4A, Williamson and Alexandria occupy the top two slots, both at 3-0, and in Class 3A Plainview is No. 1 at 4-0 with 237 points.
Rankings snapshot
Below is a snapshot of the top teams in several classifications as released by the ASWA. Points reflect the association's polling and voting process.
| Class | No. 1 Team (Pts) | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 6A | Thompson (240) | 4-0 |
| 5A | Clay-Chalkville (228) | 3-1 |
| 4A | Williamson (237) | 3-0 |
| 3A | Plainview (237) | 4-0 |
What the rankings mean for region races and playoffs
With several ranked teams approaching key region matchups, the ASWA poll is beginning to reflect not just early-season results but the landscape that will determine playoff seeding. Region play typically decides automatic berths and can influence district and statewide perceptions that affect end-of-season preparations.
Coaches and athletic directors often use these rankings as one of several barometers — alongside strength of schedule and head-to-head results — to gauge where program resources and game plans should be focused as the calendar moves toward October and the playoffs.
Teams to monitor
Several patterns warrant attention for the coming weeks:
- Undefeated programs: Multiple teams across classifications remain unbeaten through Week 4 and will face the pressure of maintaining momentum when region play begins in earnest.
- Region showdowns: Many ranked teams have imminent region contests that can rapidly alter the statewide picture depending on upsets and outcomes.
- Bubble teams: Programs receiving votes may break into the top 10 with a signature win and could influence playoff seeding in their classifications.
Poll details and notable entries
The ASWA covers all AHSAA classifications from 1A to 6A, as well as the AISA. Alongside the top-ranked squads, the weekly release lists additional teams receiving votes — a group that signals programs on the rise or those that may have suffered early setbacks but remain competitive.
For example, in 6A the ASWA noted teams receiving votes such as James Clemens, Fairhope and Carver-Montgomery. In 5A, unbeaten squads like McAdory and Florence picked up votes, underscoring how rapidly the rankings can shift.
How fans and communities are affected
High school football in Alabama is deeply rooted in local communities. Rankings can drive attendance, local media coverage and community support — factors that matter to booster clubs, student-athletes and school budgets. As the season progresses, community pride often hinges on the results of a few pivotal region games.
Looking ahead
As the 2026 high school football season advances toward midseason and region races solidify, expect weekly movement in the ASWA polls. Programs and fans alike will be watching region matchups closely, knowing that outcomes over the next several weeks will go a long way toward defining playoff fields and state-title favorites.
WE NEWS will publish updates as new ASWA rankings are released and as region games reshape the statewide high school football landscape.
