Alabama high school football gears up for 2026 season amid new class system and coach Chris Yeager's debut story

The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its preseason high school football rankings for the 2026‑27 season as practices begin across the state. The Alabama High School Athletic Association approved a new classification structure, replacing the former seven‑class system with six public classes and two private classes. Class 7A was eliminated; the largest 32 schools now compete in Class 6A, followed by Class 5A (64 schools), 4A (66), 3A (66), 2A (65) and 1A (69). Private schools are divided into Double‑A (17) and Single‑A (43). In total, 425 high schools are members, including two public associate members and one private associate member.

Long‑time Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager reflected on his first coaching opportunity after a career‑ending knee injury at the University of North Alabama. In 1984, while a graduate assistant at Austin Peay State University, he was promoted to offensive line coach at age 23. Yeager went on to assistant roles at Troy State and head‑coaching positions at Walker and West Blocton before joining Mountain Brook in the mid‑1990s and becoming head coach in 2006. His story was highlighted as the season approaches on Aug. 20.