The anticipation of the 2026 Kentucky high school football season has culminated in the release of the first statewide media poll, highlighting the competitive landscape of the sport across the state. After two weeks of action, it is evident that several teams are emerging as strong contenders for state titles in Classes 3A, 4A, and 6A.
Beechwood has made a significant impression, debuting at the top of Class 2A following a decisive victory against Indian Hill. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as Highlands, Covington Catholic, and Lloyd Memorial have also secured spots in the top five of their respective classes, showcasing the depth of talent in Northern Kentucky.
Despite some uncertainties surrounding various teams as the season began, the rankings reflect a solid representation from the Northern Kentucky region, with at least one team from the area appearing in every classification. This underscores the competitive spirit and talent present in the local football scene.
The rankings were compiled from the votes of 16 media members statewide, with Jason Frakes of the Louisville Courier-Journal overseeing the process. The results are a testament to the early performances of these teams and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
In KHSAA Class 6A, Trinity leads the pack with 16 first-place votes, followed by Manual, Frederick Douglass, St. Xavier, and Male. Notably, Ryle from Northern Kentucky is ranked ninth, reflecting the strength of the team as they aim to make a deeper playoff run this year.
In Class 5A, Scott County and Owensboro are leading the charge, while Northern Kentucky's Cooper holds a tie for eighth place, indicating a competitive environment as teams vie for playoff positioning. The rankings in Class 4A see Boyle County at the top, with Covington Catholic and Highlands tied for the fourth spot, showcasing the fierce competition among local teams.
Class 3A features Christian Academy at the top, with Lloyd Memorial making a strong showing at fourth place, which is indicative of their promising start to the season. In Class 2A, Beechwood’s impressive performance has earned them the top spot, while other local teams like Campbell County are also receiving votes, highlighting the potential for further success.
Finally, in Class A, Raceland sits at the top, with Holy Cross (Covington) making the list as well, demonstrating the breadth of talent across all classifications. The rankings not only reflect the current state of high school football in Kentucky but also set the tone for the rest of the season as teams continue to battle for supremacy.
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