The road to a state championship is about to get a whole lot tougher for Alabama high school football teams.
After months of regular-season battles, the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs will bring together the state's top programs for a postseason run that ends with state title games in Birmingham. With championship aspirations on the line, several nationally recognized programs enter November as teams to beat, while a number of contenders will look to make their own statement.
Thompson, one of the state's perennial powers, headlines the group of contenders, while Prattville and Central-Phenix City, among others, have also established themselves as teams capable of making deep postseason runs. The playoff field will feature familiar
championship contenders, emerging programs and star players looking to deliver when it matters most.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Alabama high school football playoffs, including the schedule, how to watch and the top teams and players to follow.
When do Alabama high school football playoffs start?
The 2026 Alabama high school football playoffs begin Thursday, Nov. 5, with the first round of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) postseason. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 6, with first-round games across the state's seven classifications.
Most AHSAA games are scheduled for 7 p.m. local time Friday, with Orange Beach at Charles Henderson opening the AHSAA slate Thursday night.
How to watch Alabama high school football playoffs live
Fans can watch Alabama high school football playoffs live on the NFHS Network.
Watch Alabama high school football playoffs live on NFHS Network
Which Alabama high school football teams are ranked nationally?
Based on our USA TODAY Sports Super 15 Southeast Region rankings, these are some of the programs to watch.
- Prattville (10-0): The Lions finished the regular season unbeaten and are the highest ranked Alabama team in the USA TODAY Sports Southeast Super 15. The Lions also earned a first-round bye and will be among the favorites to reach the championship game.
- Thompson (8-1): The Warriors are one of the state's premier programs, Thompson enters the postseason as a championship contender. The Warriors are led by Alabama quarterback commit and midseason All-America honoree Trent Seaborn and have won multiple state championships in recent years. Thompson earned a first-round bye in Class 6A.
- Central (9-1): A perennial championship contender that is right at the top once again. Central has been one of Thompson's biggest challengers in recent years.
Other programs in contention:
- Vestavia Hills (7-2)
- Hillcrest (9-0)
- Hewitt-Trussville (6-4)
- Spain Park (6-4)
- Clay-Chalkville (7-2)
- Auburn (7-3)
- Gulf Shores (10-0)
ALL-USA players to watch in Alabama
Trent Seaborn, Thompson QB
One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Alabama high school football history, Seaborn is looking to close out his high school career with another state championship. The Alabama commit has already established himself as the AHSAA's all-time career passing yards leader. Through the regular season, he had 2,586 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. A three-time state champion, Seaborn will look for one more before going to Tuscaloosa.
Cameron Pritchett, Thompson DL
Thompson is an Oregon commit and one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in Alabama, being named to the ALL-USA Southeast Second Team Defense in the midseason. So far, he leads the unit with 63 tackles, adding 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Nehemiah McCary, Maplesville LB
McCary earned Second-Team ALL-USA Southeast Midseason recognition and is one of Alabama's top defensive playmakers this year. So far, he's posted 48 tackles (9 for loss), 6 sacks, a forced fumble, and 6 pass breakups.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama high school football playoffs 2026: Dates, times, TV, top teams
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