Alabama Sports Writers Association Releases Football Rankings
The latest state rankings reflect recent performance, pushing Auburn High to No. 4.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
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The Alabama Sports Writers Association has unveiled its newest state football rankings following recent game outcomes. Auburn High climbed to the No. 4 spot, while Opelika dropped out of the Top 10.
Why it matters
The rankings serve as a critical gauge for high school football teams in Alabama, reflecting team win-loss records and performance shifts throughout the season. These standings heavily influence playoff positioning as teams enter the final stretch of their schedules.
Auburn High earned its new ranking with 121 poll points following a 35-0 shutout victory. Conversely, Opelika saw its standing slip to 11 poll points after a 27-14 loss to Carver-Montgomery.
The players
Alabama Sports Writers Association
This professional organization is responsible for compiling and publishing the official state football rankings in Alabama.
Auburn High
A high school football program that currently holds a 7-2 overall record and is ranked No. 4 in the latest state polls.
Opelika
This high school football team holds a 4-4 record and recently dropped out of the state's Top 10 rankings.
Central-Phenix City
A high-performing football program that currently maintains an 8-1 overall record and a 7-0 region record.
The details
Auburn High currently boasts a 7-2 overall record with a 6-1 mark in region play. Meanwhile, Central-Phenix City continues to perform strongly with an 8-1 overall record, bolstered by a 49-5 victory over Enterprise.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Alabama Sports Writers Association released state football rankings.
October 29, 2026: Auburn High plays Saraland.
October 30, 2026: Central-Phenix City plays Clay-Chalkville.
Season Trajectory
These rankings provide a crucial metric for coaches and fans to predict how teams will be positioned within the Alabama High School Athletic Association state playoff bracket structure. As the regular season concludes, movement in these polls directly signals which teams are surging toward postseason contention.
Auburn High heads into a critical matchup against Saraland this Thursday with significant momentum after their recent shutout. Meanwhile, the drop in rankings for Opelika reflects the competitive volatility teams face as they vie for limited playoff spots.
The takeaway
Maintaining a high ranking requires consistent performance during late-season regional play. Teams that fail to secure victories in pivotal games risk falling out of contention regardless of their season-long records.
Further reading
For more updates on the state of the season, visit Alabama Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opelika-Auburn News.
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