Charlotte Observer Named Mr. Football Semifinalists
The state's top high school football talent has been narrowed down to a list of semifinalists for the annual honor.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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The Charlotte Observer has announced its list of semifinalists for the NC Mr. Football award. This marks the seventh consecutive year the outlet has named the state's top high school football player.
Why it matters
The award recognizes exceptional individual performance among high school athletes across North Carolina. The watchlist process helps highlight top talent, including elite recruits and statistical leaders, as the season nears its postseason conclusion.
Semifinalists are selected based on standout metrics like Teo McPhatter's 1,712 rushing yards, Jaxon Dollar's 1,160 receiving yards, and Andrew Williams' 128 total tackles. These players compete for the honor alongside others, such as the nation's No. 11 ranked linebacker recruit.
The players
The Charlotte Observer
This is a daily newspaper based in Charlotte that covers news and sports across North Carolina.
NCHSAA
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is the governing body for secondary school sports in the state.
The details
The selection process involves ongoing updates to the watchlist, which are featured during the Talking Preps streaming show. Players remain eligible to be added to the consideration list until the final three candidates are chosen for the ultimate prize.
Timeline
Mondays at noon: Updates are released on the Talking Preps streaming show.
Early December 2026: The list of three finalists will be released.
December 2026: The N.C. Mr. Football winner will be officially named.
Season Trajectory
This award cycle tracks the competitive progress of North Carolina high school programs throughout the year. The recognition of these athletes impacts the broader season narrative as standout performers approach the high-stakes NCHSAA state championship weekend.
Followers of state football can use the watchlist to identify top performers leading into the state championship games. The statistics, such as specific rushing and receiving yardage totals, provide a snapshot of which players currently hold an advantage for the state's highest individual honor.
The takeaway
The selection process provides a platform to celebrate the state's most impactful student-athletes before the final postseason games. Tracking these semifinalists offers a clearer view of which players have dominated the gridiron during the 2026 season.
What happens next
The final three candidates for the NC Mr. Football award will be announced in early December 2026, with the overall winner scheduled to be named later that same month.
Further reading
For more information on high school athletics, visit the North Carolina Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News&Observer.
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