AutoZone Liberty Bowl Named All-Star Coaches
The 24th annual high school football all-star game will take place at Memphis University School on December 12.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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Officials have announced the head coaches for the 24th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl high school football all-star game. Aries Nelson will lead the Red team, while LeNorris Staples serves as the head coach for the Blue team.
Why it matters
The game provides a showcase for senior talent in the Memphis area while rewarding student-athletes for their character and classroom achievements. It also serves as a final opportunity for high school seniors to compete on a high-profile stage.
Each squad for the all-star game consists of one head coach and five assistant coaches. Coaches are required to submit their player nominations by November 5, 2026.
The players
Aries Nelson
He is the head coach of the Red team for the 24th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl all-star game.
LeNorris Staples
He is the head coach of the Blue team and is currently in his 11th season of coaching.
The details
A selection committee consisting of coaching analysts chooses players based on a combination of their on-field achievements and classroom performance. Head coaches from Memphis-area TSSAA high school football programs are tasked with nominating eligible senior athletes for the rosters.
Timeline
Coaches for the all-star game were officially announced on Oct. 7, 2026.
Head coaches must submit their final player nominations by Nov. 5, 2026.
The all-star football game will be played on Dec. 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This all-star event punctuates the end of the high school season by highlighting top senior performers who may move on to collegiate play. The selection process influences local recruiting visibility and honors the competitive balance maintained by regional high school programs.
The nomination deadline of November 5 triggers the final evaluation phase for seniors seeking collegiate exposure. Players selected from participating TSSAA programs will represent the culmination of their local season performance stats.
The takeaway
The game offers a significant platform for local seniors to showcase their skills to recruiters after the regular season concludes. Participants are chosen through a rigorous committee process that emphasizes academic standing alongside athletic ability.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Football across the region.
Live Poll
Do you believe local all-star games provide meaningful opportunities for student athletes in your community?
