Storylines + Players to Watch from 6A Realignment

Every two years, classifications are re-examined based on enrollment at each school. Classes 6A-1 and 6A-2 have been determined, and of course, there has been some movement that is sure to make the 2026 season a bit more interesting.   Norman High   6A-1 has long been home for the Norman High Tigers, but with the current changes to the 6A landscape, Norman will have a new look at its schedule. Norman drops from the third smallest program in 6A-1 to the second largest in 6A-2. This is the same program that shocked the football world in 2024 with a win over the Bixby Spartans. What does this move mean for Norman? For starters, a better chance at a state title. Without the Tulsa powerhouses in their way, Norman will have a solid shot to build into a 6A-2 contender. Norman also returns part-time starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='1511450' first='Cash' last='Koertner'], who is expected to be the full-time starter in 2026. Koertner is a veteran with good accuracy and arm strength. There are still solid programs standing in their way with rich traditions of winning. Choctaw and Stillwater will continue to be at the top of the order and programs to beat if Norman wants to claim a state title. In the upcoming season, Norman will look to reload quickly after a large graduating class, but their chances at success are much higher in 6A-2.   Muskogee   The Roughers will remain in 6A-2, but under a new Offensive Coordinator. Jeremy Reed's exit from Altus landed him in Muskogee as the new play caller. The Roughers have had a lot of success in the past, but the 2025 season proved to be more challenging after graduating an athletic class of seniors and a Division 1 commit at quarterback. With Reed comes a soon-to-be sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='1667339' first='Jeymon' last='Reed']. The 6'3" 180lb QB is athletic, creates with his legs, and can make any throw. Muskogee will still have programs such as Stillwater and Choctaw in its way, but under Reed's playcalling and new quarterback, they will be as competitive as anyone in 6A-2. The Roughers will have a solid shot at finishing at the top of their district, setting them up for a better path to the state finals.   Southmoore   The Sabercats' move to 6A-1 is interesting. Southmoore was the largest school in 6A-2, but will now be the smallest in their new classification. Southmoore only spent two years in 6A-2. In that time, the Sabercats made the playoffs both years and won their first playoff game in 16 years. Southmoore was set up to make a legitimate run at a state title in 2026, returning 16 of the 22 starters. Now that Southmoore has moved to 6A-1, the returning experience will be helpful. The Sabercats return backfield duo [player_tooltip player_id='445315' first='Taven' last='Hayes'] (Qb) and [player_tooltip player_id='1642878' first='Tylenn' last='Diggs'] (Rb), who have been starting since their sophomore year and now head into their senior season. They also return violent edge rusher Sean McCray on the defensive side, but the road to the playoffs will be more difficult. The Sabercats were put in the same district as Bixby, Broken Arrow, and Mustang. While other games are very winnable, the Sabercats will have to play top-notch football if they want to compete with these highly ranked programs.   Putnam City   The Pirates will remain in 6A-2 but lose a lot of experience to graduation. Coming off a devastating loss in the state semi-finals, the Pirates look to bounce back as the largest program in 6A-2. Fortunate not to move up classifications, Putnam City will still have a lot of work to do to match the success of 2025. A rebuilding year is in store for the Pirates, but last year's success is sure to be the foundation they will build on. The Pirates do return junior CB [player_tooltip player_id='1830643' first='Keandre' last='Huffman'], a skilled veteran athlete, to help lead their defense. Losing experience is tough for any program, but Putnam City has the coaching staff and toughness to remain a playoff team in 2026.   Bixby   Not much changes for the Spartans. Bixby has been on a gold ball run that is second to none. Easily the most dominant program in 6A-1 recent history, the Spartans will not miss a beat. Their unique style of offense, disciplined defense, and a tradition of winning will keep the Spartans at the top of 6A-1. Bixby doesn't rebuild; they reload. They lose some experience across the board, but their method for development has proven to be successful year after year. The Spartans return big-time tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1689504' first='Connor' last='Arant'], who currently holds offers from SMU, Arkansas, and Utah. Bixby will remain the favorite to bring home a championship in 6A-1.   Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Union   These four teams are considered some of the top programs in the state. Can one of them de-throne the Bixby Spartans? The District alignment puts Owasso, Jenks, and Union on the same side to battle for the top seed and a bye week in the playoffs. Union's [player_tooltip player_id='1532195' first='Terrance' last='Evans'] is a solid DL who holds Power 4 offers. His length, strength, and understanding of the game make him a high-level player for the Union Redhawks. Broken Arrow is paired with Bixby, a week 9 matchup that is sure to bring excitement. Broken Arrow may be the heavy favorite to take down the Bixby Spartans, but they'll more than likely have to do it twice to find themselves in the state title game. Broken Arrow will make its case with standout athlete Samaj Stanford. Stanford holds over 30 offers from Power 4 programs. Bixby is the reigning heavyweight champ, but the strength and tradition of these four programs will be looking to take down the Spartans in 2026.

Every two years, classifications are re-examined based on enrollment at each school. Classes 6A-1 and 6A-2 have been determined, and of course, there has been some movement that is sure to make the 2026 season a bit more interesting.