3A Sleepers in 2026

Even in February, it's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 high school football season. We're breaking down some of the potentially surprising contenders for next season. Here are three 3A sleepers in 2026.   Editor's Note: I covered the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/3-8a-darkhorses-in-2026/">8A class</a> last week, in what proved to be a more difficult class to find under-the-radar teams. I also looked at a more open <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/6a-sleepers-in-2026/">6A class</a>, the intriguing <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/4a-sleepers-in-2026/">4A class</a>, and a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/2a-sleepers-in-2026/">2A class</a> that needs more underdogs. Finally, I covered a deep <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/7a-sleepers-in-2026/">7A class</a> and the unpredictable <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/5a-sleepers-in-2026/">5A class</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which 3A Teams Could Make Surprise Runs in 2026?</h2>   Even after a slow start, few were surprised when Shelby ultimately put it all together to waltz to a state championship. And while some casual observers may have been surprised to see Kinston, reach the state finals two years removed from a 4-7 season, the Vikings were a trendy early-season pick. We had them ranked third in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/prep-redzone-3a-preseason-all-state-team/">3A Preseason Primer</a>.   Because of the way several top teams scheduled in the regular season, road teams dominated the 3A playoffs. Still, regional finalists Lincolnton and James Kenan sat outside my preseason Top 10, and given the chaotic nature of this class, I'd expect a few surprises.   So, which 3A sleepers could make surprise playoff runs in 2026?   Editor's Note: For these purposes, I'm choosing three teams that did not make a regional final last season. That excludes Shelby, Kinston, Lincolnton, and James Kenan. I'm also avoiding 2025 one- and two-seeds, so Mountain Heritage, Mount Airy, and Pender are out of this exercise, too.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eastern Randolph Wildcats</h3>   The 3A classification was loaded with class of 2026 talent, and plenty of top teams lose their best players. So, while Eastern Randolph isn't exactly a "sleeper," any discussion about teams that can go further this year than last has to include the Wildcats.   The Wildcats fell just short of beating Shelby in the playoffs, losing a thriller, 43-41. Their only other losses were to solid 6A squads in the non-conference. And Eastern Randolph returns its quarterback, top two rushers, and three of four leading receivers. The offense should be one of the best in the class.   Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2140152' first='Cade' last='McCallum'] was efficient last year, throwing for around 200 yards a game on relatively few attempts. While his top target graduates, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2003826' first='Cainin' last='Glover'] is one of the top receivers in the 2029 class.   Two-way player [player_tooltip player_id='2140160' first='James' last='Combs'] was arguably Eastern Randolph's best defender last season, and he averaged over 11 yards per carry with eight touchdowns on offense.   I fully expect Eastern Randolph to be a true contender, and the Wildcats may end up inside my Top 5 in this year's preseason preview. Still, given the criteria I've given myself, they're a sleeper in the 3A class.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Princeton Bulldogs</h3>   Princeton has the offensive firepower to beat anybody and has arguably the best player in the classification in [player_tooltip player_id='1616304' first='Teo' last='McPhatter'].   McPhatter shifted to quarterback last year, mainly to get the ball in his hands every play. He ran for nearly 2,500 yards, throwing for another 350 and eight touchdowns. He also led the team with five interceptions on defense.   The key will be the defense. We know the offense can go, not just with McPhatter, but with fellow 2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='2140182' first='Gerell' last='Bogle'], who averaged nearly 12 yards per attempt.   Last year, the Bulldogs allowed over 38 yards per game. If they can drop that number closer to 28 or 30, they'll be serious threats. I expect leading tackler [player_tooltip player_id='2140191' first='Jarrett' last='Lee'] to add a bit more weight, and that defense returns a lot of key guys. I think that unit will improve, and if so, the Bulldogs are true threats.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Stanly Comets</h3>   North Stanly was one of the quietest 10-2 teams in the state last season, and the pieces are there for another deep run.   Quarterback Brady Lowder cut down on interceptions down the stretch last season and has true dual-threat capabilities. RJ Brooks was one of the top freshman backs in the state last season. Two-way linemen [player_tooltip player_id='1670898' first='Colton' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1670896' first='Logan' last='Martin'] hit our radar early this offseason and are weight room warriors who should get faster and stronger.   Defensively, leading tackler Maddox Cody and [player_tooltip player_id='1670826' first='Jaden' last='Little'] (who had 13 sacks last season) return at linebacker, while secondary duo [player_tooltip player_id='1727067' first='Nathan' last='Helms'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1882085' first='Kiyren' last='Brown'] had nine combined interceptions last year.   A lot of key pieces on a really dangerous team return, and it could be the perfect storm for North Stanly.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 3A Sleepers</h2>   East Surry Cardinals   Hendersonville Bearcats   North Wilkes Vikings   Thomasville Bulldogs   North Moore Mustangs   This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

Even in February, it's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 high school football season. We're breaking down some of the potentially surprising contenders for next season. Here are three 3A sleepers in 2026.