7A Sleepers in 2026

It's only February, but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 high school football season. Want to know which teams could surprise and make a run this season? We've got you covered. Here are three 7A 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.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which 7A Teams Could Make Surprise Runs in 2026?</h2>   The 7A class is arguably the deepest in the class. Given that the 8A class is smaller, the talent there is concentrated at the top. By contrast, the 7A class has 8-10 teams every year that could make a deep run and challenge for a state championship.   When I wrote my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/09/7a-midseason-check-in-teams-storylines-to-watch/">midseason check-in</a> last September, Clayton was seventh in my class rankings, behind three teams they ultimately beat later in conference play and the playoffs en route to a state championship appearance.   Ultimately, seven of the eight quarterfinalists were in that midseason Top 10, but we still had plenty of surprise teams in the state's first 7A state playoff bracket. Which sleepers could make deep 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 Cardinal Gibbons, Clayton, Grimsley, and Weddington. It would be at least mildly surprising if a team not listed in that group of four made a state final this season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Garner Trojans</h3>   I'm not exactly going out on a limb here, picking a team that came a play or two away from the regional finals, but the Trojans return a ton of talent in 2026, and there's more pressure.   Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1625015' first='Christian' last='Ormandy'] and leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1225217' first='Amir' last='Wallace'] return, and there's some talent at receiver. Look for versatile athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1543857' first='Aidan' last='Gore'] to take on a bigger role as a senior. The defense loses some talent, but edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='2102334' first='Derek' last='Taylor'] returns after eight sacks in 2025, and I'll be interested to see if [player_tooltip player_id='1397877' first='AJ' last='Randle'] moves down closer to the line of scrimmage, as most colleges are recruiting him as a linebacker, rather than that hybrid safety role that he played last year.   The Trojans will be battle-tested, as always, in a brutal 7A conference.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Butler Bulldogs</h3>   Is this the year Butler returns to prominence? While most 7A teams were senior-laden last season, Butler returns the majority of its production, including running back [player_tooltip player_id='2137410' first='DeMaurion' last='Thomas-Wright'], a bruising back with surprising pass-catching talent. There's some talent on the offensive line, led by all-conference selection [player_tooltip player_id='2137411' first='Moises' last='Kawende']. The question on offense will be at the receiver position.   Defensively, the Bulldogs return four of seven leading tacklers, including the entire linebacking trio of Le'jend Lockwood, [player_tooltip player_id='2043746' first='Miles' last='Lacroix'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1953799' first='Matt' last='Shields']. There are some pieces on the defensive line, and though inexperienced, I like the upside of the secondary.   Butler, too, plays in one of the top conferences in the state, but there's a real chance 2026 marks the beginning of a return to form for the Bulldogs.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Southern Durham Spartans</h3>   Southern Durham had a weird 2025 season in a slight setback from 2024's 10-3 record. The Spartans outscored their opponents by nearly 20 points a game, yet finished 7-5 with a second-round playoff exit. The top-end talent, however, is among the best in the class, and they return a ton of production relative to their peers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1217496' first='Jonathan' last='Dillon'] moved from receiver to quarterback as a junior, and was extremely impressive as a passer. We knew his athleticism, but his decision-making and accuracy were excellent. 1,400-yard rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1607799' first='Kamari' last='Holloway'] also returns. They also return leading receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1159953' first='Lance' last='Henderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2112037' first='Jayden' last='Bowman'], who also anchor the secondary.   Defensively, Souther Durham returns over 80% of its sack production, seven of 10 leading tacklers, and 19 of 25 takeaways.   To put it another way, we have 15 Southern Durham players ranked, and only four were in the class of 2026. This team is loaded with young talent. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='1942149' first='Ja'quez' last='Johnson'] and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2005283' first='Jastin' last='Ikard'] to take huge steps forward in 2026.   If things click and a couple of those close losses this season turn into wins, expect the Spartans to make a deep playoff run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 7A Sleepers</h2>   Lake Norman Wildcats   Cuthbertson Cavaliers   New Bern Bears   Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs   South Garner Titans   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.

It's only February, but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 high school football season. Want to know which teams could surprise and make a run this season? We've got you covered. Here are three 7A sleepers in 2026.