Biggest Offseason Story Lines In Class 5A

The South Carolina High School League has completed the two-year realignment plan, transfers are occurring faster than we can keep up with and coaches are changing schools as this article is being written.   But that's not going to stop us from looking at some of the current storylines for Class 5A in 2026. It's definitely going to be a new look and a new challenge as all of Class 5A will compete in the same division. The past two years have seen South Carolina's largest classification split into two divisions. The honor now goes to Class A, at least for the next two school years.   This is how things look in the middle of February and we're sure there might be more changes and challenges on the horizon, but we will keep you updated with those as we receive them.   The top of the Class of 2027 is loaded with players in 5A – RB [player_tooltip player_id='1215391' first='Jayven' last='Williams'] (Summerville, No. 5 in 2027 rankings), WR [player_tooltip player_id='1172363' first='Khristian' last='Jackson'] (Ridge View, No. 7, 2027), RB [player_tooltip player_id='1036721' first='Tre' last='Segarra'] (Byrnes, No. 9, 2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='232624' first='Xavier' last='Means'] (Northwestern, No. 10, 2027). That doesn't even include our top ranked player in the Class of 2028 – [player_tooltip player_id='1151291' first='Brody' last='Lorenzo'], Dutch Fork's mauler of an offensive lineman.     Here is what else we know as of now.   WHAT HAPPENS AT THE TOP   Dutch Fork has won for straight Class 5A titles, the last two in the Division I category. Northwestern is the proud owner of the past two Class 5A, Division II championships and those two teams will have to compete against each other for the next couple years.   The Silver Foxes graduated a lot but that might not mean much. They've added wide receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1422528' first='Maleek' last='Miller'] (2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='2106772' first='Corey' last='Miller'] (2029) from Irmo as well as 2027 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1422589' first='Peyton' last='Bishop'] from AC Flora as new transfers. Add that to the returns such as Lorenzo, 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1823705' first='Jaxon' last='Knotts'], 2027 DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='481377' first='A'maurie' last='Harley'], 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1818103' first='Kyle' last='Henry'] and 2027 DE [player_tooltip player_id='409882' first='Jaden' last='Wuerth'] and Dutch Fork should be right back into the championship game conversation.   But the Trojans feel like they have enough firepower to compete for another state title as well. Means returns along with 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1283361' first='Jaylon' last='Richardson'], 2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1604056' first='Kahlil' last='Williamson'], 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='513067' first='Malik' last='Ratliff'] (transfer from South Pointe) and 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1718680' first='Payton' last='Vining'] give Northwestern a lot of firepower in a high-octane offense.   But who else might challenge those two? Summerville has lost the last two title games to Dutch Fork. The Green Wave must find a QB and replace 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='378969' first='Jaiden' last='Kelly-Murray'] (transfer to Oceanside Collegiate) but they still have Williams along with 2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1061146' first='Teru' last='Davis'] and a host of guys in the trenches. [player_tooltip player_id='1615021' first='Dexter' last='Chavous'] is a 2028 player that plays on both the offensive and defensive line. [player_tooltip player_id='1816961' first='Demarcus' last='King'] is a 2028 defensive lineman and 2028 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2098877' first='Jaylen' last='Prior'] all could be standouts. That doesn't even include a pair of 2027 players – OL [player_tooltip player_id='1819778' first='Nolan' last='Giet'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1816968' first='Eli' last='Pressley'], a linebacker.   Dorman seems to be on the cusp each season and we don't see 2026 being any different. The Cavaliers have a pair of 2027 defensive standouts in linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1818140' first='Antwone' last='Tarrence'] and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1702151' first='James' last='Porter']. Offensively, RB [player_tooltip player_id='1664350' first='Nick' last='Means'] could improve on his 2025 numbers in a loaded backfield. Two 2028 defenders will also make Dorman exceptional on defense with linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2098885' first='Braylen' last='Griffin'] and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1816841' first='Easton' last='Catto'] returning.   Byrnes is another team that always seems to be in the mix. The Rebels have a bona fide stud in Segarra but there are others as well. [player_tooltip player_id='1581471' first='Isaiah' last='Robinson'] is a 2028 wide receiver that will garner a lot of attention. As will 2028 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1615038' first='Emerson' last='James'] and a pair of 2027 skill guys - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1604062' first='Jacobi' last='Fuller'] and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1271241' first='Chanin' last='Harris']. Add 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1820011' first='Josiah' last='Chambers'] and the Rebels have a lot of offensive firepower returning.   Two teams from the Lowcounty made it to the state semifinals last season and will be looking to improve on that finish. James Island has a stellar group of prospects returning with WR [player_tooltip player_id='874321' first='Raphael' last='Puiu'] right at the top. He had over 1,400 yards last season and is emerging as one of the best receivers of the 2028 Class. 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1820390' first='Brady' last='Dantzler'] saw limited time last season but will be the one that takes over for his brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1592342' first='Connor' last='Dantzler'], and his over 3,800 yards of total offense. Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1036776' first='Israel' last='Harris'] (pictured above) is massive at 6-foot-2, 330 pounds and is becoming one of the top prospects in the 2027 Class. Linebacker and running back Bryon Bowers and tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1664605' first='Sam' last='Crumpton'] give the Trojans a lot of experience returning from a 12-2 team.   Berkeley finished 10-3 and lost to Irmo (moved to Class 4A) in the semifinals. The Stags were hit hard by graduation in the trenches and on defense but have 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1036733' first='Henry' last='Rivers'] returning and he's already been a three-year starter. Rivers will spend a lot of his summer on the baseball diamond since he has a 90-plus MPH fastball but adapting back to football shouldn't be a problem for the two-sport standout.   They also return talented RB [player_tooltip player_id='1271259' first='Jessie' last='Brown'] (2027 Class) along with DB [player_tooltip player_id='1426798' first='Cameron' last='McCue'] (2027) and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1766224' first='John' last='Cleveland'] (2027 Class). Another WR to watch is 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1016577' first='Elijah' last='Mitchell'] along with ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1151306' first='Bryson' last='McGee'], a running back/wide receiver threat.   OTHER TEAMS THAT COULD BE A FACTOR   Those aren't the only team to keep an eye on. Ridge View will play a challenging early season schedule that has them battle tested at the end. We've already mentioned Jackson at WR but having a healthy QB [player_tooltip player_id='840548' first='Tre' last='Howard'] (2027) back will be huge. Howard missed the majority of last season but is ready to go for spring football. The Blazers also added a pair of transfers to the passing game in 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1172370' first='Kanye' last='Reed'] and 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1603911' first='Isaiah' last='Small'] . Add in 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1811119' first='James' last='Ross'] (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1149057' first='Spencer' last='Bobian'] and not many teams can match that firepower. If Ridge View can find players on defense, they will be a force.   White Knoll has a new coach in Victor Floyd and while the Timberwolves have been successful in recent seasons, he might have to rebuild a little. But Floyd will have multi-talented 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1732517' first='Jhais' last='Mckiever'] and 2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1659953' first='Markeese' last='Winn'] back in the fold. Spartanburg will build around 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1172345' first='Trenton' last='Lynch'], 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1809722' first='Skyler' last='Douglas'] and 2027 DB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1663749' first='Steve' last='Grayson'] to try to advance deeper into the playoffs. Sumter returns battering ram in 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1603974' first='Franklin' last='Richardson'] to go along with 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1818349' first='Damarion' last='Holmes'] under new coach Drew Marlowe.      KICKERS AND PUNTERS REJOICE   Special Teams play a huge role in a football game and the ones that do it well have a leg up on the competition – no pun intended.   Class 5A has several kickers and punters that can change the outcome of a game. JL Mann 2027 kicker/punter [player_tooltip player_id='1720507' first='Philip' last='Georgopoulos'] is a game changer that is ranked in the Top 100 players in the Class. Another punter that made the list is [player_tooltip player_id='1745339' first='Valentin' last='Escudero'], 2027 White Knoll specialist.   But it's not just those two that can make a difference. Chapin's 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1149041' first='Beckham' last='Diimmler'] is not only a wide receiver for the Eagles but also an excellent kicker. Northwestern's [player_tooltip player_id='1824470' first='Alex' last='Bendt'], Berkeley's [player_tooltip player_id='1603784' first='Ryland' last='Curwen'], Cane Bay's [player_tooltip player_id='1821199' first='Aiden' last='Thorn'] and Rock Hill's [player_tooltip player_id='1818204' first='James' last='Heckard'] round out a solid 2027 Class.   The highest rated specialist in the PRZ player rankings comes out the 2028 Class. James Island's [player_tooltip player_id='1819172' first='Isaac' last='Lorentz'] is a punter and kicker that can change the complexion of a game quickly. He checks in as the No. 27 ranked player in the upcoming junior class. River Bluff's [player_tooltip player_id='1467817' first='Liam' last='Flynn'] is another solid prospect to keep an eye on.   WHO ARE THE NEXT STARS   Most of these players are in the 2029 Class but have already made impactful impressions as freshmen.   We didn't mention [player_tooltip player_id='1595010' first='Taddrick' last='Gibson'] when we talked about Dutch Fork earlier, but this 2029 defensive back is a star in the making. He's currently the No. 2 player in the PRZ 2029 Class and was a contributor for the Silver Foxes on their run to the state championship last season. He has great cover skills and more than held his own against bigger, more seasoned receivers last year.   Fort Dorchester's linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1590515' first='Josiah' last='Singleton'] is a polished, steady tackler that checks in at No. 3 in the 2029 Class. Dorman offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1818345' first='Jordan' last='Lewis'] is already 6-foot-4, 275 pounds and we feel like he's just scratching the surface after breaking into the lineup as a true freshman. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='2106758' first='Carter' last='Nash'] is another 2029 Cavalier to keep an eye on. He stepped in at the end of last season due to injury and provided a spark for the running game.  Northwestern's [player_tooltip player_id='1301735' first='Dash' last='Holley'] is a linebacker that was part of the rotation at the end of the season. The Trojans must replace two starters on the defensive line and two linebackers so Holley should slide right in and become a major contributor in 2026.   Lexington 2029 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1848408' first='Easton' last='Crocker'] was forced into action due to injury, but he never flinched against a brutal schedule. His best football is ahead of him. Stratford defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1615105' first='Kermit' last='Davis'] is a Class of 2028 player that's already made an impact in his two seasons on varsity. His quick first step and power moves is going to make him one to keep an eye on going forward.   TEAMS THAT FINISHED POORLY BUT COULD MAKE A MOVE IN 2026   These schools and host of players had subpar 2025 seasons but if you look at the rankings, they could be primed to make a move in 2026.     Blythewood struggled to a 4-8 mark in 2025 but have five players ranked in 2026 alone. It starts up front with OL [player_tooltip player_id='1172352' first='Reed' last='Paolucci'] but it does not stop there. Paolucci can play guard, tackle or center with ease and that versatility helps. Add linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='1823120' first='Dillon' last='Hutcherson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1820550' first='Chris' last='Long'] with athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1403282' first='Amari' last='Fisher'] and QB [player_tooltip player_id='1426578' first='James' last='Veasey'] and the Bengals could be a lot better than a season ago.   Boiling Springs was 5-7 last season but has QB [player_tooltip player_id='1819429' first='Imri' last='Logan'], ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1665369' first='Djay' last='Leak'] and a pair of defenders in DB Tavion Hall and DL [player_tooltip player_id='1036731' first='Dennis' last='Glenn'] in the 2027 rankings. Glenn is a monster on the defensive line that could end up in the top 20 in the rankings (he currently sits at No. 34).   River Bluff finished out 2025 with a 6-6 mark and will have to contend with Dutch Fork in the region. But the Gators have three players in the Top 89 of the 2027 Class – DB [player_tooltip player_id='1422592' first='Caleb' last='Pinkney'], LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='262172' first='Bubba' last='Alexander'] (transfer from Hammond) and WR/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1078102' first='Darius' last='Carter'] – and five in the rankings total. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1344583' first='Brayden' last='Moore'] and DB [player_tooltip player_id='1664633' first='Caleb' last='Renwrick'] are also ranked and coach Perry Parks could be building something in year two.     Rock Hill was a respectable 7-5 last season but has four players in the 2027 rankings returning. Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1088328' first='Nigel' last='Lightner'] is the highest ranked at No. 109 but depth with linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1635381' first='Kaleb' last='Wright'] along with a pair of wide receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='1809631' first='Connor' last='Clawson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1676087' first='Kamron' last='Wilson'] give the Bearcats a solid group to build around. Then you add 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1816896' first='Jonah' last='Young'] to the mix and Rock Hill could become a factor.

The South Carolina High School League has completed the two-year realignment plan, transfers are occurring faster than we can keep up with and coaches are changing schools as this article is being written.