1A 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 in every classification. Here are three 1A 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>, the unpredictable <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/5a-sleepers-in-2026/">5A class</a>, and the chaotic <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/3a-sleepers-in-2026/">3A class</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which 1A Teams Could Make Surprise Runs in 2026?</h2>   I don't think anyone knew what we'd get from the updated 1A class when the state went to eight classifications last year. On the one hand, more teams would have a chance, given the smaller number of teams in the class and the dispersal of talent across the newly-created classes. On the other hand, seven of the eight 2024 quarterfinalists moved up at least one class in 2025, and the eighth won the state title.   We don't know who the new titans of the 1A class are yet. Wilson Prep stacked the non-conference, winning its final eight games after starting 1-5 against bigger schools. Robbinsville returned to the state title for the first time in several years, falling just short. Two seeds Northside-Pinetown and South Davidson made deep runs as well. Will any of those teams repeat last year's success?   History tells us that we'll see at least a few surprise 1A squads this season. Here, we're taking our best guess at which teams could go deeper in the playoffs.   Editor's Note: For these purposes, I'm choosing three teams that did not make a regional final last season. That excludes Wilson Prep, Robbinsville, Northside-Pinetown, and South Davidson.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Washington County Panthers</h3>   I'm eying Washington County not only as a potential sleeper, but a potential title contender. Quarterback/athlete [player_tooltip player_id='2140877' first='Kiymani' last='Jones'] had a tremendous junior season and returns as a 1,100-yard passer and 900-yard rusher who has Player of the Year potential.   The Panthers return three of four leading rushers and two key receivers in Jeremiah Mann and 2029 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='2140883' first='Keitrell' last='Sutton'], a two-way, multisport athlete with great upside and athletic potential.   The Panthers were one of those rare teams with multiple freshman contributors, as running back [player_tooltip player_id='2140882' first='Symir' last='Jenkins'] was the third-leading rusher and sixth-leading tackler on the team in just seven games.   Like most 1A squads, several two-way players lead the defense, as Mann led the team with five sacks and Sutton had four interceptions as a freshman. Expect Washington County to be one of the top teams in the class next year.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bear Grass Charter Bears</h3>   Okay, admittedly, Bear Grass Charter isn't the prototypical sleeper, but given the size of the 1A class and the constraints I've given myself, the Bears fit here. Plus, I just want to write about them.   After an undefeated regular season, the Bears fell victim to seeding, having to go on the road as the three-seed in the regional semifinal.   But, they return several key players, including wing back/corner [player_tooltip player_id='2141083' first='Jykel' last='Johnson']. I'll be interested to see if he shifts more to a wide receiver role on a team that doesn't throw much, but graduated all 31 receptions from this season.   Linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='2141081' first='Tanner' last='Long'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2141080' first='Caleb' last='Thomas'] lead a primarily 4-4 defense that plays aggressive and downhill. They're disciplined and have experience, something that's vital at the 1A level.   The Bears have put up at least eight wins in three-straight seasons. Can they get over the hump?   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Stokes Vikings</h3>   Especially at the 1A level, the issue teams run up against is often a lack of depth. I think that might be where North Stokes is at.   The Vikings have some serious talent at the top, starting with two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2141098' first='Wyatt' last='Collins'] and wide receiver/linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2141097' first='Jackson' last='Bodenhamer']. Both are key cogs in both units, and more than being great high school players, they're true college prospects.   Collins, in particular, is intriguing from a scouting perspective. He's 6'2", 295 pounds and while he plays some nose tackle, he isn't just a space-eater. He puts up numbers, leading the VIkings in tackles last season.   Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2099358' first='Nate' last='Harrison'] is an intriguing tight end prospect, and also plays some linebacker, too. And at quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='2141096' first='Holden' last='Shelton'] was as efficient as any quarterback in the state while playing in a two-quarterback system. Can he elevate his game after the Vikings lose his running mate? And can the defense find enough pieces to build consistency across four quarters.   If those answers are yes, they'll surprise some people.   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 in every classification. Here are three 1A sleepers in 2026.