Predicting Every Team's 2026 MVP: Region I-5A

Don't look now, but 7-on-7 has started.   That mean's we're a few short weeks from the SCHSL dead period, and just a few after that will start the 2026 football season.   We can't wait. And because we can't wait, we're again taking a shot at predicting MVPs for every team in the state. That's a different challenge this year with one of the biggest realignment shakeups in a while.   Here's a look at how we think some guys in Region I-5A will help their teams.   BYRNES REBELS   [player_tooltip player_id='1036721' first='Tre' last='Segarra'] RB, 2027   Not to start out with an unrealistic statement, but this might be THE biggest single-player impact in this realignment cycle. With the shift out of their traditional Spartanburg County-heavy spot, Byrnes trades the week-in, week-out grind of one of the toughest defensive regions in the state for a look at a little more breathing room. The Rebels will still play those traditional rivals, but they'll be early. That's going to give Segarra - already one of the state's best backs with an insane blend of power, vision, and speed - the chance to be a little fresher for the stretch run. And that's something that should be very, very concerning for everyone who's looking to stand in the Rebels' way.    EASTSIDE EAGLES   [player_tooltip player_id='379094' first='Lyndez' last='Smith'] ATH, 2028   Smith (pictured) is a problem. He's played some tailback, and even some quarterback in his athletic past, which is only unusual when you consider his size and his ability as a linebacker. Smith is absolutely capable of taking over a game. He's strong, he's got quick feet, and he can beat the OL across the ball with a variety of moves, from a standing position, or with a hand in the dirt off the edge. Once he's in the backfield, he's athletic and adept at taking guys down, as 11 TFL and two sacks last season will show. He knocked down two passes and blocked a punt for good measure. On an Eagles' defense that's likely to be counted on a lot due to graduations on both sides of the ball, Smith will be a leader.    HILLCREST RAMS   [player_tooltip player_id='1604046' first='Jackson' last='Free'] QB, 2027   Is free a little bit undersized? Perhaps. Did he benefit from a loaded backfield and some talented receivers? Absolutely. But those things do absolutely nothing to change the fact that he threw for nearly 2,500 yards, rushed for nearly 300 more, and accounted for 34 total touchdowns in 2025. A lot of the talent in the backfield will return. Three of the Rams top five receivers are back. And he'll take snaps from one of the best centers in the state. Free is absolutely poised to lead Hillcrest. He's been waiting for his breakout moment, and now is his time.    JL MANN PATRIOTS   [player_tooltip player_id='1809307' first='Shaun' last='Carvalho'] LB, 2027   Second-year Patriots coach Bryce Smiley has a defensive background, so it stands to reason that the Mann defense is going to get better with a year in his system under their belts. Carvalho being better is scary. He already accounted for 93 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack as he grew accustomed to Smiley's defense. Now he's a year older, with an additional year in the weight room, and he looks capable of terrorizing offenses. At a recent Carolinas Coaches Combine, Carvalho went through all the LB drills and competition, and then split some time with the DL putting his hand in the dirt and rushing the passer off the edge. His versatility is incredible, and his performance might be as well.    MAULDIN MAVERICKS   [player_tooltip player_id='1467822' first='Josh' last='Evans'] DL, 2028   Here's the thing about Evans: he doesn't do anything fancy, because he doesn't have to. He's got good size, speed, balance, and power, but none of that truly starts to stand out until Evans starts to move. He's a championship-level wrestler, and he uses the explosion and quick power that sport requires to full advantage on the football field. He fights well with his hands, he's got a deadly first step and quick burst, and it often doesn't matter if you know what he's trying to beat you with, because he beats you anyway. He had a breakout sophomore season with 68 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. This year, he can be a cornerstone for the Mavericks' defense.    WOODMONT WILDCATS   [player_tooltip player_id='1563930' first='Harper' last='Doyle'] QB, 2029   Doyle's a really interesting player to watch. He played a ton as a freshman, and he looks like the guy going forward for the Wildcats. He's already got good size, and that experience puts him at a different level from most rising sophomores. He'll benefit from more time in Woodmont's balanced offense, but he's already got some polish. He has a big arm and can make every throw he's called upon to make, and his decision making and pocket presence will only improve with more reps. Doyle's upside is huge, and we could start to see it more and more this season.

Don't look now, but 7-on-7 has started.