Season Preview: Class II-A Title Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee high school football is back next week, which means it's time to continue previews going into the 2026 campaign. I did a full Division II-A preview a few days ago. But now, I'm taking a deeper look at the top contenders, the middle tier and sleeper teams within the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll be digging deeper on each of these teams, why I think they belong and placing them in one of three categories. That said, let's get into it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top of the List……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2139929} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kgrigsby-crop-401x263-1772142510.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2139929" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nashville Christian WR [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby']. Photo from Nashville Christian Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nashville Christian Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nashville Christian is coming off a dominant state championship win a season ago. However, the Eagles lost their best two players, including five-star signal-caller Jared Curtis. That said, there is still plenty of talent to run it back once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis'] is stepping in for the current Vanderbilt student-athlete. While he will never be what Curtis was, I do love the upside and view Mathis as a Power Four talent. He has great arm talent, an excellent frame, good accuracy and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll be throwing the football to 2030 [player_tooltip player_id='2236333' first='Kelan' last='Taylor'] and 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'], both of whom are excellent players. Losing TJ Ward was tough, but I expect them to use Hudson Smith as a Swiss army knife who takes snaps out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense returned several key players, and the trenches have multiple college prospects. The best of them all is 2027 defensive lineman Matthew Newberry. On the offensive line, it's Colin Romero who leads the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This won't be as dominant as last season, but they enter the 2026 campaign as heavy favorites to win Division II-A. There are some teams capable of knocking them off, but can they pull it off?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friendship Christian Commanders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I can confidently say that Friendship Christian is the second-best team in this classification, and it starts in the trenches. They have the clear-cut No. 1 defensive front in Division II-A, with the best overall lineman on the offensive side in 2027 IOL Kaden Buchanan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a physical specimen who destroys any defender in his path. The rest of that offensive line is solid, but it's built around Buchanan. Turning the page back to the defensive side, I'm a massive fan of what they have going on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 Gideon Knox and 2027 Brixton Dorris are two elite defensive linemen who totaled over 20 tackles for a loss last season. 2029 linebacker Bruno Prater may be the best inside linebacker in the classification. He is joined alongside middle linebacker/tight end Vinny Henry, who could be an All-State player this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 quarterback Blake Waldorf is back for one last go, and he has multiple playmakers to work with. 2029 ATH Ryder Wolcott was one of the premier tailbacks last season and should only get better. They also added 2029 ATH Nicholas Pointer Jr., who will make big impacts as a wideout and defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>University School of Jackson Bruins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University School of Jackson lost in the state championship last season, but returns several of its best players for another run at the trophy. The most important piece is 2027 quarterback Cayden Creech, who is committed to play college football at Marist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their offense is going a little under the radar this season, but there are multiple big-play threats to help the quarterback. Jake Payne is a Power Four prospect at tight end and has taken the next step. Bradley Stamper plays both ways and is a reliable wideout. Last, but not least, Jacob Snider is someone who I expect to break out in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I like their trenches, especially the offensive line. Josh O'Neal, Eli Freeman and Noah Britt form one of the best offensive lines in Tennessee. Now, don't sleep on their defense. The Bruins have multiple studs like 2027 linebacker Eli Yandell, Stamper, who was an All-State defensive back a season ago and 2028 linebacker Whit Barnes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, this is a very good team. I have them as No. 3 in Division II-A, but they could prove me wrong. They have the talent and experience to beat anybody on this list, even my top two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2139954} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-26-2026-3-54-09-PM-crop-1320x867-1772143320.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2139954" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Concord Christian ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1031934' first='Dasani' last='Moulden']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Concord Christian Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Concord Christian went just 6-5 a season ago, but I'm all in on the hype train. They have an elite group of young bucks on offense, starting with 2029 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1633788' first='Kohbe' last='Ward']. He's an excellent dual-threat player who should improve from last season and be in the running for Mr. Football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maurice Smith Jr. is their running back, who compiled over 1,000 total yards as a freshman. The final piece is [player_tooltip player_id='1031934' first='Dasani' last='Moulden'], a 2029 wide receiver who was one of the most productive players in this classification on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That trio forms an electric offense that will likely average over 30 points per game. The defense is not anything to write home about, but it should be good enough to get the job done. They lost a key edge rusher to the transfer portal, but were able to retain others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 linebacker Reece Franklin is back and will lead the defense. He totaled 71 tackles, eight for a loss and four sacks in 2025. Watch for him to put up monster numbers and anchor this unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tennessee Christian Cougars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee Christian is that next team out for me. They went 6-4 last season, but returned their best players on each side of the ball. 2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1066002' first='Alie' last='Bangura'] rushed for well over 1,000 yards in 2025, and he's gotten even better. He needs help from other skill players, but you can count on him to lead the way for an offense that's been good as of late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, 2028 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1282553' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] anchors the defense. He racked up over 100 tackles in 10 games a season ago. The Cougars brought back their team leader in sacks and PBUs, with other key contributors looking to take a step forward. Watch out for this MTCS squad; they could be dangerous</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trinity Christian Academy Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TCA is a complete football team but lacks the star power that other top contenders have. Still, I think they're a good football team, and could even rise into the contender spot soon. If they can have certain players step up for key losses, they'll be just fine. That said, Gabe Lee and Owen Atwood graduated, leaving major voids in the offense. I think they'll pass the torch, but I have to see it first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pay attention to Joe Cole this season. He's a terrific linebacker at this level, but he does have skill at tailback. He ran for over eight yards per carry last year, and should get much more volume in 2026. The X-factor for me is 2027 WR/TE Lake Helton. At 6-foot-4, he can stretch the field and make contested catches, which is a must in any offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their defense does have questions, but they returned over half of their starters from a unit that gave up just 14.1 points per game in the regular season. I'm trying to be conservative on them, but they could pop in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2133795} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-21-2026-1-09-45-PM-crop-1320x867-1771701923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2133795" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: DCA RB Riley Biddle during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donelson Christian Academy Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donelson Christian Academy is an impressive team to me in their own way. The offense isn't a super powerful one, but they do have an excellent running back duo. Both Riley Biddle and King Gardner rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and the one before that. So, you can count on the DCA backs to lead the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake Holton is their quarterback and has been solid at times through his high school career, but that side of the ball will rely on a strong rushing attack and a decent passing game. The defense is a question for me. It's not bad, but I don't know if they can stop one of the top-tier teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's their X-factor to me. If the defense plays well, this team could win a lot of football games in 2026. It's definitely a big if, but it's one of the only questions I have for this sleeper squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The King's Academy Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The King's Academy took a year off from football in 2025, but returns for this season eager to get on the gridiron against a different team. They have some intriguing pieces and could honestly surprise a lot of people. Cosmin Susara is a good-sized wide receiver who is due for a big year in this offensive scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback is tricky to pick out, but I have seen 2029 Younes Halabi getting good run in some of their preseason scrimmages, where he has looked nice. There are a few others I think could be very productive this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I do like the upside, but I can't put them above teams who have produced the past few years. But they do deserve the attention. After missing a season of football in 2025, they are ready to get back on the field and should be one of the better teams in this classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-----</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three More Teams to Track: <strong>Providence Christian Academy, Ezell-Harding and Jackson Christian</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2116387} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/krose-crop-401x263-1769727158.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2116387" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Jackson Christian EDGE Kelsey Rose Jr.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->