Season Preview: Class II-AAA 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-AAA preview yesterday. 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:image {"id":2165024} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-03-2026-6-14-58-PM-crop-800x526-1775258213.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2165024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor RB David Gabriel Georges in the state championship. Taken by Chattanooga Times Free Press.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top of the List……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor Red Raiders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baylor is the defending state champions after narrowly defeating Brentwood Academy in the title game a season ago. They return the unanimous top player in Tennessee with 2027 five-star tailback David Gabriel Georges, who committed to the Volunteers this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As if they didn't have enough star power, the Red Raiders added 2027 four-star passer [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] this offseason to fill in for Briggs Cherry. He's looked great in preseason events, including a scrimmage against nationally ranked Buford (Ga.). The senior has superstar 2028 tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein'] to throw to, along with a bevy of solid options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is loaded, especially at the first and second levels. 2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] is arguably the best defensive player in the region. He's joined by the productive Emery Julien, a 2027 edge rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive line, they have a lot of underclassmen. But they're all talented. [player_tooltip player_id='2060400' first='Edward' last='Brewer'] is a stud freshman who is the future of that unit and projects as an edge rusher. He's joined by a few other freshmen and sophomores who are due for big years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1952714} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-12-2025-5-25-05-PM-crop-1071x704-1760308154.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1952714" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Brentwood Academy WR Lex Baskin. Taken by @tai.flicks on Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy did not lose many players off last year's elite squad. Senior Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] returns, along with his playmakers. [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] was a Mr. Football candidate at running back, but don't forget to mention the dynamic duo of pass catchers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] is the No. 1 wide receiver in Tennessee with the ability to do it all. Lex Baskin now steps up as WR2 in a year where he can improve his college stock and potentially move up to a bigger program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line got a big upgrade at offensive tackle, as the Eagles added 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown'], who is committed to Auburn. On the other side of the trenches, [player_tooltip player_id='983676' first='Khris' last='Rice'] was a big addition to fill out what may be the best defense in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II, [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'], Romel Koon Jr., [player_tooltip player_id='2082939' first='Hill' last='Strong'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2105993' first='Troy' last='Porties'] complete that unit. They have arguably the top roster in Division II-AAA, but can they conquer Baylor?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2140702} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/ejgibson-crop-382x251-1772211208.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2140702" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ensworth Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth is my No. 3 team in this classification. They're pretty comfortably at that spot, but I'm expecting them to make a deep run in the playoffs. Hot take: depending on their draw from the bracket, they could play for a state championship in 2026. 2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] is a terrific player who was snubbed from Mr. Football considerations, but had over 1,500 total yards in 2025. He's back and ready to dominate competition once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior should be able to do that behind one of, if not the best, offensive lines in the state. It's led by a pair of Power Four offensive tackles. Oklahoma State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] holds it down on the right side, while 2028 left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] is my East Region Lineman of the Year. The interior has a bit of inexperience, but an impulse of talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth is always stout defensively. Losing their coordinator this offseason was tough, but they replaced him with a former college staffer in Dan Carrel. That unit is extremely disciplined, has great intensity and possesses productive players at all three levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1704682' first='Ethan' last='Starling']&nbsp;is a breakout linebacker to keep an eye on, while their secondary has upside. 2027&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'], who just committed to Dayton, is the leader of that defensive back room.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2003217} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-02-2025-8-24-12-PM-crop-401x263-1762136864.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2003217" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Briarcrest Christian LB Octavius Flynn Jr. Photo from his Hudl.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Briarcrest Christian Saints</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I actually really like Briarcrest Christian this season. They won't play for a state championship, but they should make a good run in the postseason. Adding 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] was a game-changing move by the staff and gives them a dual-threat player with high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has some good offensive weapons to work with. But my favorite part of this team is its defense, which is one of the best in Tennessee. 2028 linebacker Octavious Flynn Jr. is the best player on that side of the ball, but he has good pieces around him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1093181' first='Graham' last='Kesner'] is another vital player. He had 38 tackles, seven being for a loss in 2025. However, the junior inside linebacker is due for a breakout campaign. The defensive back position room is strong, with a stout defensive front that's coached well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2237707} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-29-2026-3-52-06-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2237707" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Photo: McCallie QB [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier'] before a game. Photo from his X/Twitter.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie Blue Tornado</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie lost several big-time contributors from last season, but they will still be a very good team in 2026. The Blue Tornado will be breaking in a new quarterback in 2028&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier']. He's a massive dude, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds with impressive arm talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That offense has two big-time weapons, including senior tailback&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2112022' first='Xavier' last='Fillion'], who is truly one of the most underrated players in this classification. He runs extremely hard and is efficient when he gets touches. You can book a 1,000-yard season from him. 2029 wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1455068' first='Levi' last='Scott III']&nbsp;is one of the most electric pass catchers in the classification and has multiple high-level FBS offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a compact player, but is extremely athletic and plays bigger than his size indicates. Scott III is a Power Four talent and should take that next step in his sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie made multiple key additions in the trenches. But the most important piece of them all is 2029 offensive tackle&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1355869' first='Jamil' last='Thompson']. He's an incredibly talented player who should flourish with an elite coaching staff. The Blue Tornado got bigger on both lines of scrimmage, which will allow them to overwhelm some teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2167153} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-07-2026-4-54-52-PM-crop-1320x867-1775600049.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2167153" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MBA TE [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Montgomery Bell Academy Big Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery Bell Academy was one of the more underrated teams in Division II-AAA a season ago, going 6-5 with wins over Knoxville Catholic, Pearl-Cohn and others. They return multiple high-level players on the offensive side of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] is arguably the top player at his position in Tennessee, outside of Oak Ridge's [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard']. Senior wide receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1691433' first='Carter' last='Kilburg'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1568969' first='Warner' last='Hart'] are extremely athletic players who can do it all, whether that's stretch the field or move the chains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm a big fan of their quarterback, 2028 Charlie Verner, who is a dual-threat player. He shared the duties a season ago with Hugh Price. However, Verner was the better player and will now get his opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is rock solid with good players at each level. The Big Red have a massive defensive front with a sneaky good pass rush. If the defensive backs can hold up, this MBA squad could be dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2085589} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-18-2025-12-00-52-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2085589" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Photo from his Instagram @gabecabe25</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christ Presbyterian Academy had a tough first season in Division II-AAA, but adjusted well at the end of the year, followed by a deep playoff run. They return 2027 starting quarterback Jack VanOrman with multiple high-level pass catchers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1586170' first='Gabriel' last='Cabell'] is a big, athletic player who's drawn comparisons to former Father Ryan star Charlie Becker. He's joined by Power Four-level tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'], who's added a plethora of high-level offers this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have arguably the second-best offensive line in the classification, boasting multiple players who are committed to FBS schools. The defense lost a few starters, but they have high-level athletes who will fill in. If those new starters can step up, they'll make games very interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2198345} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-30-2026-8-52-24-PM-crop-1320x867-1777600457.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2198345" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox Catholic DB [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] during a game. Photo by crook_captures on Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knoxville Catholic has a loaded roster after acquiring multiple big-time players this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] leads the way on offense with an impressive sophomore running back in [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'], who showed some great things last season. The offensive line is loaded after acquiring twin interior linemen from Knox Webb. Gabriel and [player_tooltip player_id='1537346' first='Brayden' last='Gonzalez'] are elite players who should help turn that position around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has a lot of talent as well, especially in the secondary. 2028 safety [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] is a Power Four player. They also have 2028 cornerback and Alabama commit [player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knoxville Catholic does have some guys on the defensive front that I like, starting with [player_tooltip player_id='2118712' first='Keagan' last='Covington'], a 2028 defensive tackle. He's a dominant force up the middle with a few high-upside pieces around him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2205584} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/thathaway.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2205584" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One More Team to Track: <strong>Lipscomb Academy Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->