Class 3A Region 1 opens the 2026 season without an obvious front-runner, as a realigned lineup of programs adjusts to new head coaches, new rosters and, in some cases, a new classification altogether.
Flomaton and TR Miller both move up a classification after finishing 6-5 and making the playoffs a season ago. Both ranked among the state’s top 15 in scoring defense but sat in the bottom half offensively, and each will now face deeper, more physical competition on a weekly basis.
TR Miller returns junior quarterback Cole McMillian, who already has starting experience, along with senior Marquice English, who produced on the ground, through the air and in the return game last season. Senior tight end Maddox Smith is also back as a pass-catching option.
Flomaton brings back senior quarterback Braden Nall and a backfield pairing of junior Antwan Bowen and sophomore TJ Hall. All-State two-way standout Kamden Martin returns at wide receiver and defensive back. Up front, All-State senior lineman Guy Murphy, who has committed to Austin Peay, anchors the defense alongside sophomore Mason Helton.
Opp carries a streak of seven straight playoff appearances into the year under new head coach Les Sanders, who arrives with 80 career wins from previous head coaching jobs at Luverne and Geneva. The Bobcats must replace quarterback Talan Wicker and All-State receiver D.J. Hines, among other departures.
Senior running back Matthew Morgan and senior Brandyn Washington, who also contributed as a receiver and return man last season, headline Opp’s returning offense. Defensively, senior linebacker A.J. Smallwood and All-State defensive back Savon Barnes give the Bobcats experience at the second level and in the secondary.
W.S. Neal beat Opp head-to-head a year ago and finished 9-4, advancing to the third round for its best season since 2012. Head coach Mike Sims enters his second year leading a team that must replace running back St. Clark and receivers Sed Samuel and Eli Stone.
Senior quarterback Jarrod Crook returns as the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offense, with senior Jaden Ewing back after contributing on both sides of the ball last season. Senior lineman Shelton Mitchell and senior linebacker Colton Cain return to lead the defense.
Jackson enters Class 3A Region 1 off back-to-back state championships and an 18-season playoff streak, but the program is in the midst of a major transition. The Aggies lost 13 players to college football, including quarterback Landon Duckworth, who signed with South Carolina, and running back EJ Crowell, who signed with Alabama. Longtime head coach Cody Flournoy also left for Central-Phenix City, with Ryan Little now taking over the program.
Junior quarterback Jay Morris steps into the starting job with junior Decorius Jackson, who caught more than 50 passes for nearly 900 yards a season ago, as his top target. Senior linebacker Jeremiah McKenzie and defensive backs Victor Darrington and Aaden Martin return to lead the defense.
Escambia County, based in Atmore, joins the region under second-year head coach Tommie Lewis. The Blue Devils have not reached the playoffs since 2010 and must replace quarterback Cleo Bolar and receiver KJ Taylor.
Sophomore running back Lamarrion Arnold returns after a productive first varsity season. Up front, All-State junior lineman Deandre Hooks and fellow junior JaeVon Brown anchor the defense, with senior linebackers Demarcus Munlyn and Tristan Young adding experience.
Excel opens the season under first-year head coach Michael Miles, who previously served as the program’s defensive coordinator before coaching stops at Chickasaw and, most recently, BC Rain. The Panthers went 2-8 a year ago. Junior Jamarion Williams returns as a two-way contributor at running back and linebacker.
Wilcox Central hired Melvin Pete, who brings 17 seasons of head coaching experience from stops at J.F. Shields, Central-Tuscaloosa, Aliceville and Williamson, a career record of 103-74 and a state title won at Central-Tuscaloosa. The Jaguars finished 0-10 last season. Senior Romorian Graves, junior Isaiah Mack and senior Javonte Irby return as contributors at multiple positions.