Arkansas high school football begins 2026 with a clear leader at the top and a group of very strong teams hot on its heels. The Arkansas Sports Media preseason poll, voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters, offers a clear and well-documented picture of the standings heading into Week 1.
No. 1: Bryant Hornets
Bryant is the unanimous choice, receiving all 12 first-place votes in the preseason poll. The Hornets have won seven state championships in the last eight seasons and are looking for their third consecutive Class 7A title in 2026; however, their schedule is extremely difficult for a team that holds the top spot in the preseason. Bryant debuts against rival Benton in the Salt Bowl, travels to Louisiana to face Alexandria, and then takes on Maryland’s powerful St. Frances Academy—a stretch so challenging that the Hornets could start the season 0-3 and still be considered the best team in the state once the league begins. Senior quarterback Kyler Shelby is the player Bryant needs to have a great season if the Hornets are to overcome this difficult challenge.
No. 2: Bentonville Tigers
Bentonville ranks No. 2 with 102 points in the preseason poll, a solid performance that reflects the program’s consistency at the top of Northwest Arkansas football year after year.
No. 3: Conway Wampus Cats
Conway rounds out the top three with 101 points, just one point behind Bentonville. The Wampus Cats lost several key players from last season, but they have the return of defensive end Elijah Branch (6’2″) and tight end Elijah Collum, who committed to Arkansas State, giving the program a solid foundation to build upon, even with the departure of some key pieces.
No. 4 (tie): Benton Panthers
Benton enters as the clear favorite in Class 6A and tied for fourth place overall with 57 points, receiving 11 of the 12 first-place votes in their own category. Facing Bryant in the Salt Bowl, the season opener, gives Benton its first real test against the best in the state.
No. 4 (tie): Bentonville West Wolverines
Bentonville West tied Benton with 57 points to share the No. 4 spot, giving Arkansas two teams in the state’s top five and reinforcing the wealth of talent that has emerged in the region.
No. 6: Shiloh Christian Saints
Shiloh Christian rounds out the top six, another Northwest Arkansas program that has solidified its position at the top of the state rankings.
No. 7: Greenwood Bulldogs
Greenwood enters the Class 5A preseason as a favorite and is ranked No. 7 overall, a division that could produce one of the most competitive championship races in the state this season.
No. 8: Joe T. Robinson Senators
Joe T. Robinson ranks No. 8, surpassed by Greenwood at the top of Class 5A, but still in the state conversation.
No. 9: North Little Rock Charging Wildcats
North Little Rock rounds out the top 9, a program with enough history and talent to remain competitive year after year, regardless of graduation losses.
No. 10: Fayetteville Bulldogs
Fayetteville closes out the preseason Top 10, giving Northwest Arkansas four teams within the state’s elite group—a clear indication of how the sport’s dominance in Arkansas has shifted in recent years.
Check our Rankings page for how Arkansas’s Top 10 shifts as the 2026 season plays out, and our Scores page for results from around the state.
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