The 2026 Oklahoma high school football rankings are out, and it's a fascinating look at the state's top teams. With a mix of returning champions and new contenders, the Class 6A-II landscape is shaping up to be an intriguing one. Here's a breakdown of the top 13 teams, along with some personal insights and commentary.
1. Choctaw Yellowjackets
Choctaw's top spot is well-deserved. They defended their state title in 2024 and followed it up with a state runner-up finish last fall. Head coach Jake Corbin has built a strong program, and the team's retooled roster through development and strategic transfers is a testament to his leadership. The Yellowjackets are a force to be reckoned with, and their ability to maintain dominance despite key member departures is impressive. Personally, I think Choctaw's depth and experience will be a key factor in their success this season.
2. Stillwater Tigers
Stillwater is a consistent contender, having reached the state semifinals for the past two seasons. Head coach Chad Cawood has a talented roster, led by stars Jaedan Adams, Bryson Brown, Deakon Jones, and Tank Taptto. The Tigers' offensive and defensive prowess is evident, and their ability to consistently reach the state title game is a testament to their program's strength. What makes this particularly fascinating is the team's ability to adapt and improve year after year. In my opinion, Stillwater is a program on the rise and a team to watch in the coming seasons.
3. Norman Tigers
Norman's drop down to Class 6A-II is a strategic move, and the team's success under head coach Rocky Martin is undeniable. The Tigers had a strong 2024 season, finishing 10-2 before a loss in the state quarterfinals. Norman's ability to adapt to a new classification while maintaining its competitive edge is impressive. One thing that immediately stands out is the team's resilience and the coach's ability to lead a program through transitions. This raises a deeper question: How will Norman's move impact its long-term success in a new classification?
4. Sand Springs Sandites
Sand Springs is a team that can never be counted out. Despite graduating a strong senior class, the Sandites return key contributors like star receiver Dom Forbes. Head coach Bobby Klinck has a proven track record of success, and the team's ability to adapt to a year of turnover is a testament to his leadership. What many people don't realize is the impact of a strong coaching staff in maintaining a program's success during transitions. This team has the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs.
5. Tulsa Booker T. Washington Hornets
Tulsa Booker T. Washington is back in Class 6A-II, and with stars Joseph Graves and Cadriann Olds leading the way, they are a team to watch. Head coach Nate Goodman, in his second year, has the potential to build a strong program. The Hornets' return to a more competitive classification is a fascinating development, and their ability to compete will be a story to follow. If you take a step back and think about it, the team's success in a new classification is a testament to the power of a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players.
6. Piedmont Wildcats
Piedmont had a strong 2024 season, finishing 8-4, and the team is looking to build on that success. Led by seventh-year head coach Jeff Hall, the Wildcats return key starters on both sides of the ball. The presence of star offensive lineman Sean Maguire and tailback Brooks Backus is a significant advantage. What this really suggests is the importance of a strong offensive line in a successful football program. Piedmont's ability to build on its previous success is a testament to the program's stability and the coach's leadership.
7. Putnam City Pirates
Putnam City had a strong 2024 season, and head coach Willis Alexander has led the Pirates to one of the program's best seasons in recent memory. However, the team is facing a year of turnover after graduating a strong senior class. The Pirates' strong secondary, headlined by senior cornerback Keandre Huffman, will be a key factor in their success. This raises a deeper question: How will Putnam City adapt to the challenges of a post-graduation transition while maintaining its competitive edge?
8. Muskogee Roughers
Muskogee is looking to lean on new and young talent to navigate a tough statewide reclassification schedule. The Roughers, led by standout playmakers like Jomontae Alexander, Brayden McMullen, and Anthony McNac Jr., will be a force to be reckoned with. The team's ability to adapt to a new classification and a challenging schedule is a testament to the players' talent and the coach's leadership. What this suggests is the importance of a strong team culture and the ability to adapt to change.
9. Putnam City North Panthers
Putnam City North is looking to improve in its second year under head coach Brian Lockart. The Panthers are led by defensive lineman Gavan Krone and receiver Zak Pettie. The team's ability to improve in Year 2 is a positive sign, and the players' talent is evident. This team has the potential to make a significant leap in the rankings, and their development will be an interesting story to follow.
10. Bartlesville Bruins
Bartlesville is in a new era under first-year head coach Matt Hennesy, with former Locust Grove star quarterback Mason Fine calling the plays. The team's ability to adapt to a new leadership structure and a changing quarterback situation is a fascinating development. Junior quarterback Michael Kent and senior receiver Boden Roberts will be key to the team's success. This raises a deeper question: How will the team's transition impact its overall performance and morale?
11. Ponca City
Ponca City had a strong 2024 season, finishing 6-5, and the team is looking to build on that success. The team's ability to adapt to a new classification and maintain its competitive edge is a positive sign. Ponca City's return to a more competitive schedule is a fascinating development, and their performance will be an interesting story to follow.
12. Lawton Eisenhower
Lawton Eisenhower had a challenging 2024 season, finishing 1-9, and the team is looking to rebuild. The team's ability to adapt to a new classification and a challenging schedule is a positive sign. Lawton Eisenhower's return to a more competitive schedule is a fascinating development, and their performance will be an interesting story to follow.
13. Putnam City West
Putnam City West had a challenging 2024 season, finishing 1-9, and the team is looking to rebuild. The team's ability to adapt to a new classification and a challenging schedule is a positive sign. Putnam City West's return to a more competitive schedule is a fascinating development, and their performance will be an interesting story to follow.
In conclusion, the 2026 Oklahoma high school football rankings offer a fascinating look at the state's top teams. With a mix of returning champions and new contenders, the Class 6A-II landscape is shaping up to be an intriguing one. The teams' ability to adapt to new classifications, leadership transitions, and challenging schedules is a testament to the resilience and talent of Oklahoma's high school football programs. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these teams perform and which ones rise to the top.
