Week 0 is here, and across Alabama, stadium lights are coming on, bands are warming up and football fans are getting their first real taste of the 2026 season. Here is our updated Top 25 Week 0 games in Alabama:
1. Central-Phenix City vs. Thompson
This is the game everybody will be watching. Two of the state's premier programs meet immediately, renewing one of Alabama's biggest modern high school football rivalries. Central and Thompson have repeatedly battled for championships, and now they get to start the season against one another.
2. Auburn vs. Hewitt-Trussville
Two traditional powers collide right out of the gate. This has the feel of a playoff game before the postseason has even entered the conversation. The Legacy Sports Network Game of the Week.
3. Mary G. Montgomery vs. Saraland
Talent will be everywhere in this Gulf Coast showdown. Saraland's recent success makes this an immediate measuring stick for MGM.
4. Enterprise vs. Pike Road
Two ambitious programs meet in a game that should reveal plenty about where each team stands entering the season.
5. Spanish Fort vs. Daphne
This is what Alabama high school football is all about — familiarity, pride, history and a rivalry atmosphere. Expect an electric night.
6. Guntersville vs. Arab
A terrific North Alabama matchup featuring two programs that expect to compete at a high level. There will be no easing into the season here.
7. Gadsden City vs. Oxford
Two recognizable programs get an immediate test. This could be one of the weekend's most entertaining games from start to finish.
8. Battle Ground Academy vs. St. Michael's
This one belongs in the Top 10. St. Michael's hosts Tennessee powerhouse Battle Ground Academy in a nationally televised matchup Saturday afternoon in Fairhope. It gives Alabama fans a chance to see one of the state's rising programs against an established out-of-state opponent.
9. Oneonta vs. Pleasant Grove
A strong matchup between two respected programs. Both teams will get an immediate opportunity to show that they are ready for the challenges ahead.
10. Piedmont vs. Jacksonville
Two programs with tradition and plenty of pride meet in what should be a physical, competitive opening-night battle.
11. Hueytown vs. Mountain Brook
A Birmingham-area matchup featuring two programs looking to start fast. This could be a game decided by the little things.
12. Russellville vs. Deshler
Northwest Alabama football always brings an edge, and this matchup should be no different. Expect toughness from both sides.
13. Hartselle vs. Bob Jones
Two established North Alabama programs begin their seasons with a legitimate challenge. This is a terrific early measuring stick.
14. Sparkman vs. Spain Park
A fascinating matchup between two teams with plenty of athletes and plenty to prove.
15. Wetumpka vs. Andalusia
A difficult road assignment for Wetumpka and an excellent opportunity for Andalusia to make an early statement.
16. Moody vs. Briarwood Christian
Two quality programs meet in a matchup that should provide plenty of intrigue and physicality.
17. Geraldine vs. Anniston
A matchup loaded with recognizable names and strong football traditions. Expect both teams to bring plenty of energy.
18. Central Clay County vs. Fyffe
Small-school football at its finest. Two programs with championship expectations meet in an intriguing early-season test.
19. Jackson vs. Citronelle
A South Alabama matchup featuring regional pride and plenty of athletic ability.
20. W.S. Neal vs. Bullock County
A South Alabama matchup that deserves more attention. W.S. Neal gets the home field, while Bullock County provides a challenging opening opponent. The matchup also carries plenty of regional significance. The Legacy Sports Network Game of the Week.
21. Gordo vs. Fayette County
A West Alabama battle that should tell us a lot about both teams. Neither side will want to start the year slowly.
22. North Sand Mountain vs. Southeastern
Expect a rugged game where physicality and execution could determine the outcome.
23. T.R. Miller vs. Orange Beach
A coastal showdown that should have plenty of energy surrounding it from the opening kickoff.
24. Marbury vs. Shelby County
Two familiar opponents meet in what could develop into a fourth-quarter battle.
25. Bessemer City vs. Pell City
An intriguing opening test for both programs. Whoever settles down first could gain an important early advantage.
Honorable Mentions
Vigor vs. Blount — The Battle of Prichard! Two proud programs meet in a matchup that NO DOUBT has the potential to deliver plenty of physical football.
Lanett vs. Loachapoka — A regional matchup featuring two programs that know each other well. The AHSAA schedule lists Lanett traveling to Loachapoka on Aug. 21.
Lee-Scott Academy vs. Glenwood — A matchup that deserves attention in Alabama's new independent-school landscape. The 2026-27 AHSAA structure places independent schools into separate A and AA divisions. Familiar foes who always deliver a fierce rivalry.
Greenville vs. Hillcrest-Evergreen — A South Alabama rivalry with plenty of tradition and regional pride behind it.
There are no standings to protect. No playoff scenarios to calculate. No excuses. Just football. This is why we love Week 0.
It's the first opportunity for seniors to begin the final chapter of their high school careers, for underclassmen to announce themselves, for new coaches to establish their identity and for communities to come together under those Friday night lights.
Some teams will immediately look like contenders. Others will discover they have work to do. Some games will live up to the hype, while others will produce surprises nobody saw coming.
From the largest stadiums to the smallest fields, Week 0 gives everyone a fresh start. The lights are coming on. The bands are ready. The fans are filling the stands. The 2026 Alabama high school football season is here, and there is nowhere else we'd rather be on Fridays in the fall.