Class 7A-1A Top-10 Polls: Preseason Edition
February 10, 2026
The Season Is Here: Initial Class 7A-1A Polls
The wait is over. High school baseball season has officially arrived in Alabama.
As teams across the state prepare for Opening Week, we unveil our first Class 7A–1A polls of the season, offering an early snapshot of where things stand entering the spring.
These rankings are built from a combination of preseason evaluations, returning production, roster depth, and conversations with coaches across the state. As always, they are intended to serve as a starting point, not a final verdict, with movement expected as teams take the field and the season begins to unfold.
Below, we break down the Top-10 teams in each classification as we open the 2026 Alabama high school baseball season.
Class 7A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoover | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Tuscaloosa County | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Bob Jones | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Thompson | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Central-Phenix City | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Hewitt-Trussville | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Vestavia Hills | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | James Clemens | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Enterprise | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Auburn | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Hoover opens the season at the top of Alabama’s largest classification after navigating arguably the toughest schedule in the state a year ago, finishing 25-18 in Class 7A before being eliminated by eventual state champion Tuscaloosa County. A quick scan of the roster makes it easy to understand why the Buccaneers begin the year at No. 1. They are led by a pair of SEC-committed seniors in OF/LHP Will Adams (LSU) and SS Jaxson Wood (Tennessee), while a strong supporting cast of experienced juniors and seniors returns behind them after logging meaningful varsity innings and at-bats in 2025. Hoover also added a major piece in the offseason with the arrival of OF/LHP Hudson Oliver, the top-ranked prospect in Alabama’s 2028 class, who has a chance to make an immediate impact as a sophomore this spring. On paper, few teams in the state can match the overall high-end talent level Hoover is set to roll out in 2026.
Team to watch: Opelika opens the season just outside the Top 10 in Class 7A, but the program continues to trend in the right direction as Bart Butler enters his second year at the helm. The Bulldogs took a noticeable step forward in his first season, finishing 20-13, and bring back many of the key contributors from that group, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. A core of notable seniors returns, complemented by a talented group of sophomores who are positioned to make an impact this spring. RHP Landon Rudd (Meridian CC, 2026) and RHP Bryce Turnham (Reid State CC, 2026) both return to anchor the pitching staff, while SS Hank Hudson (2026), OF Warner McDonald (Coastal Alabama-North CC, 2026), and INF Sye Siggers (Huntingdon, 2026) are expected to be just a few seniors who will help lead the charge offensively. While the Bulldogs are in a crowded group of talented teams On the Bubble to start the season, the pieces are in place for continued progress. If things come together and the Bulldogs play the brand of baseball they’re capable of, they have a chance to close the gap in an area that has been largely dominated by Auburn and Central-Phenix City in recent years.
Early storyline: As is often the case in Class 7A, the early storyline once again centers on how the two powerhouse Birmingham areas shake out. Area 5 (Hillcrest–Tuscaloosa, Prattville, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County) and Area 6 (Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Vestavia Hills) are loaded with high-level talent and proven programs, creating a scenario where quality teams are guaranteed to be left out of the postseason. Area play becomes a true gauntlet down the stretch, with playoff hopes hinging on six critical games that leave little margin for error. The 2026 season appears no different, as Area 5 and Area 6 account for half of the preseason Top 10. Whichever teams survive those battles will be well-positioned to make a legitimate run at a Class 7A State Championship.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Alma Bryant, Baker, Daphne, Dothan, Fairhope, Grissom, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Oak Mountain, Opelika, Prattville, Sparkman
Class 6A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartselle | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Homewood | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Chelsea | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Mountain Brook | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Spain Park | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Northridge | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Hazel Green | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | Saraland | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Pell City | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Oxford | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Hartselle reclaims the top spot in the preseason after capturing another Class 6A state championship in 2025 and returning the bulk of its offensive lineup this spring. The Tigers are positioned to feature one of the deeper lineups in the state, with many of those hitters bringing extensive postseason experience from a group that went 36-9 a year ago. Names like INF/RHP Asher Doepel (Northwest Florida State CC, 2026), OF/RHP Cole Miles (Jacksonville State, 2026), OF Cruise Baker (Shelton State CC, 2026), and RHP Connor Stiles (Itawamba CC, 2026) are just a few returning seniors who bring back a wealth of postseason experience for the Tigers. While there will be new faces stepping into roles left by a talented senior class, and the pitching staff will need a few newcomers to emerge as the season progresses, Hartselle enters 2026 firmly established as one of the primary favorites to contend for another Class 6A state title.
Team to watch: Coming off a Final 4 appearance and another deep playoff run in 2025, Stanhope Elmore enters 2026 positioned to build on that success and remain a factor in Class 6A. While there will be some roles to fill early, the Mustangs return two cornerstone pieces in multi-year starters SS Hayden Anderson (Gadsden State CC, 2026) and OF/RHP Jordan Jones (Bevill State CC, 2026), both of whom are set to be key contributors again this spring. Under Coach Shuman, Stanhope Elmore has consistently played its best baseball down the stretch, and that remains the blueprint as the Mustangs navigate another season in a deep and competitive Class 6A field.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 6A centers on which teams separate themselves in what may be the deepest classification in the state. With as many as 10 to 15 programs capable of making a legitimate run at the state title, the margin for error is slim, and early results could go a long way toward shaping the postseason picture.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Benjamin Russell, Buckhorn, Calera, Cullman, Fort Payne, Gardendale, Gulf Shores, Helena, Hueytown, Pelham, Rehobeth, Spanish Fort, Stanhope Elmore, Wetumpka
Class 5A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Christian | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | St. Paul's Episcopal | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Northside | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Faith Academy | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Demopolis | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Briarwood Christian | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Russellville | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | UMS-Wright Prep | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Madison Academy | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Springville | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Entering the 2026 season as the defending Class 5A state champions, American Christian separates itself early thanks to a large returning core from last year’s title team that went 34-14 against a grind of a schedule. Much of that group gained valuable experience as freshmen in key roles and now returns as a talented sophomore class. The Patriots will once again feature a roster filled with college-type prospects and multiple two-way contributors who can impact the game both at the plate and on the mound. Seniors like OF Clayton Rice (Chipola CC, 2026), C/RHP Jaylen Crocker (Montevallo, 2026), and SS Britton Taft (Meridian CC, 2026) are a trio of talented returners who should provide production and leadership for the Patriots, while that sophomore group is especially impressive, with 1B Hunter Elmore (2028), LHP/OF Drew Jackson III (2028), 3B/RHP Caleb McAusland (2028), and INF/RHP BJ Garth (2028) are all ranked inside the top 35 in the class, giving American Christian both high-end talent and depth. With quality arms returning and a lineup that brings back significant production, and under the steady guidance of head coach Del Howell against another demanding schedule, the Patriots enter 2026 positioned as one of the teams to beat in Class 5A.
Team to watch: After reaching the Elite 8 in a deep Class 5A field last spring, Scottsboro enters 2026 positioned to build on that postseason success and emerge as a potential contender out of the North. The Wildcats return a strong core from last year’s quarterfinals team, including RHP/3B Jackson Nichols (Calhoun CC, 2026), 3B Hunter Hancock (2026), OF Conner Vaden (2028), and SS Cohen Thompson (2026), giving them a foundation of experience and continuity. With many key pieces back and momentum from a deep playoff run, Scottsboro appears to have the makeup on paper to take another step forward this spring.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 5A will be how the depth of the classification sorts itself out over the course of the long season. There are several talented teams sitting outside the Top 10 with the ability to make deep playoff runs, underscoring just how deep and competitive this group is from top to bottom.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Andalusia, Arab, Boaz, Charles Henderson, Douglas, Elberta, Elmore County, Headland, Holtville, Jacksonville, Lawrence County, Leeds, Marbury, Mobile Christian, Moody, Scottsboro, Shelby County
Class 4A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deshler | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Bibb County | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Madison County | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Oak Grove | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Etowah | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Orange Beach | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Trinity Presbyterian | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | Westbrook Christian | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Central-Florence | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Opp | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Deshler enters 2026 returning as much production as any team in the state after capturing last year’s state title and finishing 33-11. With the core of that championship roster back, the Tigers aren’t starting over, they’re reloading with a group that has already proven it can win at the highest level. The lineup is once again anchored by RHP/SS Garrett Reid (Samford, 2026), the reigning Class 4A Player of the Year and a two-time All-State selection, whose two-way impact sets the tone on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Reid and RHP/UTL Price Thornton (2026), a First Team All-State pitcher and varsity mainstay since eighth grade, return as front-line arms, while RHP/INF Dylan Olive (Northwest Shoals CC, 2026) provides another experienced option in a deep staff. INF Camden Fuller (2026) is also back to bolster the lineup, giving Deshler experience, depth, and continuity across the board. With so much proven production returning, the Tigers enter the 2026 season as a clear-cut favorite to contend for another state championship.
Team to watch: Alexandria is a team to watch in Class 5A as the Valley Cubs look poised to take another step forward in 2026. After winning the Class 4A state championship in 2024, last spring served as a developmental year with a roster heavy on underclassmen, a group that still managed a Sweet 16 appearance and a 21-13 record. That experience should pay dividends this season, as Alexandria returns seven of nine positional starters and brings back enough depth on the mound to navigate the spring. Key returners such as 3B/RHP Jeremiah Heathcock (2026), OF Garrett Haynes (2026), LHP Brodie Barber (2027), SS/RHP Cam Johnson (2028), OF/LHP Cooper Smith (2028), and INF/RHP Sawyer Coggins (2029) form the core of the returners who bring back valuable experience a year ago. With plenty coming back, the Valley Cubs look well-positioned to make another push for a deep postseason run.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 4A will be which team emerges to challenge Deshler at the top of the classification in 2026. There are several programs with proven pieces in place and the potential to take a step forward this spring, but the question remains: which teams will separate themselves and turn that potential into a true title push?
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Alexandria, Bayside Academy, Cordova, Fayette County, Haleyville, Hokes Bluff, Munford, New Brockton, Satsuma, Tallassee, WS Neal
Class 3A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenwood | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Gordo | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Saint James | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Lee-Scott Academy | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Prattville Christian | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | The Altamont School | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Wicksburg | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | Collinsville | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Thorsby | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Winfield | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Glenwood opens the 2026 season exactly where it finished in 2025 - at the top, as the reigning Class 3A state champions. While replacing the production of graduates like Mason McCraine and Tyler Sykes won’t be easy, especially early in the season, the Gators return a legitimate ace in LHP/OF Hudson Campbell (Lurleen B. Wallace CC, 2026) and bring back key offensive pieces in 3B Carter Judah (Lurleen B. Wallace CC, 2026) and SS Cal Lawrence (Georgia Highlands CC, 2026) to help lead the way. Glenwood also boasts an impressive sophomore class, with three players ranked inside the top 35 in OF Nathan Malone (2028), 1B/RHP Rhett English (2028), and C Sawyer Moss (2028), adding another layer of upside to the roster. Even after graduating a strong senior class, the Gators appear to have reloaded with talent and enter 2026 positioned for another strong run as they look to defend their state title.
Team to watch: Opening the season just outside the Top 10, Piedmont remains a program synonymous with consistent success at the Class 3A level and looks poised for another strong year in 2026. After an early playoff exit a season ago, the Bulldogs enter this spring with the goal of pushing deeper into the postseason and bring back key pieces on both sides of the ball, including C/RHP Cole Austin (2028), among others. Given the program’s track record and competitive pedigree, Piedmont is rarely an easy out in Class 3A and once again shapes up as a team worth following closely this season.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 3A will be whether anyone can unseat defending champion Glenwood at the top of the classification. The Gators once again enter the season with a talented roster, but they won’t have much margin for error with Gordo returning nearly its entire runner-up group, Saint James bringing back a deep and experienced core, and several other teams throughout the top 10 showing the pieces to contend. With depth across the field and multiple legitimate challengers, Class 3A shapes up as a race that could see movement all spring.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Cottage Hill Christian, Elkmont, Flomaton, Fyffe, Geraldine, JB Pennington, Lauderdale County, Oakman, Phil Campbell, Piedmont, Providence Christian, The Montgomery Academy, Thomasville, Vinemont, Whitesburg Christian
Class 2A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mars Hill Bible | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Ariton | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Lindsay Lane Christian | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | GW Long | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Reeltown | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Vincent | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Red Bay | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | North Sand Mountain | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Pike Liberal Arts | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Tuscaloosa Academy | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Mars Hill Bible enters the 2026 season at the top of Class 2A after making consecutive deep postseason runs and positioning itself as a true contender for a state title. The Panthers return a wealth of experience from last year’s group that reached the Final 4 and finished 23-15, falling to eventual champion Vincent in a tightly contested three-game series for the second straight season. With the goal of finally breaking through, Mars Hill Bible brings back a strong core of contributors, including 3B/RHP Noah Hanback (2027), 1B Cody Willis (2028), OF Luke Fowler (2026), SS Malen Moore (2028), and RHP/OF Beau Willis (2026), while also welcoming back RHP/OF Brooks Campbell (2027) after he missed time on the mound last spring due to injury. In a classification filled with legitimate contenders, the Panthers open 2026 at the top with the experience and depth to make another deep run.
Team to watch: Sumiton Christian enters the 2026 season just outside the Top 10 after graduating a large portion of the senior class that helped fuel one of the most successful stretches in program history, including a Class 1A state championship in 2024 and an Elite Eight run in Class 2A in 2025. While the Eagles did lose a significant group of contributors, they still return a few key pieces with multiple years of varsity experience. LHP/1B Colton Glass (2028) is a quality two-way prospect in the sophomore class, and C Reid Cornelius (2026) has been a steady presence behind the plate and a middle-of-the-order producer for several seasons. Sumiton Christian will look to bring some new faces along this spring, but if the pieces come together, the goal will be to have the Eagles playing their best baseball down the stretch when it matters most in 2026.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 2A will be how a deep group of experienced contenders separates itself. Mars Hill Bible and Ariton return as much as anyone in the classification, while Lindsay Lane Christian and GW Long once again bring back key pieces from proven programs, and Reeltown remains a consistent threat. Meanwhile, defending champion Vincent will look to reload after graduating important contributors and prove it can remain at the top. With experience spread across the field and multiple teams capable of making a run, Class 2A shapes up as one of the more competitive races this spring.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Bayshore Christian, Belgreen, Cedar Bluff, Cottonwood, Decatur Heritage Christian, Pleasant Valley, Ranburne, Sumiton Christian, Westminster-Oak Mountain
Class 1A Top 10
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hackleburg | 0-0 | — |
| 2 | Addison | 0-0 | — |
| 3 | Fayetteville | 0-0 | — |
| 4 | Leroy | 0-0 | — |
| 5 | Appalachian | 0-0 | — |
| 6 | Brantley | 0-0 | — |
| 7 | Florala | 0-0 | — |
| 8 | Lynn | 0-0 | — |
| 9 | Millry | 0-0 | — |
| 10 | Billingsley | 0-0 | — |
Who’s at the top & why: Hackleburg opens the 2026 season at the top of Class 1A after capturing the state championship in 2025 and returning a strong core from that title-winning group. The Panthers are led by RHP/INF Ross Hudson (Bevill State CC, 2026), the Class 1A Finals MVP and an All-State selection, who sets the tone for an experienced roster. They also bring back key contributors in OF Cam Ingram (2026), RHP/INF Maddox Vickery (2027), RHP/INF Kross Weeks (2027), and OF Daughtry Gober (2027), giving Hackleburg proven production and versatility across the field. With an experienced group that has logged plenty of postseason innings, the Panthers enter 2026 positioned once again as one of the teams to beat in Class 1A.
Team to watch: Hubbertville opens 2026 just outside the Top 10 after a historic 2025 season that saw the Lions set a school record for wins, claim their first area championship, and earn their first playoff series victory before falling in the Sweet 16. The foundation from that run returns, led by SS/RHP Cole Brand (2027), who hit .513 with six doubles, two triples, a home run, and 28 RBI while also contributing on the mound, and fellow two-way piece RHP/SS Blaize Wakefield (2027). With experienced pieces back throughout the lineup and pitching staff, including C/OF Kane Rushing (2027), OF/RHP Landon Dodd (2027), and RHP/OF Cruz Kizzire (2028), Hubbertville looks poised to build on last year’s momentum and take another step forward in Class 1A this spring.
Early storyline: An early storyline in Class 1A is just how many teams have a realistic path to the state championship. Defending champion Hackleburg brings back a strong core, while Addison and Fayetteville both return significant production, and Leroy once again features plenty of pitching depth. Add in a group of proven programs throughout the rest of the Top 10, and this shapes up as a classification where the margin between contenders is slim and the race could remain crowded all spring.
On the Bubble
Just outside the Top 10 entering Opening Week:
Athens Bible, Autauga Academy, Coosa Christian, Hubbertville, Maplesville, Pickens Academy, South Lamar, Spring Garden, Sweet Water, University Charter
What’s Next
The Class 7A-1A Top-10 Polls are just the beginning.
- Updated Class of 2027 Player Rankings - Tuesday, February 10th
- Updated Class of 2028 Player Rankings - Wednesday, February 11th
- Updated Class of 2029 Player Rankings - Thursday, February 12th
- Inside Class 1A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Thursday, February 12th
- Inside Class 2A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Friday, February 13th
- Inside Class 3A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Saturday, February 14th
- Inside Class 4A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Sunday, February 15th
- Inside Class 5A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Monday, February 16th
- Inside Class 6A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Tuesday, February 17th
- Inside Class 7A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Wednesday, February 18th
- 2026 Kickoff Classic: Event Preview - Thursday, February 19th
Be sure to check back daily as the 2026 high school baseball season gets underway across Alabama.