615 Preps Large Class 2026 Overview: Heavyweight battles await top teams
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The sixth installment of our 2026 preview series continues our look at the “weight classes” in our coverage area, wrapping up today with the Large Class schools. We classify them as the teams in Division II-Class AAA and Class 6A, since that splits our 14-county area into somewhat equal thirds. Those classes consist of 30 programs playing TSSAA football this year.
Previous preview content:
Aug. 18: Medium Class Overview
Aug. 17: Small Class Overview
Aug. 14: Who are some of the area’s notable transfers on defense this offseason?
Aug. 13: Who are some of the area’s notable transfers on offense this offseason?
Aug. 12: 615 Preps’ week-by-week guide of games to attend in 2026
How they finished 2025
Oakland ran to a second consecutive title in 2025, capping an undefeated season with a 62-21 romp over Ravenwood in the title game. It spoiled the Raptors’ hopes of an unblemished season as well. Blackman made the semifinals for the first time since 2013 but fell to the Patriots in the first-ever all-Murfreesboro semifinal. Green Hill gave Oakland its biggest test in the postseason before falling in the quarterfinal round. Riverdale, Independence, Antioch and Brentwood all won first-round games in the 6A postseason.
Brentwood Academy did all it could to bring gold back to Middle Tennessee but ultimately fell four points short against Baylor in the BlueCross Bowl. CPA’s streak of seven consecutive trips to the state championship game came to an end with a semifinal loss to BA, but the Lions did trip up Ensworth in the quarterfinals on the way there.
Five questions that will shape 2026
Seven titles in a row for either Baylor or McCallie in DII-AAA – can the streak finally end?
Can it? Yes, and BA proved it was able to challenge Baylor last year. You won’t have to wait long to find out how this edition of the Eagles stacks up, either – they’ll run it back Thursday night to open the season in a nationally-televised game in Chattanooga. But the Red Raiders still have David Gabriel Georges and he’s a lot to contend with on his own, let alone the talent around him. You’ll likely see a lot of Baylor state title picks this season, but if one were to zig rather than zag, it’s with Brentwood Academy.
Could this year’s Battle of the Boro be the best one?
Let’s just say the 2024 quarterfinal edition of this storied rivalry has set a lofty goal since they combined for 95 points and Oakland needed to erase a 10-point lead late in the third quarter to do it. But when you consider the talent both teams bring to the table, it certainly might be the most anticipated one yet when they tangle on Oct. 30. When the TSSAA sets region schedules, a lot of rivalry games were put in Week 11 if they thought those matchups could determine region titles. It’s worked in this case.
Can Oakland three-peat again or will we see a different champ?
The gap might be as close as it’s been to begin a season in quite some time. Riverdale won’t make it easy for the Patriots in Region 3-6A, and neither will Blackman. Ravenwood will certainly want another go at the title, but a reinvigorated Memphis area could send some contenders in the mix as well. And you can’t talk about 6A without discussing Maryville as well.
Trent Dilfer’s back at Lipscomb Academy – will he bring the Mustangs back into championship conversation?
It’s been a tough few years since Dilfer’s first stint wrapped up and the Mustangs now find themselves playing with the state’s best programs in Division II-AAA. There’s no doubt the talent will find their way back to the Lipscomb campus, but it may take a year or two to get them fully wound up for another title run.
Who are some other teams to look out for this year?
A highly-motivated Ensworth squad that got snubbed on the Mr. Football finalists last year will want to help EJ Gibson rock out in 2026. That alone could make the Tigers a threat – and McCallie can attest from last year’s upset. MBA is progressing in year two under Chris Chauvin and the Big Red won’t be an easy out for anyone.
Notable numbers
21 – Oakland’s current winning streak entering the 2026 season, the third-longest in school history behind a 36-game streak from 2020 to 2022 and a 26-game run from 2018 to 2019.
14 – CPA’s current streak of semifinal appearances under Ingle Martin, which the Lions have accomplished every season of his tenure.
9 – Gallatin head coach Michael Stroup is nine wins away from 100 for his career.
3 – Number of wins Mt. Juliet head coach Trey Perry is away from joining the 100-win club.
New head coaches this year
Hester takes over at Blackman following their semifinal run last season, while Dilfer returns following two-plus years at UAB. Mark Williams replaces his brother Matt at Smyrna, while Nicholas Haddock (McGavock), Steven Reese (Stewarts Creek), and Josh Knipfel (Wilson Central) also debut with new teams in 2026.
