Defending Champion Varina Heads Virginia Preseason Poll
Varina, the defending Class 4 champion, opens the 2026 Virginia high school football season atop the preseason Top 25. The Blue Devils return quarterback Kaleb Wyche and defensive standouts Raymond Hudson and Sair Rex. The Saint James Performance Academy, Maury, Oscar Smith, and Benedictine round out the top five.
Varina's championship core remains largely intact, with quarterback Kaleb Wyche returning after leading the Blue Devils to their first state title in program history. The defensive unit features two Power 4 commits in Clemson-bound end Raymond Hudson and Virginia safety Sair Rex, giving the Richmond school a formidable two-way foundation.
The Saint James Performance Academy enters its second season with an ambitious national schedule that includes IMG Academy and Saint Frances Academy. Maury seeks a fourth consecutive Class 5 crown behind junior quarterback Domo Everette, while Oscar Smith must adjust after losing senior signal-caller Lonnie Andrews to an offseason injury. Benedictine aims for a fourth straight VISAA Division I title with Richmond-commit Ralphie Puccinelli under center.
These rankings could shape recruiting attention and community engagement across Virginia, as top programs like Varina and Maury draw regional interest and college scouts to their games. The prominence of national-schedule teams like Saint James may also influence how other schools approach scheduling and exposure. For players, families, and local fans, preseason recognition can heighten expectations and intensify rivalries, potentially affecting school spirit and youth participation in football programs throughout the state.