The wait is over for Georgia soccer fans as the GHSA boys soccer season officially kicked off this week. With the first matches taking place on Monday, February 9, the quest for the 2026 state championships is underway across all eight classifications. This year’s preseason rankings are a mirror of last year’s dominance, with defending champions opening the season at the No. 1 spot in every single class.

From the powerhouse programs in Class 6A to the competitive private school divisions, the road to the state finals—scheduled for May 12–15—will be paved with high-stakes region battles and non-conference tests. As local teams take to the pitch, the target is squarely on the backs of the titleholders who combined for a historic 2025 campaign.

Class 6A: Campbell’s Quest for a Repeat

In Class 6A, Campbell enters the season as the team to beat after capturing their first-ever program title last year with a thrilling 1-0 win over Grayson. The Spartans aren’t just riding on past glory; they return a veteran core that knows how to win under pressure. However, the path to a repeat is gauntlet-like.

Grayson, the 2025 runner-up, sits at No. 2 in the preseason poll and is eager for revenge. Traditional powerhouses like Pebblebrook and Lambert also loom large in the top 10. For fans of North Fulton soccer, keeping an eye on Lambert (No. 6) and Norcross (No. 7) will be vital as they look to disrupt the status quo in the state’s highest classification.

Class 6A Preseason Top 5:

Campbell
Grayson
Pebblebrook
Duluth
Collins Hill

Class 5A: River Ridge Eyes a Three-Peat

Perhaps the most impressive streak in Georgia right now belongs to River Ridge. The Knights have secured two consecutive state titles and are the heavy favorites to make it a “three-peat” in 2026. Last season’s final was an instant classic, with River Ridge overcoming Sprayberry (preseason No. 2) in a heart-stopping penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

River Ridge is anchored by elite talent, including the 2025 Gatorade Georgia Boys Soccer Player of the Year. For local fans, the competition in Class 5A is particularly fierce this year with Milton (No. 3) and Johns Creek (No. 4) moving into the classification. You can find more details on these roster shifts in our 2026 Classification Realignment Guide.

The “Blue Bloods” of Georgia Soccer

While program-first titles were the story for some last year, the traditional “blue bloods” continue to stack trophies. Westminster enters the year ranked No. 1 in Class 4A after securing their 16th state championship. Similarly, Atlanta International (No. 1 in 1A-3A Private) and Johnson-Gainesville (No. 1 in 3A) are looking to extend their own periods of dominance.

Johnson-Gainesville has been particularly formidable, winning two of the last three state titles. Their high-pressing style and deep bench make them a nightmare for Region 8 opponents. Meanwhile, Drew Charter (2A), Armuchee (A-Division I), and Lake Oconee Academy (A-Division II) all enter the season with the newfound confidence that comes with being defending champions for the first time in school history.

What This Means: The Road to the Finals

The regular season is a sprint to April, with every match counting toward playoff seeding.

Region Deadline: All region play must be completed by April 16 to determine the brackets.
Playoff Start: The first round of the state tournament begins on April 21.
The Goal: Teams are fighting for a spot in the championship matches held from May 12–15 at various high-profile venues across the state.

Next Steps for Soccer Fans

Check the Scoreboard: Follow the latest opening week results on the GHSA Scoreboard.
Support Your Local Club: Many high school stars also play for local academies. See how Atlanta United Academy prospects are faring in the high school ranks in our Academy Spotlight.
Plan Your Trip: Mark your calendars for the state semifinals in early May, where the atmosphere rivals professional matches.

Who is your dark horse to win a state title this year? Can anyone stop River Ridge from securing a three-peat? Share your predictions in the comments below or join the conversation on social media!

Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.