The 2026 Carolina Gridiron Preseason All Gridiron Team features a deep and experienced group of standouts from across North Carolina, headlined by East Lincoln tight end Jaxon Dollar, the state’s top ranked recruit and one of the most nationally recognized players in the 2026 class. Dollar, committed to Georgia, enters the season as the most complete offensive weapon in the state and the centerpiece of this year’s preseason roster.

Behind Dollar, the rest of the top recruits also earned All Gridiron honors. Millbrook defensive lineman Rashad Streets (Oregon) anchors a loaded defensive front, while Garner linebacker Aroson Randle (Miami) brings range and physicality to the second level. Cardinal Gibbons defensive back Xavier Hasan, committed to Notre Dame, headlines the secondary, and Hough defensive back Joshua Dobson (South Carolina) rounds out the group as one of the most reliable cover corners in the state.

Hough quarterback Ethan Royal (Marshall) leads the offense after guiding one of North Carolina’s most efficient attacks last fall. He’s joined in the backfield by Rolesville’s Amir Brown (Nebraska) and Southeast Raleigh’s Christian Freeman (NC State), two backs capable of changing a drive with one touch.

Rolesville wideout Anthony Roberts (Virginia Tech) and Southern Durham’s Jonathan Dillon (Duke) give the receiver group a pair of polished route runners, while Crest’s Majay Thompson, committed to Florida State, adds a big play threat on the perimeter.

The offensive line features a strong mix of size and experience with Bryce Johnson (East Carolina), Charlie Reece (Wake Forest), Cooper Hodson (Delaware), Gavin Milton (Duke), and Moreno Fisher (Virginia).

Defensively, the front is one of the strongest the preseason list has seen in years. Alongside Streets, St. Pauls standout Antwan McKoy (Georgia), Seventy First’s John Archer (South Carolina), Corvian’s Nate Kamba (Auburn), and Jordan’s Xavier Perkins (Virginia Tech) form a group capable of controlling games at the line of scrimmage.

Lincolnton’s Jalaythan Mayfield (Indiana) and Millbrook’s Quinton Cupher, committed to Ohio State, join Randle at linebacker, giving the unit a blend of athleticism and toughness.

The secondary includes Clayton’s Akedran Crumel, still undecided, along with Dobson, Shelton (Wake Forest), and Hasan. Southern Durham athlete Lance Henderson, committed to Duke, earns the ATH spot for his versatility across multiple phases.

Special teams round out the roster with Middle Creek punter Ben LaDue, Providence kicker Jamison Causey, and Asheville Christian long snapper Sean Kraft, a Notre Dame commit.

The 2026 Preseason All Gridiron Team highlights the players who have already earned statewide respect, and in many cases, national attention. With five of the state’s top recruits leading the way, this group sets the tone for what should be another standout season across North Carolina.

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T State University has found its new football leader in Shawn Gibbs, a familiar face returning to Aggieland to restore the program's winning tradition. The university's Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced Gibbs as the 23rd head coach in the program's history on Friday, marking a homecoming for a coach with deep roots in the Aggies' football legacy.

Gibbs, 49, brings an impressive coaching pedigree to the position, most recently leading Fort Valley State University to consecutive eight-win seasons and a Florida Beach Bowl victory in 2023. His return to NC A&T comes after an 11-year stint with the program where he played a crucial role in establishing the team's reputation as "Running Back U."

During his previous tenure with the Aggies, Gibbs was instrumental in the team's success, helping the program secure Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in 2014, 2015, and from 2017-2019. He notably coached several standout players, including NFL star Tarik Cohen, who became the MEAC's all-time leading rusher and the only player in conference history to win offensive player of the year three times.

"It is a dream come true for me to accept the position as head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University," Gibbs said. "My family and I are thrilled to return home to Greensboro, a community with such a special place in our hearts."

The coaching position comes with significant challenges. Gibbs replaces Vincent Brown, who managed only two wins in two seasons, and is tasked with rebuilding the program's competitive edge. His track record suggests he's up to the challenge, having posted an impressive 22-9 record at Fort Valley State and demonstrating a talent for developing exceptional running backs.

Gibbs' coaching experience spans two decades, including notable stints at Grambling State University and his alma mater, North Carolina Central University. A standout running back in his own right, Gibbs rushed for 1,687 career yards during his playing days and holds his high school's rushing record with 4,655 yards.

An introductory press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the A&T campus Student Center, where fans and media will get their first comprehensive look at the program's new direction under Gibbs' leadership.

Hilton expressed confidence in the hiring, stating, "It is obvious he finds a way to get the best out of his players. Coach Gibbs understands the challenge ahead and has great enthusiasm and passion for North Carolina A&T."

As the Aggies look to reclaim their former glory, all eyes will be on Gibbs to see if he can translate his successful coaching history into a revival of the program's winning ways.

The NCAA Division II Football Committee released its first regional rankings of the 2024 season on Monday, with Wingate University (7-1) securing the number one position in Super Region Two. The rankings serve as a crucial indicator for playoff positioning, with the top seven teams typically qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Bulldogs' top ranking puts them in prime position to potentially secure a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs, marking another milestone in what has been a remarkable season for the North Carolina program. Wingate's defensive excellence has been a key factor in their success, as they currently lead several national statistical categories.

West Alabama (7-1) and undefeated Valdosta State (8-0) occupy the second and third spots respectively, while Johnson C. Smith (8-1) rounds out the top four. The Golden Bulls' high ranking represents a significant achievement for the Charlotte-based program only two years removed from a two-win season.

The rankings feature a strong showing from North Carolina schools, with Winston-Salem State (6-2) at seventh, and Lenoir-Rhyne (7-2) at eighth. Carson-Newman (7-1) holds the fifth position, followed by Virginia Union (7-1) and sixth while Miles (7-1) and West Florida (6-2) round out the top ten.

The playoff format for Super Region Two will see the top seed receive a first-round bye, while seeds two through four will host playoff games against lower-ranked opponents. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 23 at campus sites, with the second round following on November 30. The national quarterfinals will take place on December 7, leading up to the semifinals on November 14. The national championship game is set for November 21 in McKinney, Texas.

The release of these rankings sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season, as teams jockey for playoff position in the final weeks. With four North Carolina schools in the top eight, the state is well-represented in the chase for the Division II national championship.

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – For the first time in 52 years Davidson football ended in the postseason, falling to fourth-seeded and nationally ranked number eight Jacksonville State in the first round of the FCS Championship Playoffs Saturday at JSU Stadium, 49-14.

“Very proud of our guys for being here. We weren’t satisfied with that … Our expectations are to become a program that can each-and-every year compete at a level in the playoffs,” said head coach Scott Abell. “This year was a measuring stick for us. We certainly understood the challenge. 

The Wildcats were in it for much of the first half, dominating time of possession with nearly 22 minutes in control. 

After falling behind 7-0 early, Davidson did what they’ve been able to do all year and manipulated a clock-eating drive of nearly eight minutes, ending with junior Coy Williams's seventh scoring scamper of the year.

On the ensuing Gamecock possession, Wildcat senior corner Jaylon Bolden made a beautiful play down the Davidson sideline, intercepting JSU’s Zion Webb for his second pick of the season. But the ‘Cats were unable to capitalize on the scoreboard. 

Trailing 14-7 late in the second quarter, JSU scored twice in seven seconds, capitalizing on a Davidson special team’s miscue to gap the ‘Cats 28-7 at the break. 

Jacksonville State took the second-half kick and quickly broke it open, scoring in just 1:16, a 55-yard Webb to Pat Jackson hook up. The Gamecocks added another late in the third, and again early in the fourth to push their lead out to 49-7.

Despite the deficit and with time running out, Davidson played until the final whistle, utilizing every bit of their opportunity. Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps threw his seventh touchdown pass of the season with 2:49 left to junior tight end Jackson Sherrard, 49-14 Gamecocks.

“It means everything to the program. To be here and to play today, it was surreal. Definitely a good end to the career for sure,” said Phelps.

On the final JSU possession, Davidson went out swinging. Sophomore Brian Jacobs forced a fumble recovered by senior James Boyle, giving their offense one last shot at the end zone. Jacobs led the team with six tackles, four solos. 

“We knew we’d be here. It was just a matter of time. It was a process,” said junior linebacker Jalen Jefferson, who finished with four tackles.

The Wildcats were the first team to break 100 yards rushing against Jacksonville State in 10 tries, churning out 202 yards on the ground. Williams’ led the way with 62 yards on 16 carries, while Dylan Sparks gained 55 on 19 carries. Phelps completed 7 of 15 passes for 59 yards, connecting with junior Jalen Staples four times. Davidson finished with 41:59 of possession, but it was JSU’s big plays that proved the difference, using a balanced rushing (222 yards) and passing (239) attack.

“Overall, so proud of our guys. We’re really excited about our future … every rep was a rep for our future. The momentum that we finished with will carry us into the offseason,” said Abell.

Story courtesy of Davidson Athletics Communications

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#5 Northside-Pinetown (7-2) 43, #8 Pamlico (5-3) 32

#2 Northampton (3-3) 42, #3 Bear Grass (4-2) 22

WEST

#4 Murphy (8-1) 29, #1 Elkin (6-2) 24

#2 Robbinsville (8-0) 28, #3 Mitchell (7-1) 20

1AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Tarboro (7-0) 63, #4 Edenton Holmes (6-1) 21

#2 Louisburg (6-2) 42, #3 East Carteret (6-3) 22

WEST

#8 Polk (5-1) 30, #4 North Rowan (5-3) 27

#2 East Surry (8-1) 48, #3 Pine Lake Prep (8-1) 6

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Reidsville (8-0) 49, #4 Wallace-Rose Hill (5-4) 15

#3 Northeastern (5-0) vs. #7 Eastern Randolph (5-1); ppd. 4/24 @ 1 pm @ Hertford Co.

WEST

#1 Hendersonville (7-2) 33, #4 Shelby (6-3) 31

#2 Mountain Heritage (6-1) 26, #3 Mount Pleasant (8-1) 15

2AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Washington (7-1) 29, #4 Croatan (7-2) 14

#2 St. Pauls (7-0) 14, #3 SouthWest Edgecombe (6-3) 0

WEST

#1 North Davidson (8-1) 34, #5 Oak Grove (6-3) 23

#7 Salisbury (7-2) 10, #6 Burns (6-3) 7

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#5 Western Alamance (9-0) 14, #8 Eastern Alamance (6-2) 7

#3 Havelock (9-0) 32, #2 Northwood (6-3) 7

WEST

#4 Charlotte Catholic (8-1) 27, #1 AC Reynolds (7-2) 0

#7 Monroe (7-2) 35, #3 Kings Mountain (8-1) 21

3AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Cleveland (9-0) 38, #5 Lee County (8-1) 16

#7 Clayton (8-1) 27, #3 West Brunswick (6-2) 13

WEST

#8 Dudley (8-1) 77, #5 Roberson (7-2) 33

#2 Mount Tabor (9-0) 21, #3 Weddington (7-1) 10

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Cardinal Gibbons (8-0) 28, #4 Richmond (4-1) 14

#3 New Bern (7-1) 27, #2 South View (7-2) 16

WEST

#1 Grimsley (8-0) 42, #5 Hillside (6-2) 7

#6 Butler (8-1) 35, #2 Providence (7-2) 0

4AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND SCORES

EAST

#5 Wake Forest (7-1) 35, #8 Pinecrest (6-3) 21

#2 Rolesville (8-0) 47, #3 Hoggard (7-1) 30

WEST

#5 Vance (8-1) 24, #1 Hough (8-1) 10

#2 Myers Park (9-0) 27, #3 Panther Creek (8-1) 21

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#5 Northside-Pinetown (7-2) @ #2 Northampton (3-3)

WEST

#4 Murphy (8-1) @ #2 Robbinsville (8-0)

1AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#2 Louisburg (6-2) @ #1 Tarboro (7-0)

WEST

#8 Polk (5-1) @ #2 East Surry (8-1)

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#3 Northeastern/#7 Eastern Randolph winner vs. #1 Reidsville (8-0)

WEST

#2 Mountain Heritage (6-1) @ #1 Hendersonville (7-2)

2AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#2 St. Pauls (7-0) @ #1 Washington (7-1)

WEST

#7 Salisbury (7-2) @ #1 North Davidson (8-1)

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#5 Western Alamance (9-0) @ #3 Havelock (9-0)

WEST

#7 Monroe (7-2) @ #4 Charlotte Catholic (8-1)

3AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#7 Clayton (8-1) @ #1 Cleveland (9-0)

WEST

#8 Dudley (8-1) @ #2 Mount Tabor (9-0)

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#3 New Bern (7-1) @ #1 Cardinal Gibbons (8-0)

WEST

#6 Butler (8-1) @ #1 Grimsley (8-0)

4AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS PAIRINGS

EAST

#5 Wake Forest (7-1) @ #2 Rolesville (8-0)

WEST

#5 Vance (8-1) @ #2 Myers Park (9-0)

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST
ROUND SCORES

EAST

#8 Pamlico County (5-2) 50, #1 West Columbus (2-4) 8

#5 Northside-Pinetown (6-2) 35, #4 Rosewood (6-2) 34 

#3 Bear Grass Charter (4-1) 48, #6 Perquimans (4-2) 42

#2 Northampton Co. (2-3) 36, #7 North Duplin (3-5) 0

WEST

#1 Elkin (6-1) 35, #8 Andrews (4-3) 28

#4 Murphy (7-1) 28, #5 Thomas Jefferson (6-1) 20

#3 Mitchell (7-0) 55, #6 Christ the King (4-4) 0

#2 Robbinsville (7-0) 42, #7 Winston-Salem Prep (5-2) 40 (2OT)

1AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Tarboro (6-0) 62, #8 Manteo (2-5) 7

#4 John A. Holmes (6-0) 39, #5 Princeton (7-1) 28

#3 East Carteret (6-2) 60, #6 Hobbton (2-6) 40

#2 Louisburg (5-2) 50, #7 Lakewood (2-6) 0

WEST

#8 Polk County (4-1) def. #1 North Stanly (6-0) (COVID) 

#4 North Rowan (5-2) 66, #5 Community School of Davidson (5-3) 26

#3 Pine Lake Prep (8-0) 33, #6 Mount Airy (4-3) 27

#2 East Surry (7-1) 62, #7 North Moore (4-4) 6

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Reidsville (7-0) 50, #8 Southwest Onslow (4-1) 0

#4 Wallace-Rose Hill (5-3) 65, #5 Red Springs (4-2) 28

#3 Northeastern (5-0) 48, #6 Kinston (5-2) 33

#7 Eastern Randolph (5-1) 42, #2 Clinton (7-1) 40 (2OT)

WEST

#1 Hendersonville (6-2) 42, #8 Bunker Hill (6-2) 14

#4 Shelby (6-2) 42, #5 Walkertown (5-1) 6

#3 Mount Pleasant (8-0) 21, #6 West Lincoln (5-3) 20

#2 Mountain Heritage (5-1) 46, #7 Forbush (6-1) 21

2AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Washington (6-1) 35, #8 South Granville (5-3) 0

#4 Croatan (7-1) 55, #5 McMichael (2-6) 7

#3 Southwest Edgecombe (6-2) 33, #6 Roanoke Rapids (5-2) 12

#2 St. Pauls (6-0) 35, #7 Randleman (7-1) 9

WEST

#1 North Davidson (7-1) 40, #8 Pisgah (6-2) 14

#5 Oak Grove (6-2) 17, #4 Ashe County (7-1) 12 

#6 Burns (6-2) 13, #3 Hibriten (7-1) 12 

#7 Salisbury (6-2) 52, #2 Maiden (6-1) 12 

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#8 Eastern Alamance (6-1) 42, #1 Rocky Mount (6-2) 28

#5 Western Alamance (8-0) 38, #4 Terry Sanford (6-2) 13 

#3 Havelock (8-0) 56, #6 Southern Guilford (5-3) 14

#2 Northwood (6-2) 17, #7 West Carteret (5-3) 0

WEST

#1 A.C. Reynolds (7-1) 14, #8 West Rowan (4-3) 7

#4 Charlotte Catholic (7-1) 28, #5 Crest (6-2) 21

#3 Kings Mountain (8-0) 49, #6 J.M. Robinson (5-3) 6

#7 Monroe (6-2) 47, #2 Statesville (5-2) 21

3AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Cleveland (8-0) 49, #8 Southern Durham (5-2) 0

#5 Lee County (8-0) 34, #4 J.H. Rose (6-1) 26

#3 West Brunswick (6-1) 42, #6 Chapel Hill (5-2) 35

#7 Clayton (7-1) 31, #2 Southeast Guilford (6-2) 17

WEST

#8 Dudley (7-1) 28, #1 Watauga (5-2) 8 

#5 T.C. Roberson (7-1) 36, #4 A.L. Brown (6-2) 29

#3 Weddington (7-0) 42, #6 Asheville (5-3) 0

#2 Mount Tabor (8-0) 36, #7 Alexander Central (5-3) 7

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Cardinal Gibbons (7-0) 49, #8 Pine Forest (4-3) 7

#4 Richmond (4-0) 51, #5 Middle Creek (6-2) 27

#3 New Bern (6-1) 37, #6 Scotland (4-2) 16

#2 South View (7-1) 20, #7 Jack Britt (4-2) 7

WEST

#1 Grimsley (7-0) 27, #8 East Forsyth (3-4) 13

#5 Hillside (6-1) 42, #4 South Caldwell (3-3) 26 

#6 Butler (7-1) 42, #3 Glenn (5-2) 7

#2 Providence (7-1) 44, #7 Hickory Ridge (5-3) 34

4AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#8 Pinecrest (6-2) 24, #1 Apex Friendship (7-1) 17

#5 Wake Forest (6-1) 30, #4 Millbrook (5-3) 27 

#3 Hoggard (7-0) def. #6 Leesville Road (5-2) (COVID)

#2 Rolesville (7-0) 41, #7 Holly Springs (4-4) 0

WEST

#1 Hough (8-0) 43, #8 Green Hope (4-2) 15

#5 Z.B. Vance (7-1) 44, #4 Ardrey Kell (6-2) 28

#3 Panther Creek (8-0) 21, #6 Olympic (6-2) 14

#2 Myers Park (8-0) 63, #7 Northwest Guilford (6-2) 22

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#8 Pamlico County (5-2) @ #5 Northside-Pinetown (6-2)

#3 Bear Grass Charter (4-1) @ #2 Northampton Co. (2-3)

WEST

#4 Murphy (7-1) @ #1 Elkin (6-1)

#3 Mitchell (7-0) @ #2 Robbinsville (7-0)

1AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#4 John A. Holmes (6-0) @ #1 Tarboro (6-0)

#3 East Carteret (6-2) @ #2 Louisburg (5-2)

WEST

#8 Polk County (4-1) @ #4 North Rowan (5-2)

#3 Pine Lake Prep (8-0) @ #2 East Surry (7-1)

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#4 Wallace-Rose Hill (5-3) @ #1 Reidsville (7-0)

#7 Eastern Randolph (5-1) @ #3 Northeastern (5-0)

WEST

#4 Shelby (6-2) @ #1 Hendersonville (6-2)

#3 Mount Pleasant (8-0) @ #2 Mountain Heritage (5-1)

2AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#4 Croatan (7-1) @ #1 Washington (6-1)

#3 Southwest Edgecombe (6-2) @ #2 St. Pauls (6-0)

WEST

#5 Oak Grove (6-2) @ #1 North Davidson (7-1)

#7 Salisbury (6-2) @ #6 Burns (6-2)

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#8 Eastern Alamance (6-1) @ #5 Western Alamance (8-0)

#3 Havelock (8-0) @ #2 Northwood (6-2)

WEST

#4 Charlotte Catholic (7-1) @ #1 A.C. Reynolds (7-1)

#7 Monroe (6-2) @ #3 Kings Mountain (8-0)

3AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#5 Lee County (8-0) @ #1 Cleveland (8-0)

#7 Clayton (7-1) @ #3 West Brunswick (6-1)

WEST

#8 Dudley (7-1) @ #5 T.C. Roberson (7-1)

#3 Weddington (7-0) @ #2 Mount Tabor (8-0)

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#4 Richmond (4-0) @ #1 Cardinal Gibbons (7-0)

#3 New Bern (6-1) @ #2 South View (7-1)

WEST

#5 Hillside (6-1) @ #1 Grimsley (7-0)

#6 Butler (7-1) @ #2 Providence (7-1)

4AA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#8 Pinecrest (6-2) @ #5 Wake Forest (6-1)

#3 Hoggard (7-0) @ #2 Rolesville (7-0)

WEST

#5 Z.B. Vance (7-1) @ #1 Hough (8-0)

#3 Panther Creek (8-0) @ #2 Myers Park (8-0)