Opelika (Ala.) reveals 2026 football schedule
High school football schedules for the 2026 season are coming out one-by-one out of every state around the country and one that is a breeding ground for college prospects is Alabama, with a number of squads finalizing their fall slates.
As February rolls on and heads into the latter end of the month, another notable Alabama high school football program has released their 2026 schedule as last year’s AHSAA Class 7A state finalist Opelika Bulldogs posted on social media its slate for the fall.
Opelika’s slate features multiple teams that finished inside of Alabama’s Top 25 Massey Ratings to end 2025. Among the teams the Bulldogs will face this fall that finished within the Top 25 are Auburn, Benjamin Russell, Hoover and Phenix City Central.
Jonathan Chandler will be heading into his first season as Opelika’s head football coach, as he was previously the lead man at Montgomery Catholic. Opelika went 10-4 this past season as they made their run to the 7A state championship game. Previous head coach Bryan Moore did so behind a roster that featured 2027 talents Colby Key and Braiden Howard, respectively. Moore led the Bulldogs the last two seasons, compiling a 19-7 record and led Opelika to the Class 7A state championship game, a 48-10 loss to national power Thompson.
Opelika High School 2026 football schedule
Aug. 21 – at Benjamin Russell
Aug. 28 – Hoover
Sep. 4 – Enterprise
Sep. 11 – Phenix City Central
Sep. 18 – JAG
Oct. 2 – at Auburn
Oct. 9 – at Dothan
Oct. 16 – Smiths Station
Oct. 23 – at Carver
Oct. 29 – Prattville
Opelika finished with a 10-4 record and as the No. 9 in the state, according to the final Alabama 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.
More about Opelika High School
Opelika High School, located in Opelika, Alabama, is home to the Bulldogs. Known for its rigorous academic programs and strong athletics, OHS has a long-standing tradition of excellence. The school’s football team, established in 1917, is a consistent contender in state playoffs, earning numerous regional titles. Offering a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, and track, Opelika encourages student involvement in both academics and extracurriculars. The school colors are red and black.
How to Follow Alabama High School Football
For Alabama high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Yellowhammer State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Alabama.
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Kamaru Usman: I'd approach Khamzat Chimaev rematch a little different
Kamaru Usman proved to be a stern test for Khamzat Chimaev on less than two weeks' notice.
Former welterweight champion Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) stepped in on short notice to face Chimaev in a middleweight bout at UFC 294. He rallied after a rough first round, but ended up losing a majority decision.
Usman has since rebounded with a dominant decision win over Joaquin Buckley, and has a two-fight plan to ride out out his career. First stop is reclaiming his welterweight title by challenging Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), then getting his rematch against middleweight champ Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC).
"Islam is a phenomenal guy, phenomenal champion, what he's been able to do," Usman said in an interview with Eurosport NL. "Styles make fights, and I think I'm the most difficult style for him right now. I think I'm the best test for him. Islam is extremely talented. That last fight, he made it look easy because the former champion, there was a deficit in the game and that happens to be where I am strong, as well. So I think that's a tremendous matchup. I love Islam, but I think I get that title.
"If I get that title, a lot of people wanted to see that rematch with Khamzat with a full camp. It was too short and I've been accustomed to fighting five-round fights. If I was able to get that opportunity again and to actually prepare for a big, strong Khamzat – because Khamzat is extremely talented. He's done everything that was asked of him to do. He's a good champion, and I think given that opportunity again, I approach that fight a little different."
In an ideal world, Usman wants to ride off into the sunset by the end of next year.
"2026, we want to say 'Wow, I can't believe you actually pulled that off and went and not only took one title, but you took two, and you walked away,'" Usman said. "Fingers crossed. Of course, welterweight first because I don't think the other one happens without the welterweight one. I'm in this division, I'm still there, so why not take that one first?"
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kamaru Usman sets sights on Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev rematch