The 2023 high school football season in Alabama kicks off later this month and MaxPreps has your look at the state's top teams. Defending Class 6A state champion
Saraland owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
Saraland won its first state title in 2022 and finished 14-1.
The Spartans return Alabama commit
Ryan Williams, the No. 3 player nationally in the class of 2025, according to 247Sports. As a sophomore, Williams caught 88 passes for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns. He tacked on an additional 15 scores on the ground and two more on kick returns.
In addition to Saraland, other defending state champions include
Thompson (Alabaster) in Class 7A,
Ramsay (Birmingham) in Class 5A,
Andalusia in Class 4A,
Saint James (Montgomery) in Class 3A,
Fyffe in Class 2A and
Leroy in Class 1A.
Rankings are computer-generated, factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical data when available.
Santae McWilliams helped lead Saraland to a state championship after rushing for 1,484 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022. (Photo: Brad Boland)
1.
Saraland, 14-1 record in 2022
2.
Central (Phenix City), 10-3
3.
Clay-Chalkville (Pinson), 8-2
4.
Hoover, 11-2
5.
Thompson (Alabaster), 11-3
6.
Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville), 8-4
8.
Mountain Brook (Birmingham), 13-3
10.
Theodore, 13-1
11.
Ramsay (Birmingham), 13-2
12.
Hartselle, 12-1
15.
Andalusia, 14-1
16.
Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa), 11-1
17.
Enterprise, 8-4
18.
Prattville, 6-4
19.
Montgomery Catholic (Montgomery), 13-1
20.
Hueytown, 8-4
21.
Dothan, 8-4
22.
Opelika, 5-5
23.
Gulf Shores, 11-2
24.
Faith Academy (Mobile), 11-3
25.
Saint James (Montgomery), 13-2
