Nine wins, 434 points and a defense that surrendered only 127. The Pioneers sit right outside the Top 10 and could move quickly.

The Cadets remain one of the region’s most consistent, physical programs. A 28-0 win over preseason No. 13 Waterford stands out from last fall.

Nine wins, an unbeaten TVC-Hocking title and a +318 point differential make Waterford a real Top 10 threat.

Eight wins provide a strong foundation. Circleville opens comfortably inside the Top 15 in a competitive MSL landscape.

Valley quietly produced another strong season and enters 2026 positioned for a serious run toward the Top 10.

Ten wins and an unbeaten SOC I championship added another outstanding season to Scott Tomlison’s program. The Eagles enter 2026 carrying the longest regular-season winning streak in Southeastern Ohio, and winning is now expected at Eastern.

The Falcons were built around defense last season, and voters believe another step is coming. Fairfield Union starts inside the Top 20.

A .500 season did not discourage voters. Washington begins No. 18, suggesting expectations for substantial improvement.

Last year was uneven by Portsmouth West standards, but program strength keeps the Senators firmly inside the preseason Top 20.

The Vikings could score with anybody last season. If the defense takes a step forward, No. 20 may prove much too low.

Seven wins and a convincing victory over Portsmouth West put Northwest right on the edge of the Top 20.

A +120 point differential and plenty of offensive production make Huntington a candidate to climb early.

Another projection pick. Voters expect a stronger Hillsboro team than the 5-6 record from last season suggests.

Coal Grove brings its usual physical identity and an unbeaten OVC title into 2026. The Hornets remain dangerous despite sitting outside the Top 20.

The Blue Devils are another team voters expect to outperform last season’s record. Gallia opens just inside the Top 25.

Seven wins and only 186 points allowed show why Eastern Meigs deserves respect. The Eagles are barely outside the Top 25.

The Mustangs showed plenty offensively and enter 2026 in a crowded middle tier where a couple of wins could produce a major jump.

Perhaps the biggest preseason projection of all. Logan went winless but is voted No. 28, signaling major optimism about the program’s direction.

The Aces were almost even on the scoreboard last season, and the win over preseason No. 11 Zane Trace proves they can punch above this ranking.

Voters clearly expect a turnaround after a difficult 2025. Waverly begins No. 30 with much higher expectations than last year’s record.

The Ceramics were nearly even in every way last season. Turning close games into wins is the obvious path upward.

Another balanced 5-5 team. Meigs has a real opportunity to finish on the positive side of .500 and climb the poll.

A winning record and a quality victory over Northwest give Piketon immediate motivation to prove No. 33 too low.

The Vikings need more offensive consistency, but voters see enough potential to place them ahead of several teams with better 2025 records.

That one-score loss to Eastern shows South Point could compete with strong teams. The Pointers are a candidate to improve quickly.

The record was rough, but a one-point loss to preseason No. 8 Miami Trace shows why records never tell the whole story.

Miller finished only one game below .500 with a nearly even scoring margin. A small step forward could produce a winning season.

South Gallia may be one of the most dangerous teams ranked this low. The Rebels scored 460 points and own a quality win over Symmes Valley.

Seven wins and one of southeastern Ohio’s strongest football traditions give Trimble plenty of room to outperform No. 39.

Rock Hill won seven games and beat Gallia Academy last fall. The Redmen start No. 40 with a chance to prove the poll too pessimistic.

Fairland is accustomed to competing at a higher level than No. 41. A rebound year in Proctorville would surprise nobody.

Four wins give Alexander something to build on. The Spartans need more consistency against the upper portion of the TVC.

Warren enters 2026 looking for a reset. Early offensive improvement would go a long way toward climbing.

Two wins is not the standard associated with Minford football. The Falcons enter 2026 trying to move back toward their usual level.

Marietta was more competitive defensively than several teams around it. More consistent offense could make a noticeable difference.

McClain showed the ability to score but needs to cut down what it allows. Defensive improvement is the clearest route upward.

Offensive improvement is priority No. 1. If the Warriors can generate more consistent scoring, movement up the poll is possible.

One of the most fascinating rankings. Portsmouth won eight games, including the rivalry game with Portsmouth West, yet opens at No. 48 with a huge prove-us-wrong opportunity.

Last season was difficult, but the Bearcats finished with a win. The challenge is carrying some momentum into 2026.

River Valley struggled offensively in 2025. Finding consistent scoring is the fastest path up the rankings.

The Panthers enter with low outside expectations, which also gives them plenty of opportunities to make voters look wrong.

Eight wins and more than 400 points scored make Notre Dame one of the biggest discrepancies between last season’s results and this year’s expectations.

The Panthers struggled overall but did knock off seven-win Rock Hill. That result gives Chesapeake something to build around.

Oak Hill’s lone victory came over a Waverly team voters now expect to improve. The Oaks are looking for a similar jump.

Southern showed flashes last season but needs more consistency on both sides of the ball to climb.

Eight wins and only 140 points allowed — yet No. 56. Few teams will have more preseason bulletin-board material than Manchester.

Wellston opens near the bottom after a one-win season. The Golden Rockets need offensive growth and early confidence.

Belpre managed two victories but surrendered nearly 400 points. Defensive improvement will determine how far the Golden Eagles can climb.

The Tartans enter at No. 59 with little pressure and plenty of opportunities to outperform expectations.

The Bobcats’ mission starts with improvement: become more competitive, establish confidence and begin pushing the program forward.

Federal Hocking starts at No. 61, which means there is only one direction to go. Every win is an opportunity to beat preseason expectations.