Top 25 South Carolina High School Football Rankings: Aug. 24, 2026

Week 1 wasted little time shaking up the South Carolina high school football rankings.

Five matchups featured Top 25 teams going head-to-head, creating immediate movement after the opening weekend. Rock Hill climbed eight spots to No. 14, while No. 17 James Island and No. 23 Hartsville entered the rankings after impressive victories. Several highly ranked teams stumbled out of the gate.

Four-time defending state champion Dutch Fork remains No. 1 as it prepares for its season opener this week.

PREVIOUS: PRESEASON | WK1 |

1. Dutch Fork (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 1

The Silver Foxes started their quest for a “Repeat 5-Peat” in the inaugural Bojangles Ridge View Kickoff Classic. | at No. 9 Ridge View

2. South Pointe (0-0)

Previous week: No. 4

After the cancellation of the season opener at home with Ridge View, the defending Class 4A champions open on the road. They own the Palmetto State’s longest winning streak at 14 games. | at Lake Wylie

3. Northwestern (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 2

The Trojans look to avoid their first 0-2 start since the 2018 season. | at No. 7 Indian Land

4. J.F. Byrnes (0-0)

Previous rank: No. 6

The Rebels will get a second chance to open the season after the Week 1 no contest against Independence (NC). | at No. 5 Dorman

5. Dorman (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 7

Nick Means is coming off a 127-yard, 3-touchdown effort against Hillcrest. | vs. No. 4 J.F. Byrnes

6. Summerville (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 13

The Green Wave’s defense held Sumter scoreless after an early score for their ninth straight home victory. | at Hillcrest

7. Indian Land (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 12

Quarterback Matt Kucia is coming off a 5-TD performance versus Harding. The Warriors are 0-6 all-time against the Trojans. | vs. No. 3 Northwestern

8. Gaffney (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 11

Irmo transfer running back Amire White had 163 rushing yards in his debut. | at J.L. Mann

9. Ridge View (0-0)

Previous rank: No. 9

The Blazers officially begin their “Champions’ Tour” Friday at home. | vs. No. 1 Dutch Fork

10. Oceanside Collegiate Academy (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 3

The defending Class 3A champion Landsharks look to rebound from last Friday’s 41-21 loss to James Island. | vs. Concord (NC)

11. Westside (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 15

The Rams are coming off a strong effort in the weather-shortened win over Ashley Ridge. | at Jefferson (Ga.)

12. Irmo (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 5

The Yellow Jackets look to snap a two-game losing streak dating back to last year’s state final loss. | at Spring Valley

13. T.L. Hanna (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 16

The Yellow Jackets needed a last-second field goal by Corban Lack for the 17-14 win over Belton-Honea Path. | at Powdersville

14. Rock Hill (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 22

The Bearcats’ secondary served notice with two late interceptions to preserve the win over Irmo. | Ashley Ridge

15. Greenwood (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 18

The Eagles’ backfield of Martavious “Tay” Hamilton and Cassidy Lee combined for 324 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Riverside. | vs. Spartanburg

16. Hilton Head Island (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 19

The Dolphins look to carry over their offensive success from the win over South Florence. Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns and the backfield had two 100-yard rushers. | at Bamberg-Ehrhardt

17. James Island (1-0)

Previous rank: Not ranked

The Trojans served notice with a dominant performance against defending Class 3A champion Oceanside Collegiate Academy. | vs. No. 18 South Florence

18. South Florence (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 8

The Bruins look to rebound from last Friday’s loss to Hilton Head Island on the road. | at No. 17 James Island

19. Daniel (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 21

The Lions got two touchdowns each from three players in the win over Wren. | vs. No. 22 Belton-Honea Path

20. Sumter (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 10

The Gamecocks hope to have quarterback Franklin Richardson healthy and back at the helm. | White Knoll

21. Camden (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 23

The Bulldogs are coming off a strong 35-13 win over Dillon. | at Lugoff-Elgin

22. Belton-Honea Path (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 24

The Bears face a second straight Top 25 opponent. | at No. 19 Daniel

23. Hartsville (1-0)

Previous rank: Not ranked

The Red Foxes are coming off a 55-34 win over Wilson. | vs. West Florence

24. Strom Thurmond (1-0)

Previous rank: No. 25

Preston Holmes had a 95-yard kick return TD and Zy Rouse had two touchdowns in the win over North Augusta. | at Abbeville

25. North Augusta (0-1)

Previous rank: No. 17

Quarterback Collin Tillman threw for 208 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Strom Thurmond. | vs. Lexington

DROPPED: Gray Collegiate, Spartanburg,

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