OPINION —
The countdown to football season is officially underway, and Opelika fans have plenty of reasons to be excited as the Bulldogs prepare for another run through one of the toughest schedules in Alabama.
Following last week’s AHSAA All-Star activities and coaches’ meetings, attention has now shifted fully toward the 2026 season. Opelika will have a slightly different look to its schedule this fall, playing just nine regular-season games instead of the traditional 10. The Bulldogs will open with a bye week on Aug. 21 before welcoming one of the state’s most recognizable programs to town the following week.
The season opener will be a marquee matchup on Thursday, Aug. 27, when Hoover comes to Bulldog Stadium. The Buccaneers finished 6-5 a year ago and reached the playoffs before suffering a first-round exit. Head coach Chip English has compiled a strong 16-8 record during his first two seasons at Hoover, making the opener an immediate measuring stick for Opelika.
Region play begins Sept. 4 against Enterprise. The Wildcats narrowly missed the postseason last year after finishing 6-4 and losing out on playoff tiebreakers. Enterprise got the better of Opelika in 2025, winning 42-20, so the Bulldogs will be seeking a little revenge.
One week later, Opelika hosts Central-Phenix City in what could be one of the most anticipated games of the season. The Red Devils reached the semifinals last year with a 12-2 record and dominated Opelika 42-6. Although Central has a new head coach in former Jackson coach Cody Flournoy, the Red Devils remain one of the state’s premier programs.
The Bulldogs stay home on Sept. 18 to face the Baker Jaguars. After a difficult 1-9 campaign in 2025, Baker will be looking to improve, while Opelika hopes to repeat last season’s convincing 59-20 victory.
Following four consecutive home games to open the season, Opelika gets a much-needed open date on Sept. 25 before beginning a challenging stretch.
The Bulldogs hit the road Oct. 2 for the annual showdown against Auburn at Duck Samford Stadium. Few rivalries in Alabama carry the intensity of Opelika-Auburn, and last year proved exactly why. Auburn won the regular-season meeting 17-10, but Opelika got the final word with a thrilling 31-28 semifinal victory on its way to the Super 7. Auburn head coach Keith Etheredge enters his sixth season after winning 51 games in five years.
The road trip continues Oct. 9 at Dothan. The Wolves finished 6-4 last season and pushed Opelika to the limit before falling 21-14. Games in Dothan are rarely easy, making this another important test.
Back at Bulldog Stadium on Oct. 16, Opelika hosts Smiths Station in its final home game of the regular season. The Panthers are entering year two under Blair Harrison after a 2-8 season. Opelika handled Smiths Station 42-7 last year and will look to do the same again.
The regular season concludes Oct. 23 in Montgomery against Carver at Cramton Bowl. Carver finished 5-5 in 2025 yet remains a dangerous opponent in region play under head coach Mario White.
Opelika ends its regular season with a trip to face Prattville in Stanley-Jensen Stadium on Oct. 29. The Lions finished last year with a 6-4 overall record and, like the Bulldogs, will feature numerous future college players.
Perhaps the most significant change for 2026 is not in the field but within the AHSAA classification structure. Opelika remains among Alabama’s largest public-school programs but moves back into Class 6A following the association’s decision to separate public and private schools. The AHSAA has also expanded playoff opportunities, with six teams from each region now advancing to the postseason.
For Opelika, the expectations remain the same — compete for a region championship, make a deep playoff run and return to Birmingham.
The schedule won’t be easy. Hoover, Central, Auburn and several difficult region games ensure there will be no shortcuts. But after last year’s Super 7 appearance, Bulldog fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets can contact Opelika High School at (334) 745-9715.
Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
