The third Kentucky high school football media poll of 2026 has arrived, and it carries a distinct Northern Kentucky flavor at the top. Highlands and Beechwood each sit at No. 1 in their respective classes, marking the first time multiple Northern Kentucky programs have held top billing in the same poll. The rankings, compiled by Jason Frakes of the Louisville Courier-Journal, reflect the votes of 16 statewide media members and were released ahead of Week 5.
Class 4A: Highlands Surges to the Top
Perhaps the most dramatic shift came in Class 4A, where Highlands jumped from No. 4 to No. 1. The Bluebirds made a statement with a win over Boyle County, a result that reshaped the entire top tier of the class. Highlands collected 10 first-place votes and 150 points, edging out Boyle County, which fell to No. 2 with two first-place votes and 140 points.
Covington Catholic, another Northern Kentucky contender, sits at No. 3 with one first-place vote and 125 points. Paducah Tilghman, despite three first-place votes, is ranked fourth with 118 points, illustrating the wide range of opinions among the voters. The top four teams all received at least one first-place nod, making Class 4A the most debated class in the poll.
Further down the Class 4A rankings, Logan County checks in at No. 7, followed by Boyd County at No. 8, Johnson Central at No. 9 and North Oldham at No. 10. Others receiving votes include Nelson County (19), Spencer County (16), Franklin County (13) and Mason County (9).
Class 2A: Beechwood Holds Narrow Lead Over Owensboro Catholic
In Class 2A, Beechwood remains No. 1, but the margin is slim. The Tigers earned eight first-place votes and 150 points, while Owensboro Catholic is close behind with six first-place votes and 144 points. Belfry and Lexington Christian each received one first-place vote, finishing third and fourth with 118 and 115 points, respectively.
Beechwood has a chance to strengthen its case this week with a scheduled matchup against Covington Catholic. A win over the Class 4A power would certainly bolster the Tigers’ resume. The rest of the Class 2A poll features several ties: Mayfield and Danville are deadlocked at No. 5, Somerset and Caldwell County share No. 7, and DuBois and Breathitt County are tied at No. 9. Prestonsburg (18), Monroe County (5) and Martin County (1) also received votes.
Class 6A: Trinity Unanimous at No. 1
There is no debate in Class 6A. Trinity is the unanimous No. 1, capturing all 15 first-place votes (one voter did not submit a first-place selection) and 159 points. Frederick Douglass is a clear No. 2 with one first-place vote and 140 points. The gap between the top two is significant, but Douglass remains the only other team to receive a first-place nod.
Others receiving votes in Class 6A include Bryan Station (6), Lafayette (5), Ryle (5), Ballard (3) and Oldham County (3).
Class 5A: Scott County Nearly Unanimous
Scott County dominates Class 5A, earning 13 first-place votes and 157 points. Pulaski County is a distant second with three first-place votes and 136 points. The Cardinals have clearly separated themselves from the pack in the eyes of the media.
West Jessamine and Madisonville-North Hopkins round out the top 10 at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively. Apollo (15), North Laurel (12), Muhlenberg County (8), Grayson County (7), Fairdale (3), South Laurel (3) and South Oldham (1) also appear in the others receiving votes category.
Class 3A: Christian Academy Unanimous
Christian Academy is the unanimous No. 1 in Class 3A, sweeping all 16 first-place votes and 160 points. Lexington Catholic is second, followed by Murray, Lloyd Memorial, Glasgow, Rockcastle County, Lawrence County, Bardstown, Central and Russell.
Adair County and Hart County each received 12 votes, while Bell County (10), LaRue County (9), Bourbon County (5), Letcher County Central (3) and Carroll County (2) also garnered support.
Class A: Pikeville Nearly Unanimous
Pikeville sits atop Class A with 13 first-place votes and 157 points. Raceland is second with two first-place votes and 132 points, while Kentucky Country Day earned one first-place vote and 45 points, landing at No. 8. Sayre, Middlesboro, Holy Cross (Louisville), Paintsville, Bethlehem, Holy Cross (Covington) and Hazard complete the top 10.
Williamsburg (22) leads the others receiving votes, followed by Campbellsville (13), Dayton (9), Nicholas County (7), Newport Central Catholic (4), Bishop Brossart (3) and Newport (2).
What to Watch in Week 5
With the poll now in the books, all eyes turn to the field. Beechwood’s clash with Covington Catholic stands out as the marquee matchup, offering the Tigers a chance to validate their No. 1 ranking in Class 2A. Highlands, meanwhile, will look to protect its newfound perch in Class 4A after knocking off Boyle County. As the season progresses, the Northern Kentucky teams at the top will have plenty to prove, but for now, they own the spotlight.
