Buford Wolves Unveil Stacked 2026 Football Schedule

Defending 6A state champions face tough out-of-state and in-state matchups as they look to repeat

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:40pm

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Buford High School, the defending GHSA Class 6A state football champions, have unveiled their 2026 schedule which features several high-profile matchups against top programs from Georgia and beyond. The Wolves, who finished 2025 as the #1 team in the Rivals Composite Rankings, will open the season at home against fellow Georgia powerhouse Gainesville before traveling to face Mallard Creek in North Carolina and hosting Miami Central from Florida.

Why it matters

Buford has established itself as one of the elite high school football programs in the country, winning 15 state titles. With a new stadium and continued national momentum, the Wolves' 2026 schedule showcases their ambition to remain at the top of Georgia high school football and compete against some of the best teams from across the Southeast region.

The details

Buford's 2026 schedule opens with a home game against Gainesville, another top Georgia program, before the Wolves hit the road to face Mallard Creek in North Carolina and then host Miami Central, one of Florida's most notable teams. After that, Buford will travel to take on in-state rival Grayson in a key matchup. The Wolves' schedule also includes games against other strong Georgia programs like Collins Hill, Mill Creek, and Central Gwinnett.

  • Buford's 2026 season will kick off on August 21 with a home game against Gainesville.
  • On September 4, the Wolves will travel to face Mallard Creek in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Buford will host Miami Central from Florida on September 11.

The players

Bryant Appling

The head coach of the Buford Wolves football team.

Buford High School

A public high school located in Buford, Georgia that is known for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and active extracurricular programs.

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What’s next

Buford will look to build on its 2025 state championship season and prove itself against a challenging 2026 schedule that features several top programs from Georgia and beyond.

The takeaway

Buford's 2026 football schedule showcases the program's continued rise to national prominence, as the defending 6A state champions will face a gauntlet of tough opponents both in Georgia and out-of-state. The Wolves' ability to navigate this challenging slate could cement their status as one of the elite high school football programs in the country.