Carolina Panthers Announces 2026 'Keep Pounding Classic' Lineup

Two high-powered matchups featuring top teams from North and South Carolina will take place at Bank of America Stadium.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:23pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a high school football game, with players and the field represented by bold, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the sport.The 'Keep Pounding Classic' showcases the energy and excitement of top-level high school football in the Carolinas, with the iconic Bank of America Stadium providing an unparalleled stage for the elite talent on display.Tar Heel Today

The Carolina Panthers have announced the lineup for the fourth annual 'Keep Pounding Classic' high school football doubleheader, set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in 2026. The event will feature two marquee matchups, with North Carolina powers William Amos Hough taking on Cardinal Gibbons, and the all-South Carolina clash of Indian Land versus Northwestern.

Why it matters

The 'Keep Pounding Classic' has become a premier high school football event, showcasing elite talent from across the Carolinas in an NFL venue. The matchups feature several teams coming off successful seasons, including state champions and semifinalists, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.

The details

William Amos Hough and Northwestern are the reigning state champions in North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively, while Cardinal Gibbons and Indian Land both made deep playoff runs last season. The Huskies also added some high-profile transfers in the offseason, including a five-star cornerback and a four-star safety, further bolstering their roster.

  • The fourth annual 'Keep Pounding Classic' will take place in 2026.
  • The event is scheduled for the kickoff of the 2026 high school football season.

The players

William Amos Hough

A North Carolina high school football powerhouse that won the state championship in 2025 and finished the season as the top-ranked team.

Cardinal Gibbons

A North Carolina high school that made it to the state semifinals last season and is ranked among the top teams in the state.

Indian Land

A South Carolina high school that reached the state semifinals in 2025 and is ranked among the top teams in the state.

Northwestern

The reigning South Carolina state champion in the 5A classification, finishing the 2025 season as the second-ranked team in the state.

Joshua Dobson

A five-star cornerback who transferred from Catawba Ridge (S.C.) to William Amos Hough during the offseason, ranked as the top prospect in South Carolina and a top-5 national cornerback.

Davion Jones

A four-star safety in the Class of 2027 who transferred from West Charlotte (NC) to William Amos Hough, finishing the 2025 season with 50 tackles, 4 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions.

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What they’re saying

“The Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk continues to celebrate the important role high school football plays in communities across the Carolinas.”

— Kristi Coleman, Carolina Panthers chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and president

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 'Keep Pounding Classic' will go on sale to the general public in the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

The 'Keep Pounding Classic' has become a must-see event for high school football fans in the Carolinas, showcasing some of the top talent in the region at an NFL stadium and providing an unparalleled experience for the student-athletes involved.