2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 13 Oakland

Donte Cameron and Kam Morton both played quarterback during the 2025 season. Cameron supplied a dangerous running element and was named a Region 3-6A Co-Quarterback of the Year. His 78-yard touchdown run completed Oakland's fourth-quarter comeback against Green Hill in the state quarterfinals.

Morton also showed that Oakland can win through the air. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots' 42-14 semifinal victory over Blackman.

That gives head coach Kevin Creasy flexibility entering 2026. Oakland can choose a primary starter or continue using both players in roles that take advantage of their different strengths.

The supporting cast includes running back Kemani Bass and receivers Velon Henderson and Ja'Vonni Malone. Bass contributed as a receiver during the championship run, including five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown against Blackman. Malone demonstrated his open-field ability with a 94-yard kickoff return against Rockvale.

Oakland also expects to return Chandler Cates, Marland Mixon, Preston Rose and Trenton Gibbs along the offensive front. That continuity should allow the Patriots to remain committed to the physical running game that has defined the program under Creasy.

Players to Know

Donte Cameron — QB/ATH, 2027

Cameron gives Oakland an explosive runner who has already delivered in a major playoff moment. His game-winning touchdown against Green Hill helped preserve the Patriots' undefeated season, and his versatility allows Oakland to move him around without removing his impact from the offense.

Kam Morton — QB, 2029

Morton played significant varsity snaps as a freshman and performed efficiently during Oakland's postseason run. His two-touchdown performance in the state semifinal showed that the Patriots can trust him in important games despite his youth.

Kemani Bass — RB, 2027

Bass enters the season as one of Oakland's most important returning skill players. He can contribute as a runner or receiver and should receive more opportunities following the graduation of Tutt and Haggard.

Ja'Vonni Malone — WR, 2028

Malone brings speed and special-teams value to the offense. After flashing big-play ability during the 2025 season, he could develop into one of Oakland's primary playmakers.

Jacob Vaughn — RB, 2028

A new addition to the program, Vaughn arrives after totaling 1,352 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore. He adds another explosive weapon to the backfield and has the ability to score every time the ball is in his hands.

Chandler Cates — OL, 2027

Cates headlines an experienced collection of returning offensive linemen. That group will be essential as Oakland reshapes its backfield and looks to maintain its physical advantage at the line of scrimmage.

D'Von McGhee — DL, 2027

McGhee is one of the returning defensive players Oakland will build around. With more turnover on defense than offense, his experience becomes especially valuable.

Schedule Breakdown

Oakland opens with four consecutive non-region tests, including three on the road.

The Patriots begin Aug. 21 at Christ Presbyterian Academy before traveling to Ohio to face Centerville. That out-of-state matchup gives Oakland an early opportunity to strengthen its national profile.

After hosting Smyrna, the Patriots visit Pearl-Cohn, another successful Tennessee program capable of testing Oakland before region play begins.

The second half of the schedule is built around familiar Rutherford County opponents. Games against Blackman and Riverdale carry rivalry and postseason implications. Oakland defeated Blackman twice in 2025, including a 42-14 victory in the state semifinals, while its annual meeting with Riverdale remains one of Murfreesboro's biggest football games.

#### 2026 Oakland Schedule

Aug. 21: at Christ Presbyterian Academy
Aug. 28: at Centerville (Ohio)
Sept. 4: vs. Smyrna
Sept. 11: at Pearl-Cohn
Sept. 17: vs. Siegel
Sept. 24: vs. Blackman
Oct. 1: at Rockvale
Oct. 16: vs. LaVergne
Oct. 23: at Stewarts Creek
Oct. 30: at Riverdale

Biggest Question

Can Oakland rebuild its defense quickly enough to complement an experienced offense?

McGhee, Henry Begley and Chevy Armour provide a foundation, but the Patriots must replace several important members of their championship defense. Younger players will be asked to take on larger responsibilities as Oakland moves through a schedule featuring CPA, Centerville, Pearl-Cohn and a demanding region slate.

The offense should give that group time to develop. Oakland has multiple quarterback options, returning skill talent and enough continuity along the offensive line to control games while the defensive rotation takes shape.

If the Patriots find their next group of defenders by the middle of the season, they will be positioned for another championship run.

T25PS Prediction

Regular season prediction: 10-0

Postseason prediction: Tennessee Class 6A State Title

Oakland's early road schedule creates the possibility of a loss, but the Patriots should remain the team to beat in their classification. Their offensive experience and championship-tested quarterback room provide a higher floor than most programs replacing this many prominent seniors.

Bottom Line

Oakland does not need its 2026 team to look exactly like the group that went 15-0 last season.

The Patriots have two proven quarterback options, playmakers ready for expanded roles and an offensive line capable of setting the tone. The unanswered questions are concentrated on defense, where McGhee, Begley and Armour must help a new group become championship-ready.

Creasy has taken Oakland to every Class 6A state semifinal since 2014 and six consecutive championship games. If the defense develops around an offense built to win immediately, the Patriots could spend Thanksgiving week practicing for another trip to Chattanooga.

Thanks for reading,

Alex | T25PS

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