2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 26 Gainesville

Players to Know

Kharim Hughley — QB, Class of 2027

The Clemson commitment produced 41 total touchdowns and gives Gainesville an experienced passer who can create after the pocket breaks down.

Nigel Newkirk — RB, Class of 2027

The Alabama commitment ran for 1,496 yards and 19 touchdowns. His recovery from a postseason knee injury must still be monitored.

Dwight Lewis Jr. — RB, Class of 2028

Lewis ran for 1,082 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore, giving Gainesville proven depth while Newkirk works back.

Tyler Ford — OL, Class of 2027

The Miami commitment played left tackle for Gainesville in 2025 and gives Hughley a Power Four prospect protecting the edge.

Bryson Hurt — IOL, Class of 2027

Hurt committed to NC State in June, giving Gainesville a second Power Four offensive-line commitment.

Jeremiah Proctor — DB/LB, Class of 2027

Proctor is committed to Pitt, which recruited him as a linebacker, while Gainesville has used him as a defensive back and athlete. That versatility gives the Red Elephants another defender who can match up in space or play closer to the line.

Darryn Williams — LB, Class of 2027

Williams recorded 88 tackles and six interceptions last season, making him Gainesville’s established defensive producer.

Schedule Breakdown

Gainesville visits Buford on Aug. 22 and East St. Louis on Sept. 4. Region 7-6A then brings an Oct. 2 trip to Roswell and an Oct. 23 home game against No. 19 Milton.

2026 Gainesville Schedule

Aug. 22: at Buford

Sept. 4: at East St. Louis (Illinois)

Sept. 11: vs. McEachern

Sept. 18: vs. Oceanside Collegiate (South Carolina)

Sept. 25: vs. Alpharetta

Oct. 2: at Roswell

Oct. 9: at Johns Creek

Oct. 16: vs. Riverwood

Oct. 23: vs. Milton

Oct. 30: at Lanier

Biggest Question

Can Gainesville break through Georgia’s loaded Class 6A field?

Creekside and Thomas County Central enter 2026 as defending state champions, and Milton remains one of Georgia’s most talented programs. Langston Hughes is coming off a 12-1 season, while Region 7 opponent Roswell finished 12-2.

Gainesville has enough offense to play with any of them. The Red Elephants’ title chances will come down to Newkirk’s recovery and whether a defense led by Williams and Proctor can hold up against the best teams in the classification.

T25PS Prediction

Regular season: 8-2
Postseason: Georgia Class 6A semifinalist

The schedule makes an unbeaten regular season unlikely, but it should prepare Gainesville for November. An 8-2 finish followed by a semifinal appearance would put the Red Elephants in position to challenge Creekside, Thomas County Central, Milton, Hughes and Roswell for the Class 6A title.

Bottom Line

Hughley gives Gainesville a proven quarterback, Newkirk and Lewis give the offense two accomplished runners, and Ford and Hurt bring Power Four talent to the line. If Newkirk returns healthy and the defense settles under Bryant, the Red Elephants can reach the Class 6A semifinals.

Thanks for reading,

Alex | T25PS

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