2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 59 Valdosta
Two 1,000-yard senior running backs lead a Wildcats team replacing its quarterback and most of its defensive production.
Top 25 Public HSFB8/15/20264 min read
Valdosta enters 2026 after finishing 12-2 and reaching the GHSA Class 6A semifinals. The Wildcats scored 586 points, won three playoff games and lost 39-7 to eventual state champion Buford in the semifinal.
Senior running backs Marquis Fennell and Deron Foster return after combining for 2,809 rushing yards, 38 rushing touchdowns and 50 total touchdowns. Both are committed to FBS programs, giving a new quarterback an established foundation.
Team Snapshot
2025 record: 12-2
2025 region record: 4-1
2025 result: GHSA Class 6A semifinalist
2026 classification: Class 7A, Region 1
Head coach: Shelton Felton
2025 scoring: 586 points scored, 274 allowed
2026 Outlook
Valdosta’s offense begins with one of the most productive backfield combinations in Georgia. Fennell rushed for 1,480 yards and 23 touchdowns, added 764 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches, and finished with 2,505 all-purpose yards. Foster rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 148 receiving yards and two scores.
The Wildcats must replace senior quarterback Tyrieke Wade, who completed 74.1 percent of his passes and threw 26 touchdowns in 2025. Senior Tripp Perry and sophomore Lamar Thomas are the returning quarterback options. Whoever wins the job will have Fennell, Foster and senior wide receiver Jamarian Mingo available. Mingo averaged 44.3 receiving yards per game and caught five touchdowns last season.
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The larger rebuild is on defense. Valdosta graduated its leading tacklers and its three interception leaders from 2025. Senior defensive back Dorian Mathis, senior linebacker Ja’Davious Lemene and senior edge defender Bralyn Bennett return with playoff experience.
The Wildcats also added senior safety AJ Hill from Thomasville. Hill earned all-region recognition before the move and arrives with multiple Division I offers, giving Valdosta another experienced option in a secondary replacing several senior contributors.
Players to Know
Marquis Fennell | RB/WR | Senior
Fennell is committed to Stanford after a junior season with 2,505 all-purpose yards and 33 total touchdowns. His offer list included Florida State, Georgia Tech and Colorado.
Deron Foster | RB | Senior
Foster is committed to Oregon State. He rushed for 1,329 yards, produced nine 100-yard games and scored 17 total touchdowns in 2025.
Jamarian Mingo | WR/CB | Senior
Mingo is committed to Georgia State and holds offers from Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Penn State. He returns after catching five touchdowns and averaging 44.3 receiving yards per game.
AJ Hill | S | Senior
Hill transferred from Thomasville after earning all-region recognition. He arrives with multiple Division I offers and adds experience to a secondary replacing several senior starters.
Schedule Breakdown
Valdosta opens at Jones County before home games against Howard, Bradwell Institute, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, and Stockbridge. That gives the new quarterback four home opportunities before the region schedule begins. One Note: They did also have a game scheduled vs Booker (FL) but Booker has since cancelled their season.
Class 7A Region 1 play begins Oct. 16 at #66 Colquitt County. Camden County then comes to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, followed by the Winnersville Classic at #74 Lowndes and a home finale against Richmond Hill.
The final four games will decide the region race and test the rebuilt defense. Valdosta lost 18-17 at Colquitt County last season, then beat Camden County, Lowndes and Richmond Hill.
Complete 2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 - at Jones County
Aug. 28 - vs. Howard
Sept. 4 - vs. Bradwell Institute
Sept. 11 - vs. KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
Sept. 25 - vs. Stockbridge
Oct. 2 - vs. Booker (FL) - CANCELLED
Oct. 16 - at #66 Colquitt County
Oct. 23 - vs. Camden County
Oct. 30 - at #74 Lowndes
Nov. 6 - vs. Richmond Hill
Biggest Question
Can Valdosta replace its quarterback and the majority of its defensive production without wasting an elite senior backfield? Fennell and Foster give the Wildcats a reliable offensive identity, but the semifinal ceiling will depend on the development of the passing game and defense.
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T25PS Prediction
I expect Valdosta to finish the regular season 9-2 and return to the Class 7A quarterfinals. Fennell and Foster can carry the offense while the new quarterback develops, but the defensive turnover and the four-game region finish make another semifinal run more difficult to project before the season.
Bottom Line
Valdosta does not need to search for an offensive identity. Fennell and Foster give the Wildcats two 1,000-yard rushers, Mingo adds a committed FBS receiver and the offense returns 50 touchdowns between its top two backs. The deciding factor is whether a younger defense and a new starting quarterback can develop fast enough for the October region schedule.
