The UC Top 5 returns for the 2026 season with plenty of Region 4-4A representation in the initial rankings. The UC Top 5 is unveiled each week during the regular season during the UCR Football Show Presented by Fire & Vine on Tuesdays.

1. Upperman (1-0)

The Bees retain their top spot after a 21-20 win in a thriller against the George Quarles-led Webb Spartans on Friday. Upperman hosts Class 4A power Greenville on Friday in the UCR Game of the Week Presented by Mayberry’s Furniture.

2. White County (1-0)

White County made a week one statement with a 48-6 win at Soddy Daisy in week one with quarterback Tucker Pinion going 7-9 for 120 yards and 4 total touchdowns while Cole Sims rushed for 158 yards and two scores. The Warriors host a revamped York Institute (0-1) this week.

3. Cookeville (1-0)

Cookeville skyrocketed up the UC Top 5 from unranked to #3 following a dismantling of Class 6A foe Siegel, 42-14. The Cavaliers welcome the #2-ranked Division 2-2A program in Tennessee, Franklin Road Academy, to Cookeville on Friday.

4. Stone Memorial (1-0)

The Stone Memorial Panthers rushed for 299 yards in Friday’s win at a revamped York Institute in a 21-13 win. The Panthers’ return to Crossville this week for a home matchup against Coalfield (0-1), who they beat last season 48-41 in overtime.

5. Macon County (1-0)

The Macon County Tigers got their season started on a high note with a 31-12 win at Fulton on Saturday. The Tigers return home to Pat Parker for an old-school rivalry this week as they host Westmoreland on Friday.

Honorable Mention: Gordonsville (1-0)

The Gordonsville Tigers took down a Class 1A state title contender in Coalfield on Friday by a 17-13 margin. The Tigers take a short trip west this week to face Watertown in an old-school rivalry.