NEWS: Pitt State Football's Jordan Rogers and Carter Stanchfield earned 2025 NCAA Division II All-America honors this week.

The decision from Atkins isn’t surprising, after he told reporters following the Iron Bowl that he planned to return in 2026. Auburn also retained defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin, who played a major part in Atkins’ development.

Despite the efforts of senior quarterback Dereon Coleman, Jones lost for the second straight year in the 4A state title game to American Heritage

Florence and Strand join former Dragons receiver Damon Gibson (2016) as the only players in program history to earn D-II AFCA All-American honors. “Being able to cap it off with something like that is a pretty cool, well-rounded moment," Florence said.

The stage is set for an epic rematch as the defending champion American Heritage Patriots (8-5) face the red-hot Jones Fightin’ Tigers (12-2) in Saturday’s FHSAA Class 4A state championship game at Florida International University in Miami.

The Navy All-American Bowl Selection Committee announced the finalists for the Navy All-American Bowl Defensive Player of the Year Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the country.