Roswell's football program enters the 2026 season ranked No. 5 in Georgia's Class 6A, carrying the momentum of a 12-2 campaign and a state semifinal appearance into a new classification with a new quarterback under center.

Transfer signal-caller Pierson Degala, who arrived from Walton High School, will replace graduated starter Trey Smith when the Hornets open their season Thursday, Aug. 13, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The matchup against Walton in the 35th annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic means Degala faces his former team in his first snap as a Hornet.

Head coach JT Thompson built last year's success on a perfect 6-0 run through Region 7-5A, including wins over Gainesville and Milton. The semifinal run ended when Thomas County Central's Deuce Lawrence torched Roswell for 349 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Thompson loses more than just Smith. Running back Nick Peal and wide receiver Wills Campbell also graduated.

The cupboard isn't bare.

Receiver Dre Cousey returns, and four-star offensive lineman Miller Westerfield, a University of Georgia commit in the Class of 2027, anchors the front.

The No. 5 ranking comes from ITG Next's Class 6A preseason poll, published Friday, July 31. Other outlets slot the Hornets differently. Sports Illustrated's statewide Top 25 places them at No. 10 across all classifications, while On3 ranks them 18th in Georgia.

The Class 6A field is stacked. Defending state champion Thomas County Central sits at No. 1, followed by Milton at No. 2, Lee County at No. 3, and Creekside, the 2025 Class 4A champion moving up a classification, at No. 4.

This is Roswell's first season in Class 6A after the GHSA's reclassification cycle bumped the Hornets up from 5A. The program finished No. 14 in the final 2025 Georgia Top 25.

Kickoff against Walton is set for 8 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the full Corky Kell schedule listing additional games throughout the day.