Left to Right: Tico Crittendon /Lithonia High , Earnest Rankins Jr. /Southwest Dekalb
Atlanta, Georgia – There is a reason why DeKalb County remains one of the premier football hotbeds in the state of Georgia. Year after year, the county produces elite talent, competitive programs, and student-athletes who continue their careers at the next level. Covering high school sports in DeKalb County is never boring. Every season delivers unforgettable moments, emerging stars, and championship-caliber performances. The Class of 2026 proved once again why DeKalb County football is among the best in Georgia. DeKalb County reached a significant milestone this year as 92 senior football players signed scholarships to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. The total marks the highest number of football scholarship signees from the county since 2014 and reflects the tremendous work being done by coaches, families, and student-athletes throughout the district.
Leading the way were 10 student-athletes who signed with NCAA Division I FBS programs. Among the most notable signees was Lithonia High School standout Tico Crittendon also earned an opportunity to compete in the SEC after signing with Mississippi State. Lithonia continued its impressive run with Xavier Butler committing to Florida State, while Southwest DeKalb’s Earnest Rankins Jr. will also wear the Seminoles’ garnet and gold in the ACC.
The success extended beyond the FBS ranks as 10 additional DeKalb athletes signed with Division I FCS programs. Stephenson’s Shane Moore and Cedar Grove’s Dexxtre Mincey both selected Bethune-Cookman University, adding to the rich tradition of DeKalb athletes competing at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Columbia’s Antonio Whiters and Stephenson’s Emari Green will continue their football journeys at South Carolina State University, another prestigious HBCU program with a strong football tradition.
Several student-athletes also demonstrated that excellence in the classroom can open doors to some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Lithonia linebacker Braylon Jackson accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy, while Arabia Mountain defensive back Joshua Owens earned an opportunity to compete in the Ivy League after signing with the University of Pennsylvania. Their accomplishments showcase the balance of academic and athletic achievement that exists throughout DeKalb County.
Lithonia High School led all county programs with an impressive 20 scholarship signees, the largest signing class in DeKalb County since Stephenson produced 25 signees in 2012. Columbia followed with 13 scholarship athletes, while Martin Luther King Jr., Miller Grove, and Southwest DeKalb each celebrated 10 signees.
Miller Grove’s class was particularly noteworthy, as the Wolverines recorded the largest football signing class in school history with 10 student-athletes advancing to the next level. The accomplishment highlights the continued growth and development of the program and its commitment to preparing athletes for collegiate opportunities.
Another DeKalb County program deserving recognition is Druid Hills High School, which had several student-athletes continue their football careers at the collegiate level. Leading the group are Xavier Norris and Henry Hightower, both signing with Berry College. Vince Patterson and Chaz Glover will continue their careers at Clayton State University, while Jackson Hampton signed with Clark Atlanta University. Sam Miller will attend Methodist University, Raphael Blakey signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and Dason Harris will continue his academic and athletic journey with the Georgia Knights. Their signings further highlight the success of Druid Hills’ football program and DeKalb County’s continued ability to develop student-athletes for the next level.
Other schools celebrated significant milestones as well. Towers High School ended a seven-year scholarship drought with two signees in the Class of 2026. Offensive lineman Javonta Callaway signed with Miles College, while linebacker Corinthius Collins will continue his career at Brevard College. Clarkston also enjoyed a breakthrough year as AmunRa Lee signed with Carleton College and defensive back Shak Shukuru committed to Luther College. The pair gave Clarkston its first football signees since 2023 and the school’s highest total since producing 10 signees in 2006.
The distribution of scholarship opportunities across multiple levels of college football demonstrates the depth of talent throughout the county. In addition to the Division I signees, DeKalb County athletes signed with 16 Division II institutions, accounting for 32 scholarship opportunities. Six student-athletes signed with Division III programs, while 29 athletes committed to 10 different NAIA schools. Three junior colleges welcomed six DeKalb athletes, and one student-athlete signed with an NCCAA institution.
While the headlines often focus on Division I commitments, every scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity. Whether competing in the SEC, the Ivy League, Division II, NAIA, or junior college ranks, these young men have earned the chance to continue their education while playing the game they love.The Class of 2026 serves as another reminder that DeKalb County remains one of Georgia’s premier football-producing regions. With 92 student-athletes moving on to the collegiate level, the future remains bright for football in DeKalb County, and the county’s tradition of excellence shows no signs of slowing
