We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Thomas County Central High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Yellow Jackets this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 15-0
- Points Scored: 808
- Points Allowed: 169
Key Roster Losses
According to head coach Justin Rogers, Thomas County Central will have to replace nine starters on offense and six starters on defense who have graduated.
The biggest losses on offense were no doubt quarterback Jaylen Johnson and running back Deuce Lawrence.
Johnson was a three-year starter who completed 64% of his passes over his career while throwing for 6,907 yards and 83 touchdowns. He also rushed for 788 yards and 22 touchdowns. Johnson signed with the Florida A&M Rattlers.
Lawrence signed with Wake Forest after a stellar career with TCC that ended with the speedy running back setting a state finals record with a 380-yard rushing performance against Gainesville last season.
Cam Brooks, ITG Next 2025 South Georgia Defensive Player of the Year, signed with Florida State following a standout season. His performance was a big reason for the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season and state championship.
Key Players Returning
Thomas County Central will return a key part of the receiving game in wide receiver Jabari Watkins, who has 94 receptions for 1,539 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Watkins scored 11 of those touchdowns last season.
Other top players returning include junior defensive tackle Prince Che, who had 45 tackles last season, including 18 ½ tackles for loss; senior defensive tackle Isaac Andrews, who had 32 tackles last season with 17 ½ tackles for loss and 4 ½ sacks; senior defensive end Isaiah Andrews, who had 28 tackles and 15 ½ tackles for loss, including eight sacks; and senior free safety Kobe Carnage, who ended last season with 50 tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
What to Expect From the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets in 2026
Thomas County Central has risen to be one of the top programs in the state under Rogers. The fact that they’re graduating really good players only creates more opportunities for the young guys coming through the system.
Speaking of new players coming into the system at TCC, Rogers said that will certainly be the case heading into the 2026 season.
“There’s a lot of new faces and first-year guys out here, but we are excited about the potential we have as well,” Rogers said.
One of the most critical positions on the team will have two new names this season. Roland Waldrop and Aidan McPherson will be the duo taking over for Jaylen Johnson at quarterback, and we could see a platoon situation that allows both quarterbacks the opportunity to show what they can do running the offense.
2026 Season Prediction
TCC makes another run at a second straight state championship as they finish 14-1.
Game to Watch
Oct. 9 at Houston County
Thomas County Central’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 vs. Colquitt County
- 8/28 vs. Lincoln (Tallahassee, Florida)
- 9/11 vs. Lithonia
- 9/18 at Brooks County
- 9/25 at Lee County
- 10/02 vs. Veterans
- 10/09 at Houston County
- 10/16 vs. Tift County
- 10/30 vs. Coffee
- 11/06 at Northside (Warner Robins)
