If you’ve ever driven through Loganville on a Friday night in October, you already know. The air smells like charcoal and turf. The lights at Grayson Ram Stadium are visible from miles away, cutting through the Georgia humidity. This isn't just a high school game. For the folks around here, Grayson Georgia high school football is a relentless machine that has defined Gwinnett County sports for two decades.
People love to talk about the "Grayson way." Usually, that’s just code for winning a lot and producing NFL talent. But honestly, the program is currently in one of its most fascinating transition periods.
The New Era: Greg Carswell Takes the Reins
Just a few days ago, on January 15, 2026, the program made the move everyone was expecting but still felt like a seismic shift. They promoted defensive coordinator Greg Carswell to head coach. It’s a move that prioritizes stability. If you followed the 2025 season, you saw why this was a no-brainer.
Carswell’s defense was basically a brick wall last year. The Rams allowed only about 10.5 points per game in 2025. You can’t lose many games when the other team can’t find the end zone. He’s already coached over 20 nationally ranked prospects in just the last two years. That kind of continuity matters when you’re trying to stay at the top of Class 6A.
The school's athletic director, Brian Deberry, clearly didn't want to mess with a winning formula. The "Carswell era" isn't going to have a slow start, either. They’ve already announced a massive season opener for 2026 against North Gwinnett at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That’s the level this program operates on—they don't do "tune-up" games.
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Success Isn't New Around Here
You can't talk about the Rams without looking at the trophy case. This isn't a "flash in the pan" school. They won the Class 6A state championship in 2024 with a 38-24 win over Carrollton. They also have titles from 2020, 2016, and 2011.
The 2025 season was another deep run, ending with a 12-1 record. They tore through the regular season, including a dominant 50-3 win over Newton and a gritty 24-23 victory against Thompson out of Alabama. Their only blemish was a tough 14-34 loss to Carrollton in the third round of the playoffs.
- 2025 Record: 12-1
- Region 4-AAAAAA Finish: 1st Place (6-0)
- National Ranking: Finished in the Top 25 across MaxPreps, USA Today, and Blue Star Media.
The Talent Pipeline: From Loganville to the League
Why is Grayson always good? It’s the players. Simple as that.
Look at the alumni list and it reads like an NFL roster. Robert Nkemdiche was the number one recruit in the country when he played here. Wanya Morris is out there winning Super Bowls with the Chiefs. Owen Pappoe is flying around for the Cardinals. Wayne Gallman had a solid run in the pros after a great career at Clemson.
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The 2026 class is looking just as scary. Tyler Atkinson is the name you’re going to hear on every recruiting broadcast. He’s a linebacker who plays like he’s shot out of a cannon. Then you have Travis Burgess, a 6'5" quarterback who looks like he was built in a lab to play on Saturdays.
The roster is deep. It’s not just one or two stars. You’ve got guys like Anthony Davis at linebacker and Elijah Tillman on the edge who make life miserable for opposing offensive coordinators.
The Game Day Experience at "The Ram"
If you’re planning to catch a game at 50 Hope Hollow Road, get there early. The parking situation is usually okay if you arrive an hour before kickoff, but any later and you're walking.
The stadium itself is one of the best environments in Georgia. It’s not just the bleachers; it’s the community. The staff is organized, the food is actually good for stadium fare, and the atmosphere is electric. One thing to keep in mind, though—if you're trying to post highlights to social media mid-game, you might struggle. There are some notorious signal dead zones inside the stadium.
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What’s Next for the Rams?
The transition to Coach Carswell is the biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. People are wondering if the offensive identity will change or if they'll lean even harder into that dominant defensive style.
Expectations haven't changed. At Grayson, a season without a deep playoff run is considered a failure. With the 2026 opener set for "The Benz," the spotlight is already starting to glow.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits:
- Follow the Schedule: The 2026 season starts with a massive spotlight game against North Gwinnett. If you want tickets for the Mercedes-Benz opener, you'll need to jump on them as soon as the GHSA releases the block.
- Recruiting Watch: Keep an eye on Tyler Atkinson and Travis Burgess. Their recruitment will likely wrap up before the 2026 season starts, as high-profile Rams usually like to focus on the state title run during their senior year.
- Attend a Game: If you're a local, skip the Friday night movie and head to the stadium. It's the best $10 to $15 you can spend on entertainment in Gwinnett County.