Spotlight Interview: Record-Setting 2026 Alabama QB Bryson Riggins
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Looking back on the 2024 high school football season, Bryson Riggins personifies the idea of Most Valuable Player. During the 2023 season Russell County (Seale, AL) posted a 2-8 record against 6A Alabama competition. The breakout year for Riggins as a junior ended 9-3 for the Warriors with their quarterback setting all sorts of records and pulling in postseason honor after postseason honor.
Even through the tough times in 2023, the development of Riggins was there. The 2026 talent threw for 2,067 yards with 28 scores. The hard work in the offseason produced a school record 3,246 passing yards with 40 passing and one rushing touchdown.
“We are a RPO (run-pass option) based team,” Riggins stated. “But during the season we became more of an Air Raid offense with a mixture of both running and passing. I threw every route you can think of.”
Asked about the year turned in, Riggins replied, “I thought it was a pretty good year. It was better than last year, but I could have done a couple of things better, but I was better than last year.”
“Reading defenses” and “extending plays” are among Riggins’ strong points, and everything is on the menu to improve upon before heading into his senior year.
“I am working on cutting down turnovers, getting stronger and faster, perfecting every throw, and just getting better overall,” Riggins said.
Holding an offer from Andrew College, recruiting interest from Division I programs is coming Riggins’ way.
“Murray State, Jacksonville State, NC State, and Virginia Tech,” Riggins shared.
Riggins continued covering his game day visits during the season, “I had a lot of invites. I went to Bama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, UAB, and Mississippi State.”
ACC visits are being planned for this spring.
“I am going to NC State on March 1 and to Virginia Tech in March or April,” Riggins added.
On heading to NC State, Riggins shared, “I am excited to get the chance to meet the coaches, players, and see their facilities.”
Covering his excitement to hang with the Hokies, Riggins stated, “Similar to NC State, I am excited to meet the coaches, meet the players, see their facilities, and see what they have to offer.”
Riggins’ long list of postseason honors and in-season accomplishments:
WTVM Scholar Athlete of the Week
All-Chattahoochee Valley 1st Team QB
Alabama 6A-Region 2 Player of the Year
Alabama 6A-Region 2 First Team QB
Sportsvisions Player of the Year
Opelika/Auburn Sports News Area second Team QB
AHSAA All-State QB Honorable Mention
No. 1 Passer in Russell County High School History
Tied AHSAA Record Most TD passes in a game (9)
AHSAA Most Passing Yards in a Game This Season (543)
Prep Redzone Alabama’s #1 QB in 6A
Photo credit: Riggins family/ Russell County High School.