Nationally Ranked Teams Headline Carolina Panthers’ 2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic

The Carolina Panthers’ 2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic, presented by Belk, is set, and this year’s doubleheader will feature several nationally ranked teams.

The event will be played August 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and includes three teams that finished the 2025 season ranked in the High School Football America 300, powered by NFL Play Football.

In the opener, two-time reigning South Carolina state champion Northwestern will face Indian Land. The Trojans finished No. 66 in the final 2025 HSFA 300 rankings.

In the nightcap, North Carolina 8A state champion Hough will take on Cardinal Gibbons of North Carolina. Hough finished No. 44 in the nation, while Cardinal Gibbons checked in at No. 177.

“The Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk continues to celebrate the important role high school football plays in communities across the Carolinas,” said Kristi Coleman, chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and president of the Carolina Panthers. “Bank of America Stadium will once again set the stage for the ultimate high school football experience, featuring two high-powered matchups that provide the energy and excitement of top-level high school football.”

General admission tickets are $8 and are available now through Ticketmaster.com.