French D1 Elite South Division 2026 Preview: Historic final season promises fireworks

The French D1 Elite South Division kicks off its historic final season before transitioning to a new elite league format featuring six teams including defending South champion, the Cannes Iron Mask, ambitious Grizzlys Catalans , and returning newcomer Grenoble Centaurs in what promises to be the most competitive southern campaign in years.

Cannes Iron Mask
Last year’s South Division leaders made the biggest splash by landing American quarterback Conor Miller, significantly upgrading their aerial attack. While monitoring Yanis Polin’s return from injury, they’ve further strengthened with receiver Julien Vast, making Cannes the team to beat despite facing heightened competition.

Grizzlys Catalans 
Perpignan’s squad declared their championship ambitions through substantial recruitment, adding quarterback Badis Grami, defensive end Julien Kouoh, and imports Tidsol Desmond and Jaden Wheeler. These strategic additions position the Grizzlies as legitimate title contenders if their revamped roster gels quickly.

Toulouse Ours
After finishing second last season, Toulouse changed direction with new leadership and imported quarterback Brett Cox, supported by a reinforced offensive line. Their clear goal remains securing a wild card spot through consistent performance against the division’s improved competition.

Marseille Blue Stars
The relatively quiet offseason for Marseille still produced a major signing in linebacker Sterling Sheffield, a high-caliber NCAA Division I import who should immediately bolster their defensive unit and provide leadership for the returning core.

Aix Argonautes
Having narrowly avoided relegation, Aix undergoes complete transformation under new coach Stéphane Murat with imported quarterback Gabriel Fernandez and defensive back Isaiah Loera, while relying on reliable running back Antoni Giglio to stabilize their offensive identity.

Grenoble Centaurs
The promoted historic club returns to top-flight competition banking on promotion-winning cohesion rather than major signings. The performances of running back Handy Maldera and receiver Abraham Juwan will determine whether Grenoble can immediately compete at this level.

With all games streaming live on FFFA.TV, this final D1 Elite South Division season before reorganization features enhanced talent, strategic imports, and heightened urgency as clubs position themselves for French football’s new era.