Ever since the end of the 2025 high school football season when Lake Mary stunned Vero Beach in the 7A final, we have been building toward 2026.
Attending by far more events – team and individual – as well as visiting programs during the spring and summer – we have watched as teams changed right before our very eyes.
In a day when transfers have become the norm, the landscape of many programs certainly change – quickly.
When anyone puts rankings together, especially team rankings, they become subjective – at best. But let’s also keep in mind that if you are actually attending events across the state in the off season, you tend to see much more than they average person who relies on sitting behind a computer at home and judges talent from the same film and information that EVERYONE has the chance to see.
For six decades – way before there were off season events to help determine the success of teams, we have been there watching and seeing with our own eyes.
Understanding that rankings change from week to week, it is always easy to put a team next to a number without an explanation of why programs are rated why they are.
Today, we bring you the first ranking of the season – with the belief that Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and their seven straight state titles, along with power Bradenton IMG Academy – with a national roster – are in a league of their own as the season is set to start.
Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 1 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special in a year that will feature the “Open Division” along with Class 1A-6A playing for a state title:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 0-0). Leave no doubt that this team is stacked with talent as they make a bid for a coveted eighth straight state title and perhaps a national crown. THIS WEEK: At Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: DeSoto, Texas in the Broward National Showcase.
2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 0-0). This is a program develops and churns out some of the best football talent in the country. They compete at a different level each season. THIS WEEK: At Lone Peak, Utah. NEXT WEEK: San Antonio Cornerstone Christian.
3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 0-0). Losing in the 1A state finals a year ago in their 10th consecutive appearance in the title game, the Lions had a unique off season, losing a number of difference makers, but at the same time, added huge playmakers. THIS WEEK: At Coconut Creek Monarch (Deerfield Beach High School). NEXT WEEK: Sierra Canyon, California in the Broward County National Showcase.
4. Miami Central (3A, 0-0). Falling short in the state playoffs, losing to rival Miami Northwestern only fueled the Rockets as they rebuilt and reloaded for a state championship run. New faces but plenty of talent. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A trip to California to play Trinity Conference power Orange Lutheran.
5. Miami Carol City (2A, 0-0). Nobody in the country had an off season like the Chiefs – with dozens of new faces and coaches looking to return this program to its past glory days. Plenty of elite talent and a competitive schedule will tell a lot about this team. THIS WEEK: At Daytona Beach Mainland. NEXT WEEK: At Lee County, Georgia.
6. West Boca Raton (5A, 0-0). Two straight state titles and the respect of every program in Florida have put the Bulls in a position where they believe that they can compete against anyone. Elite talent on both sides of the ball and a very competitive schedule. THIS WEEK: Opens at No. 7 American Heritage Plantation – also a two-time defending state champion. NEXT WEEK: Off.
7. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 0-0). Say what you want about the Patriots, but this two-time defending state champion once again is loaded with elite playmakers and has another schedule that will only get them better throughout the season. THIS WEEK: Home against No. 6 West Boca Raton. NEXT WEEK: National power East St. Louis in the Broward County National Showcase.
8. Vero Beach (6A, 0-0). Nobody needs to remind the Indians about the 7A state title loss in the final seconds to Lake Mary. It has fueled them and they head into the 2026 season with plenty of motivation and talent. THIS WEEK: Jensen Beach. NEXT WEEK: Delray Beach Atlantic.
9. Venice (6A, 0-0). There are very few programs that have enjoyed the success that the Indians have in the past decade, and after losing in the state playoffs a year ago, they are hungry and ready for a legitimate run at some kind of title. THIS WEEK: At Rabun Gap Nacoochee, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: Off.
10. DeLand (6A, 0-0). There is no getting around how potent this Bulldog team is on offense – scoring almost at will with talent all over the field. The only question is the defense. If they come up with key stops against top competition, this could be a huge year. THIS WEEK: At No. 30 Lake Wales. NEXT WEEK: It’s national powerhouse St. Frances Academy, Maryland at home.
11. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 0-0). Here is a team that has a chance to be an Open Division program. They are loaded on both sides of the ball with playmakers everywhere and well coached. The Bobcats fell short the past two years, but that could change in 2026. THIS WEEK: At Ocala Vanguard. NEXT WEEK: Gainesville.
12. Seffner Armwood (5A, 0-0). If you follow high school football this is a program that is the standard when it comes to producing talent and playing at an elite. But the Hawks have fallen short the past two years, losing to programs that they should have beaten. Big expectations again, but they need to get over the hump. THIS WEEK: Competitive and talented Ruskin Lennard. NEXT WEEK: At Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey.
13. Lakeland (5A, 0-0). One of the most successful football teams in Florida. Stacked with talent and produces top-flight prospects every year, but the Dreadnaughts have been stopped cold the past two years against St. Thomas Aquinas. Will this year be different? THIS WEEK: At Lakeland Kathleen. NEXT WEEK: Off.
14. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 0-0). The defending state champions have lost a lot of talent, but at the same time, have put together a program that is developing and many on north Florida feel that the Vikings could be there in the end. They have plenty of playmakers as defending state champions. THIS WEEK: At Orange Park Oakleaf. NEXT WEEK: Baldwin.
15. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 0-0). When people talked about this team before the start of the season, they felt that the Cougars were as good as anyone – with elite playmakers and several prospects returning from last year’s state title game. Do we strike their 49-0 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas in the kickoff classic from the record? They get a pass as state champs. But only one. THIS WEEK: Tampa Berkeley Prep. NEXT WEEK: Defending state champion No. 23 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman.
16. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 0-0). Hang around this program long enough and you will understand that 4-7 just will not cut it. Anything less than a state title appearance is unacceptable and that’s why this roster and coaching staff underwent some major changes. They are talented but cannot afford any key injuries. Tough schedule out of the gate and then things ease up. THIS WEEK: At Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: National power Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in the Broward County National Showcase.
17. Miami Palmetto (6A, 0-0). Okay, we will get this over with right away. The Panthers are still stinging from their state semifinal overtime loss on the road in Vero Beach. That said, this may be the most overlooked team in Florida. There’s a misconception that they lost a lot and didn’t replace those losses. WRONG! Do not take this team lightly or they will beat you – on both sides of the ball. For those who ignore them, do your research! THIS WEEK: At Miami Killian. NEXT WEEK: Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.
18. Orlando Evans (5A, 0-0). All the Trojans have done the past two years is build, adding pieces along the way, and while it’s been a minute since they have been a true state power, this may be the year that the corner is turned – especially with the impressive additions that were made on both sides of the ball. Sit back and watch them become central Florida’s best. Game three will be a barometer against No. 19 Orlando Jones. THIS WEEK: At Orlando Lake Nona. NEXT WEEK: Orlando Boone.
19. Orlando Jones (4A, 0-0). For the past two seasons, this was one of the most talented teams in the state of Florida, losing in the finals to Plantation American Heritage. Plenty of talent joined this Fightin’ Tigers in the off season, but much of it was on the defensive side of the ball where they are one of the best in the state. The big problem will be on offense. They are young and inexperienced and that can be a problem against top competition – like the first two games. THIS WEEK: At national powerhouse Santa Margarita, California. NEXT WEEK: Off.
20. Eau Gallie (3A, 0-0). This program has been hanging around with the elite teams the past few years and it may be time for the Commodores to finally kick in the door with immense talent on both sides of the ball with big time playmakers who had their chance to shine during the off season at several college camps. Everything is in place to make a legitimate run. THIS WEEK: At 1A power Tampa Carrollwood Day. NEXT WEEK: At Palm Bay Heritage.
21. Miami Northwestern (4A, 0-0). There are those who follow this game that are ready to push the Bulls off to the side and forget about them. MISTAKE. Even though they loss the state title game, lost coaches and several players – several key ones – this is a program that will not just disappear. They still have size, talent and coaches who know the team and community very well. If you leave the door open, this team will gladly kick it in. THIS WEEK: At St. Petersburg Lakewood. NEXT WEEK: The “Soul Bowl” against Miami Jackson.
22. Orlando Edgewater (6A, 0-0). One of the most successful programs in central Florida the past decade is coming off a frustrating 12-1 season – with that third-round loss to Lakeland that stood in the way of perhaps getting to the state title game. The Eagles are still very talented with game-changers and the schedule very much plays in their favor. Keep an eye on this program. THIS WEEK: Ocoee. NEXT WEEK: Orlando The First Academy.
23. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 0-0). After winning the 1A state title a year ago, the Crusaders were rewarded with a “promotion” to 2A and in the same district as the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna team they upset in the state title game. This is a quality team that will have to replace a number of key players but will have to play four Final 4 teams and eight and 10 teams who advanced to the state playoffs. THIS WEEK: Community School of Naples. NEXT WEEK: At No. 15 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney.
24. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 0-0). Moments after their 27-20 loss to Gainesville Buchholz in the state playoffs, ending the 2025 season with an 11-3 record, the Mustangs made a commitment that the off season would help elevate the program and things would be different this coming season. Well, here we are – and while there are several elite teams, they will be in the mix – with top-flight prospects. THIS WEEK: At Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: At Jacksonville Atlantic Coast.
25. Jacksonville Bolles (2A, 0-0). They reached the 2A state finals a year ago with plenty of talent, and while they have what it takes to reach the championship game once again, the Bulldogs have a challenging schedule and have to replace some key prospects. The classification is going to be loaded with top-flight talent and will not be easy to navigate. Still, this team belongs in the conversation. THIS WEEK: Lake City Columbia. NEXT WEEK: At Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy in the Broward County National Showcase.
26. St. Augustine (4A, 0-0). One of the most consistent football programs in the state over the past decade, the Yellow Jackets find themselves right back in the mix as another season is starting. Quality prospects on both sides of the ball have an opportunity to avenge the third-round state playoff loss to Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee. THIS WEEK: At Palatka. NEXT WEEK: Ponte Vedra Nease.
27. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (1A, 0-0). The past two seasons, while some may have missed it, veteran head football coach Verlon Dorminey and his young Conquerors were just one game from playing for another state title. Loaded with talent and experience, this is the year where this program is the favorite to reach the state final – with a challenging schedule. THIS WEEK: At Jacksonville Ed White. NEXT WEEK: Jacksonville University Christian.
28. Palmetto (5A, 0-0). While the Tigers were thrilled with the 10-2 season a year ago, the way they were upset in the second round of the state playoffs certainly fueled them in the off season, and with the addition of some new faces and the return of key players, the objective will be the same for a program that everyone will need to keep an eye on. THIS WEEK: At No. 30 Clearwater Central Catholic. NEXT WEEK: At Key West.
29. Port Charlotte (4A, 0-0). What this program showed over the past two years – especially during an 11-3 season in 2025 – is that they will line it up with anyone and often come out on top. Losing to eventual 4A state runner up Orlando Jones in the state semifinals proved to the Pirates that they had what it takes to make a run. They are loaded with quality talent this coming season. THIS WEEK: At Cape Coral. NEXT WEEK: At No. 30 Clearwater Central Catholic.
30 (Tie). Lake Wales (4A, 0-0). While Polk County football fans continue to watch what Lakeland does every season, and for good reason, here is a program that has also made an impact with some quality teams and tremendous coaching. After losing twice to the defending state runner up Orlando Jones program last year and finishing 10-3, the Highlanders are back and ready to prove the detractors wrong. They are stacked with talent and have a legitimate shot to go deep in the state playoffs again. THIS WEEK: No. 10 DeLand. NEXT WEEK: At Sebring.
Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 0-0). The one thing you can never accuse this program of is not playing a challenging schedule. One of the most successful programs in the region for a number of years, the Marauders make the move up from 1A and have really put together a team that has a chance to make a serious run. Losing to Tampa Carrollwood Day in the state playoffs and finishing 10-3 only fueled this team in the off season. This will be a fun team to watch. THIS WEEK: No. 28 Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: No. 29 Port Charlotte.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (0-0)
Community School of Naples (0-0)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (0-0)
Hawthorne (0-0)
Lakeland Christian (0-0)
Madison County (0-0)
Miami True North (0-0)
Naples St. John Neumann (0-0)
Pahokee (0-0)
St. Petersburg Catholic (0-0)
Jacksonville University Christian (0-0)
Tampa Carrollwood Day (0-0)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (0-0)
Cocoa (0-0)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (0-0)
Orlando The First Academy (0-0)
Pensacola Catholic (0-0)
Starke Bradford County (0-0)
St. Petersburg Lakewood (0-0)
Tallahassee Florida High (0-0)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (0-0)
3A
Belle Glade Glades Central (0-0)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (0-0)
Crawfordville Wakulla (0-0)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (0-0)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (0-0)
Gainesville Eastside (0-0)
Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (0-0)
Merritt Island (0-0)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (0-0)
Tampa Chamberlain (0-0)
Tampa Jefferson (0-0)
The Villages Charter (0-0)
Titusville (0-0)
4A
Delray Beach Atlantic (0-0)
Fort Myers Dunbar (0-0)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (0-0)
Hollywood McArthur (0-0)
Jacksonville Ed White (0-0)
Jensen Beach (0-0)
Lake City Columbia (0-0)
Lynn Haven Mosley (0-0)
Miami Norland (0-0)
Middleburg (0-0)
Milton (0-0)
Naples (0-0)
Ocala Vanguard (0-0)
Orlando Bishop Moore (0-0)
Tallahassee Godby (0-0)
Tallahassee Lincoln (0-0)
Tallahassee Rickards (0-0)
Tampa Jesuit (0-0)
Zephyrhills (0-0)
5A
Auburndale (0-0)
Bradenton Manatee (0-0)
Clermont East Ridge (0-0)
Coconut Creek (0-0)
Coconut Creek Monarch (0-0)
Fort Myers Riverdale (0-0)
Groveland South Lake (0-0)
Kissimmee Osceola (0-0)
Miami Southridge (0-0)
Niceville (0-0)
Oviedo (0-0)
Pace (0-0)
Ponte Vedra (0-0)
Ponte Vedra Nease (0-0)
Riverview Sumner (0-0)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-0)
Orange Park Oakleaf (0-0)
Tampa Bay Tech (0-0)
Tampa Gaither (0-0)
Trinity Mitchell (0-0)
Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch (0-0)
6A
Daytona Beach Mainland (0-0)
Fort Pierce Central (0-0)
Lake Mary (0-0)
Orlando Lake Nona (0-0)
Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-0)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (0-0)
Ruskin Lennard (0-0)
Sanford Seminole (0-0)
Sarasota Riverview (0-0)
St. Cloud (0-0)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (0-0)
Weston Cypress Bay (0-0)
Winter Garden West Orange (0-0)
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..