Preseason Florida High School Football Top 25 Rankings

Florida high school football is part of a pipeline of talent that leads to major college football and eventually the NFL. The action on Friday nights reflects this, with the quality and athleticism on display matched only by the passion of the players, coaches and fans. From powerhouse programs to rising challengers, here are the top 25 Florida high school football teams, according to Massey.

The Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

1. IMG Academy Ascenders

The Ascenders finished their 2024-25 season with a 7-2 record, earning victories against some elite teams like New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic and Illinois’ East St. Louis. They also defeated some top Florida high school football teams like Venice and Cocoa.

IMG Academy will start its 2025-26 season against Alabama’s Hoover Buccaneers on August 22. Their roster boasts five-star prospects like edge rusher Zyron Forstall and offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe (USC).

The Ascenders also have four-star athletes like safety Zech Fort (Georgia), edge rusher Jake Kreul, running back Tranard Roberts, cornerback Larry Moon, linebacker Amarri Irvin, athlete Alexander Ward (Alabama), and wide receiver Osani Gayles, among others. You can view more of IMG’s stacked roster here.

2. Chaminade-Madonna Prep Lions

After losing their first two games, the Lions won 13 consecutive games, including the Florida high school football Class 1A state championship game against Clearwater Central Catholic. That victory marks the fourth consecutive year that Chaminade-Madonna has won a state title.

The Lions will begin their 2025-26 campaign against Maryland’s St. Frances Academy on August 23. After that season-opener, their next nine games are against Florida-based teams.

Their stacked offense features quarterback Zac Katz and running backs Derrek Cooper (Texas) and Arwin Jackson. They also have wide receivers Jasen Lopez (Florida State) and Denairius Gray (Kentucky), plus offensive lineman Ashley Walker (Arkansas).

Meanwhile, Chaminade-Madonna’s defense includes linebacker Bryant Junius, cornerback Leonzay Merzius (Western Kentucky), edge rusher RJ Alphonse (Eastern Michigan), and Linebacker Jaiden Roper.

3. St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders

The Raiders took some lumps against Bishop Gorman, Chaminade-Madonna, and American Heritage. Those were the only down moments in a season wherein they won 12 games, including the Florida high school football Class 5A state championship against Lakeland. That result also marked the sixth straight year they’ve won a state title.

St. Thomas Aquinas will begin the 2025-26 season with a highly anticipated matchup against California’s Mater Dei on August 23. To win against the nation’s best team, the Raiders need their offensive players like five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews, wide receiver Julius Jones, quarterback Mason Mallory, and wideout Sean Thompson to play their A-game.

On the other hand, the Raiders defense will rely on playmakers like four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick (Georgia), safety Zayden Gamble, edge rusher Daniel Norman (Oklahoma), cornerback Jaden Carey, defensive back Samari Howard, linebacker Phillip Goodrich, and cornerback Jeremiyah Douglas.

4. Northwestern Bulls

The Bulls had a shaky start, splitting their first four games. Since then, they haven’t lost and picked up the Florida high school football Class 3A state championship against Raines. It’s a remarkable transformation for a team that went 4-6 in 2023.

While Teddy Bridgewater won’t be coaching the team anymore, Northwestern remains one of Florida’s top teams. They will start the 2025-26 season against California’s Orange Lutheran on August 23. Some of their top players on offense include running back Tarvail Mathis and the wide receiver trio of Nicsaint Joseph (FAU), Nick Lennear, and five-star prospect Calvin Russell (Syracuse).

On defense, the Bulls are powered by lineman James Johnson (Texas), edge rusher Jordan Campbell (Miami), safety Tedarius Hughes (Florida State), and linebacker Desmond Johnson (Pitt).

5. Venice Indians

The Indians’ only loss last season came against IMG Academy. Outside that defeat, they’ve won 14 games, including the Florida high school football Class 7A state championship over Lake Mary.

Venice’s title defense starts against Tampa Bay Tech on August 22. Four-star edge rusher Asharri Charles (Miami) and lineman Brock Hupp will lead the Indians’ defense in their senior year. Meanwhile, keep an eye on running back Dorien Jones and wide receiver Tyree Mannings on offense. 

6. Miami Central
7. American Heritage
8. Cocoa
9. Norland
10. Columbus

11. Lake Mary
12. Gadsden County
13. Lakeland
14. Jones
15. F. W. Buchholz

16. St. Augustine
17. Tampa Bay Tech
18. Armwood
19. Niceville
20. Lincoln

21. Western
22. The Bolles School
23. Edgewater
24. Clearwater Central Catholic
25. Cardinal Newman