The Florida high school football landscape is entering a pivotal preseason, with the USA TODAY Florida Super 25 rankings already shaping expectations for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as traditional powerhouses prepare to defend titles that were secured in 2025.
Elite Matchups
Key contests include a clash between Carol City and West Boca in Boca Raton, while Jones High School travels to Miami Central for a defensive showdown that pits two of the nation's most aggressive units against each other. Vero Beach will host Cardinal Newman, showcasing a top‑tier quarterback in Champ Monds, and Lake Mary will welcome Buchholz, a perennial state power, in a game that underscores Central Florida's depth.
Recruiting Spotlight
Recruiting enthusiasts are already circling names such as Nick Lennear, a five‑star wide receiver from Miami, and Davin Davidson, the top‑ranked quarterback for Cardinal Mooney. The board also features Zayden Gamble, Kahlil Gabaud, Kaden Howard and Justin Antenor, each of whom could influence early‑season outcomes and shift the balance of power in their respective classes.
Championship pedigree
Both St. Thomas Aquinas and Cardinal Mooney enter the preseason with recent state championship pedigrees, having each captured titles in 2025. Their dominance has set a high bar for the eight teams that will advance to the Open Division based on preseason MaxPreps rankings, a milestone that many programs view as a gateway to statewide supremacy.
The Kickoff Classics add further intrigue, with matchups like Miami Palmetto versus Archbishop McCarthy promising additional storylines and opportunities for emerging talent to make an early impact.