Season Highlights
The Virginia High School Football Top 25 rankings for the week ending September 7, 2026, continue to illustrate the competitive balance across the commonwealth, with the state’s most successful programs vying for position in a season that has already produced several surprising outcomes.
Varina remains perched at No. 1, defending its Class 4 state championship after an overtime win over No. 3 Maury, a result that not only preserved its perfect record but also reinforced its status as the team to beat in the current poll.
The poll also introduces two brand‑new undefeated entrants, Saint Michael the Archangel and Bethel, each posting a flawless 2‑0 mark and earning spots at No. 23 and No. 24 respectively, signaling a deepening pool of contenders.
Saint James Performance Academy climbs to the No. 2 slot after a decisive victory over Paramus Catholic (N.J.), a move that underscores its rapid ascent among the state’s elite high school programs.
Upcoming Rivalries
Key matchups on the horizon include Varina’s road test against defending Class 6 champion Oscar Smith, a contest that could test the limits of the top‑ranked team’s dominance.
In the Richmond area, Highland Springs, currently No. 7, will face off against Dinwiddie, ranked No. 11, in a rivalry that traditionally produces tightly contested games.
Further south, Huguenot, seeded No. 5, is scheduled to take on Clover Hill, while Trinity Episcopal School, No. 13, will host Hermitage after securing a win over Benedictine College Prep.
The Top 10 remains tightly packed, featuring Stone Bridge, Highland Springs, Indian River, Green Run, and Thomas Dale, while Maury’s record drops to 0‑2 following its loss to Varina, highlighting the volatility of the early season.
As the schedule unfolds, these games are poised to reshape the rankings, with undefeated streaks and early upsets driving the narrative of the 2026 campaign and keeping fans across Virginia engaged.