Texas Leads the 2026 Elite 1100
High School Football America’s Elite 1100 rankings for the 2026 season have been unveiled, and Texas stands at the top with 156 teams represented. The Lone Star State’s dominance is underscored by a proprietary algorithm that evaluates performance across the nation, positioning Texas not only as the leader in quantity but also as a favorite to contend for its first national championship since 2014.
The rankings also highlight historic achievements that have shaped the current landscape. The Allen Eagles, guided by quarterback Kyler Murray, captured three straight national titles in 2014, a feat that still resonates in Texas football lore. Meanwhile, California’s Mater Dei has added to its storied legacy with back‑to‑back championships in 2017‑2018 and again in 2023‑2024. North Shore, a Texas program, reached as high as No. 16 in the previous season, and 42 Texas squads earned spots in the HSFA 300 for 2025, illustrating the depth of talent in the state.
The National Picture
Florida and California follow Texas with 138 and 120 teams respectively, setting the stage for a competitive national picture that will be refined when the full Elite 1100 list is published. The upcoming release of the Preseason HSFA 300 national rankings, scheduled for Monday, will provide an early glimpse of how these powerhouses stack up as the new season approaches.
As the rankings roll out, analysts will watch how the algorithm balances tradition with emerging programs, and whether Texas can translate its numerical advantage into a championship that has eluded the state for over a decade.