Florida has surged to the top of the 2026 Preseason HSFA 300 national rankings, boasting a record 53 teams in the list. The state’s dominance is underscored by the fact that 18 percent of the entire field hails from Florida.
Texas follows in second place with 43 teams, while California and Georgia each contribute 29, rounding out the top contenders.
Among the standout programs, IMG Academy, the 2020 HSFA national champion, is positioned at No. 3, and St. Thomas Aquinas, the 2025 champion, sits at No. 4.
Open Division Ambitions
This year Florida introduced an Open Division championship, a move that gives St. Thomas Aquinas a clear pathway to defend its title and chase back‑to‑back national crowns.
The centerpiece of that pursuit is a scheduled clash with Texas powerhouse DeSoto on August 29, a game that will be staged as part of the Broward County National Football Showcase, which will feature 14 Preseason HSFA 300 teams.
The showcase not only highlights the caliber of competition but also serves as a barometer for how the national title race may unfold.
If the early rankings are any indication, Florida’s depth could reshape the traditional power map, setting the stage for a historic season.