The Ohio high school football preseason has already sparked debate among coaches, analysts and fans, as the latest crop of rankings reveal a shifting landscape heading into the 2026 season. With early polls released this week, traditional powerhouses and emerging programs alike are staking their claims, setting the stage for a year that promises both familiar rivalries and unexpected breakthroughs.
Preseason Power Rankings
Mentor High School Cardinals sit at No. 1 despite losing key offensive weapons, including their top running back and leading receiver. The team’s depth and experience under head coach John Smith have kept them at the summit, even as they navigate a roster in transition. Just behind them, Kirtland High School Hornets, the defending Division VI state champions, hold the No. 2 spot, though their schedule will test them early with a Week 3 showdown against Perry.
VASJ climbs to No. 4 thanks to its size, speed, depth and seasoned lineup, even though it operates under an independent schedule that pits it against some of the state’s toughest opponents. Kenston High School rounds out the top five, positioned to contend for a league title if they stay healthy, while Mayfield High School jumps to No. 6 after a promising preseason camp and several productive scrimmages.
In the CVC Lake Division, Chardon High School is expected to dominate, leveraging physical advantages over most of its competition. South High School, ranked No. 8, brings exceptional talent at skill positions, but its success will hinge on how well the trenches hold up against strong defensive fronts. Riverside High School, now transitioning from the WRC to the Greater Cleveland Conference, enters the season at No. 9 and will face early tests against Steubenville, Aurora and Fitch.
Benedictine High School, sitting at No. 10, returns quarterback Giovanni Iacampo and running back Kayden Forte, giving the team a potent offensive core. Their performance will be measured against rivals like Lake Catholic and NDCL, both of whom are also eyeing a climb up the rankings. The preseason crop is inherently volatile; injuries, scheduling quirks and weekly performance swings mean that any team can rise or fall as the season unfolds.