USA TODAY Sports has announced its 2026 preseason Super 25 national rankings for high school flag football, a list that captures the early buzz surrounding a sport that is rapidly shedding its niche status and stepping onto the national stage.
A New Generation of Champions
At the very top of the chart sits Central High School from Phenix City, Alabama, the defending national champion whose 2025 campaign ended with a perfect record and a state title that cemented its reputation as a powerhouse.
The rankings also spotlight traditional powerhouses such as Hamilton High School in Arizona, JSerra Catholic High School in California and Greenbrier High School in Georgia, each entering the preseason with win streaks that span into the twenties and rosters deep enough to challenge any opponent.
New faces are making their mark as well; Pope High School in Georgia and Wasilla High School in Alaska have earned spots that signal the expanding geographic reach of competitive flag football, bringing fresh storylines and regional pride to the mix.
To keep pace with the surge, USA TODAY Sports will roll out weekly Super 10 state rankings throughout the fall, covering Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland and North Carolina, ensuring that emerging talent is recognized week after week.
The growing popularity of flag football reflects broader efforts to sanction the sport at the state level, a trend that has drawn increased media attention, sponsorship deals and a sense of legitimacy that promises a vibrant future for high school competition across the country.