Preseason Top 25 Overview
The 2026 preseason rankings, compiled by Andy, place St. Frances Academy of Maryland at the pinnacle, followed closely by IMG Academy in Florida, St. John Bosco of California, St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida and Santa Margarita Catholic also in California.
Rankings are derived from a blend of last season’s results, off‑season moves and the influx of talent, with particular attention paid to transfers and emerging star rosters.
Programs hovering on the cusp of the top 25 include Texas‑based Allen, Florida’s American Heritage and Ohio’s Avon, each poised to make a late surge.
St. Frances Academy’s defense is anchored by edge rushers Anthony Sweeney, Jermaine Smith and Jayden Travers, while IMG Academy boasts five‑star edge prospect Zyron Forstall and re‑classified wide receiver Eric McFarland.
At St. John Bosco, quarterback Koa Malau’ulu returns after throwing for 2,361 yards and 33 touchdowns last year, and the receiving corps features Darren Tubbs.
St. Thomas Aquinas brings a dominant offensive line led by Mark Matthews and a streak of seven consecutive Florida state titles, while Santa Margarita Catholic’s defense helped secure the CIF Open Division crown, coached by Carson Palmer.
The author notes that geographic distance between powerhouses matters less on the field, having observed competition across 14 states, and stresses the importance of integrating recent performance into any ranking.
Key contributors across the top programs include Anthony Sweeney, Jermaine Smith, Jayden Travers, Sa’Nir Brooks, Samir Edwards, James Branch, Brandon Jefferson, Zion Elee, Jireh Edwards, Zyron Forstall, Eric McFarland, Jayden Wade, Koa Malau’ulu, Darren Tubbs, Madden Williams, Mark Matthews, Julius Jones, Cody Conness, Carson Palmer, Trent Mosley and Trace Johnson.