High School On SI has begun its annual preseason countdown for the 2026 CIF Southern Section football rankings, unveiling the teams positioned from No. 25 down to No. 21.
The countdown, which runs from August 3 through August 16, will culminate with Week 0 kicking off on August 17 and the first Friday night matchup scheduled for August 21, setting the stage for a busy opening stretch.
At No. 25, Chaminade enters the conversation with a potent offense anchored by returning standouts Jackson Hill, Andrew Cordero, Marquis Jones and Jeremy Mellalieu, while head coach David Machuca anticipates steady growth throughout the campaign.
Depth and newcomers shape the outlook
Just above them, Palos Verdes brings back a core of talent including Ryan Rakowski, Jalen Flowers and Max Bates, and adds newcomer Aaden Brady, a depth that coach Guy Gardner says will be a cornerstone for a successful season.
Valencia’s preseason projection highlights Thomas Konrad, Anthony Baca and Evan McCalister as key contributors, while Corona del Mar is noted for its powerful running attack and an experienced defensive unit featuring Tucker Murray and Cason Yarnell.
Oak Hills rounds out the group with emerging players Epalahame Fiau, Jayden Dennis and Royalton Allen, each poised to make an impact as the team looks to build on last year’s progress.
The preseason schedule not only showcases these top 25 squads but also serves as a prelude to the broader coverage that will dominate the August sports landscape, offering fans a first look at storylines that will unfold through November.
A quick recap of the 2025 season reveals that many of these programs posted strong finishes, setting high expectations for the upcoming year and prompting coaches to emphasize weekly development as a path to November contention.