High School Football America has just unveiled its Elite 1100 list for the 2026 season, a snapshot of the nation’s most competitive high school programs.
Florida stands out with 138 programs earning spots, positioning the Sunshine State as the second‑largest contributor behind Texas, which tops the list with 156 teams.
How the list is built
The Elite 1100 is derived from HSFA’s proprietary national ranking algorithm, a formula that has shaped the conversation around high school football since 2013. The rankings will serve as the backbone for the upcoming Preseason HSFA 300, scheduled to drop on Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern.
Other states with strong showings include Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Alabama, each contributing sizable contingents that reflect the breadth of talent across the country.
Teams to watch
Among the highlighted squads, St. Thomas Aquinas enters the conversation as the reigning national champion, eyeing a repeat performance, while IMG Academy, a perennial powerhouse, is expected to remain in the championship mix. The Ascenders, who captured the title in 2020, also loom as a historic program with championship pedigree.
The rankings not only celebrate existing excellence but also set the stage for early‑season matchups that could reshape the national narrative as the new campaign unfolds.