High School Football America is set to unveil its 2026 Elite 1100 rankings this Friday, marking the fifteenth edition of the national list that ranks the top 1,100 high school football teams across the United States.
The rankings are generated by a proprietary algorithm and serve as a benchmark for programs preparing for the upcoming season, with Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas entering the conversation as a perennial powerhouse.
St. Thomas Aquinas eyes eighth straight state title
The Broward County program, already the reigning HSFA national champion, is chasing its eighth consecutive Florida state championship in 2026, a feat that would cement its dynasty in the sport.
Adding to the storyline, the Florida High School Athletic Association has created an Open Division that will feature the top eight teams in the state regardless of classification, heightening the stakes for the elite programs.
Preseason rankings on the horizon
A week after the Elite 1100 release, High School Football America will drop its 300‑team preseason list on Monday, June 22, giving fans an early glimpse of which squads could shape the early schedule.
The shift to algorithmic rankings began in 2013, replacing the opinion‑based Top 25 that governed the 2012 season, and has since refined how teams are evaluated nationwide.
Since 2017, California’s Mater Dei has captured five national crowns, illustrating the competitive balance that the new methodology seeks to capture.
Looking ahead
With the Open Division set to showcase the best of Florida’s talent and the Elite 1100 providing a comprehensive snapshot of the country’s elite programs, the 2026 season promises fresh storylines and heightened anticipation for players, coaches and fans alike.