IMG Academy, the premier high school football program in Bradenton, Florida, has announced its 2026 schedule, a slate that promises challenging contests against some of the nation's most respected teams. The Ascenders will open the season against Lone Peak in Utah before traveling to face a host of formidable opponents, including Cornerstone Christian in Texas, St. Louis from Honolulu, and the NFL Academy in London.
A schedule built for competition
The lineup reads like a who's who of high school football excellence. In addition to Lone Peak, the Ascenders will host Cornerstone Christian from San Antonio, Texas, and welcome St. Louis from Hawaii, each bringing a strong recent record. The team will also make trips to Indiana to meet New Palestine, a Class 5A champion, and will conclude the regular season with matchups against Hun School in New Jersey and St. Frances Academy in Maryland.
Beyond the domestic opponents, the Ascenders are set to test themselves against international competition when they take on the NFL Academy in London. This global element underscores the program's ambition to prepare its players for the highest levels of the sport, a preparation that has already yielded 25 NFL draft picks since 2018, including first‑round selections each year since 2020.
Key storylines
Quarterback Jayden Wade, a University of Georgia commit, headlines the returning roster. As a sophomore he threw for 1,376 yards and 20 touchdowns, and his leadership will be pivotal as the team aims to build on a perfect 9‑0 2025 campaign that earned a fifth‑ranking by High School On SI.
Wade is not the only talent drawing attention. Alumni such as Carnell Tate, Francis Mauigoa, Tyler Booker, Evan Neal, and Greg Newsome II have all made the leap to the NFL, reinforcing the academy's reputation as a pipeline for professional talent. The depth of the 2026 roster suggests that the Ascenders will once again be a dominant force on the national stage.
Looking ahead
With a schedule that spans coast to coast and includes a historic trip to London, the 2026 season promises to be one of the most ambitious in IMG Academy's history. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Ascenders translate their offseason momentum into on‑field success, and whether the program can continue its streak of producing elite NFL prospects while competing against the nation's best high school teams.