Super 25 Rankings Set the Stage for 2026
The Detroit Free Press, in partnership with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), unveiled its Super 25 preseason poll on Monday, ranking the top 25 high school football teams across Michigan as the 2026 season looms. The list, which spans Division 1 through 5, reflects a blend of returning champions, breakout programs, and emerging talent.
At the pinnacle sits Detroit Cass Tech, whose ascent is anchored by star quarterback Donald Tabron II. The five‑star junior, originally from Texas A&M, helped the Technicians capture the previous year’s state final before falling short in the championship game. Despite that loss, Cass Tech enters the new campaign as the preseason favorite.
Just behind the Technicians, the Shamrocks of Detroit Catholic Central have secured the second spot. After ending a 16‑year title drought, the team returns key contributors Duke Banta and Gideon Gash, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in maintaining the squad’s momentum.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's climbs to third place, eyeing a repeat in Division 2 competition. The squad’s strong defensive scheme and experienced coaching staff have positioned it as a perennial contender in the state’s smaller divisions.
Harper Woods, ranked fourth, showcases what may be the nation’s most potent wide‑receiver tandem: Dakota Guerrant, headed to Oregon, and Deandre Bidden. Their speed and route‑running precision have drawn national attention and could make the Warhawks a dark horse in the upcoming season.
Season Opener at Wayne State
The 2026 campaign will officially open with the Prep Football Classic at Wayne State University’s Tom Adams Field in Detroit. The event serves as a showcase for the state’s top programs and offers fans an early glimpse of the storylines that will shape the Super 25 race.
Beyond the rankings, the poll underscores the geographic diversity of Michigan high school football, with powerhouses spread from the Upper Peninsula to the Detroit metro area. As the first games approach, coaches and players alike are eager to translate preseason expectations into on‑field results.