High school football fans are already marking their calendars for the 2026 season, and the conversation began in earnest this week with the release of two parallel ranking systems. Massey Ratings, a data‑driven evaluation tool, placed DeSoto, Texas, at the pinnacle of its preseason Top 25, signaling a strong expectation for the defending state champions. At the same time, a separate set of rankings compiled by a national analyst group positioned St. Frances Academy of Maryland as the top‑rated program in the author’s Way‑Too‑Early Top 25.
Early Powerhouses
The author’s subjective Top 25 features a familiar cast of powerhouses. St. Frances Academy (MD), IMG Academy (FL), St. John Bosco (CA), St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) and Santa Margarita Catholic (CA) occupy the first five slots, each bringing a blend of elite talent, storied tradition and recent off‑season upgrades. These programs are often evaluated not only by past championships but also by the momentum generated through coaching changes and player movement.
Both lists share a common focus on the variables that shape a season before the first whistle blows. Player transfers, newly hired coaches and off‑season conditioning programs are all factored into the calculations, reflecting how much movement has already reshaped rosters across the country. The result is a snapshot that blends statistical rigor with the intuition of seasoned observers, offering a glimpse of which programs might dominate the national conversation.
Depth of the Field
Beyond the top five, the rankings stretch through positions six to twenty‑five, capturing a deep pool of contenders who could surge into the national conversation with a single breakout performance. The inclusion of teams from states such as Nevada, Georgia and Tennessee reflects the growing geographic spread of high‑level competition, as well as the impact of transfer portals that have reshaped rosters across the country.
Tracking the scores and storylines will be easier than ever thanks to the Rivals High School Scoreboard, a nationwide platform that aggregates game results, player statistics and rankings updates in real time. The tool has become a staple for anyone who wants to stay on top of the fast‑moving landscape of prep football.
Looking Ahead
The true test will be how these early projections hold up once the season begins. Weekly matchups, injury developments and the emergence of underclassmen will all have the power to reshape the narrative. For now, the rankings serve as a springboard for discussion, a way for coaches, recruits and fans to gauge expectations heading into the summer.