Florida is gearing up for another exciting high school football season, and it’s never too early to dive into the rankings. While the Sunshine State may have one of the latest starts for its high school football seasons, some teams are already making headlines as we head into spring.
The Ascenders lead the way with a strong roster featuring quarterback Tyler Chance, wide receiver Jansen Lopez, running back Arwin Jackson, and athlete Derrek Cooper. With all these key players returning, they are undoubtedly the team to beat in Florida. However, the anticipation is high around who will step in as the new head coach.
The defending Class 3A champions, Venice, are also attracting attention with a potential quarterback battle brewing between Leon Strawder and transfer Niemann Lawrence. Venice finished second in the rankings last season, but they will need to compensate for the loss of some significant talent.
Meanwhile, the Fightin’ Tigers, deemed the top team in Central Florida, are looking strong with quarterback Dia Bell, who is a Texas commitment. However, the team will have to adjust to the loss of notable players Malachi Toney and Byron Louis.
Miami Central remains a force to be reckoned with, bringing back quarterback Anthony McQueen after a stellar 2024 campaign. This program is set to remain one of South Florida’s elite teams. On the other end, the Cougars also look promising with the majority of their roster returning, boosting their chances for a Class 2A state title run.
Additionally, teams in the Lakeland area, such as the Dreadnaughts and Titans, are also poised for impacts in the upcoming season. There are several more exciting matchups and players to keep an eye on as we approach kickoff.
With many teams returning key players, the anticipation of the upcoming season is already building. From intense rivalries to emerging stars, high school football in Florida is set to be thrilling.
