Florida High School Football Kicks Off: Must-See Matchups Ahead!
Explore the Florida high school football season kicking off August 13, 2025, featuring key matchups and top recruits in Lakeland.
Florida High School Football Kicks Off: Must-See Matchups Ahead!
As the sun sets on Florida, high school football lights up the field. The excitement is palpable across the Sunshine State, which proudly boasts its title as one of the top high school football states in the U.S. The 2025 season has kicked off, and fans are gearing up for some stunning matchups, thanks in large part to the USA TODAY Florida Network’s Ultimate Season Pass, which allows avid followers to catch one game per week from their favorite in-state teams. Each school is showcased only once throughout the year, making every game a must-see event.
This year, the season opened with a bang, featuring high-profile teams and top talent. Travis Hunter dazzled fans in his dual role as both a wide receiver and defensive player in the Jaguars’ loss to the Steelers, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. And let’s not forget the Dolphins, where Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane took to the field against the Bears, showcasing the deep roots of Florida football talent that extends from high school into the professional arena.
Key Matchups to Watch
This year’s schedule is peppered with thrilling matchups. The Kickoff Classic on August 14 features IMG Academy, ranked No. 4 in the USA TODAY preseason Super 25, battling The First Academy. Key recruits like Zyron Forstall and Chancellor Barclay are eager to showcase their skills, promising fans a jam-packed game. As the season unfolds, here’s a sneak peek at some of the marquee matchups:
| Week | Matchup | Top Recruits |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff Classic | IMG at The First Academy (Aug. 14) | Zyron Forstall, Chancellor Barclay, De’Von Achane |
| Week 1 | Bolles at Monarch (Aug. 21) | Naeem Burroughs, Jabari Brady |
| Week 2 | Venice at Miami Northwestern (Aug. 29) | Asharri Charles, Calvin Russell |
| Week 3 | Lake Mary at Lakeland (Sept. 5) | Noah Grubbs, Malik Morris |
| Week 4 | Jones at Edgewater (Sept. 12) | Dereon Coleman, Jusin Edwards |
| Week 5 | Miami Central at American Heritage (Sept. 19) | Karon Maycock, Dia Bell |
| Week 6 | Nease at Buchholz (Sept. 26) | Jacob Curry, Justin Williams |
| Week 7 | Miami Edison at Miami Southridge (Oct. 3) | Ah’Mari Stevens, Karmon Wilson |
| Week 8 | Mosley at Niceville (Oct. 10) | Adam Land, Robert Stith |
| Week 9 | West Boca at Cardinal Newman (Oct. 17) | Jamar Thompson, Adam Balogoun-Ali |
| Week 10 | Eau Gallie at Atlantic (Oct. 24) | Xavier Lherisse, Jvon Hatcher |
| Week 11 | Chaminade-Madonna at St. Thomas Aquinas (Oct. 31) | Derrek Cooper, Mark Matthews |
Spotlight on Recruits
Florida remains a hotbed for football talent, consistently producing over 40 blue-chip recruits each year, including several five-star prospects. With the 2025 class featuring a dozen top-100 recruits, the state shows no signs of slowing down as anticipation builds for the class of 2026. Current stats indicate that there are 55 players from Florida listed as blue-chip recruits in the On3 Industry Ranking.
Among those prominently featured is American Heritage’s own Dia Bell, whose impressive stats of 2,597 passing yards and 29 touchdowns have earned him a spot as one of the top talents for 2026. Meanwhile, Northwestern’s Calvin Russell continues to light up the field with 39 receptions for 704 yards among other standout performances. With such promising young athletes coming through the ranks, it’s clear that Florida football has a bright future ahead.
In this state, football is more than just a game; it’s a tradition, a community, and a path to greatness. So grab your jerseys and rally the troops because the 2025 high school football season promises to be one for the history books!
For more detailed coverage on these thrilling matchups and upcoming stars, check out the full schedule and insight from Palm Beach Post and the latest recruit rankings from On3.