Florida High School Football: Elite Teams Kick Off New Season!
Explore the latest Florida high school football rankings for 2025, featuring top teams like Venice and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Florida High School Football: Elite Teams Kick Off New Season!
The excitement is palpable in Florida as the new high school football season kicks off, bringing with it the anticipation of fierce competition and stunning athletic performances. As schools prepare for another charged year, the elite football programs have firmly established their dominance, making their mark in the preseason rankings. The Herald-Tribune reports that defending state champions are ranked No. 1 in their classes in the preseason USA Today Florida Network poll, and the accolades are well-deserved.
Leading the way, the teams that clinched the championship titles last year remain at the forefront of the rankings. Class 7A sees Venice at the top spot, with an impressive 14-1 record, earning 11 first-place votes. In Class 6A, West Boca stands proud as the undefeated champion, while St. Thomas Aquinas leads Class 5A. American Heritage and Miami Northwestern round out the top of the charts in Classes 4A and 3A, respectively, and Chaminade-Madonna continues its stronghold in Class 1A.
Class Rankings
Here’s a quick look at the preseason rankings across the classes:
| Class | Rank | Team | Record | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7A | 1 | Venice | 14-1 | 11 |
| 6A | 1 | West Boca | 15-0 | 11 |
| 5A | 1 | St. Thomas Aquinas | 12-3 | 11 |
| 4A | 1 | American Heritage | 12-2 | 9 |
| 3A | 1 | Miami Northwestern | 12-2 | 11 |
| 1A | 1 | Chaminade-Madonna | 13-2 | 11 |
Additionally, Bolles and Hawthorne stand out as the only No. 1 teams in the preseason poll that didn’t snag a state title in 2024, highlighting the dynamic nature of Florida high school football, where upsets can be part of the game.
Top 25 Talent Drain
As we dive deeper into the rankings, On3 emphasizes the importance of Florida’s high school football scene as a major talent pipeline leading to prominent college programs and the NFL. Notably, the Massey Ratings, which have historical significance from the BCS era, rank teams based on various metrics like game outcomes and strength of schedule. Topping the list is IMG Academy, boasting a solid 2024-25 season record of 7-2, which includes victories over formidable opponents such as Bergen Catholic (NJ) and Venice.
Chaminade-Madonna, fresh off a Class 1A state championship, is ranked second. Following closely, St. Thomas Aquinas celebrated yet another state title, showcasing their strong football heritage. This season, they are looking to continue their winning streak, starting against Mater Dei (CA) on August 23. Other notable contenders such as Northwestern and Venice round out the top five, ensuring fans have a lot to look forward to this year.
- Miami Central
- American Heritage
- Cocoa
- Norland
- Columbus
- Lake Mary
With so much talent on display, fans are bound to see unforgettable moments as the 2025 season unfolds. Whether it’s a sensational pass, an incredible defensive stand, or simply the spirit of competition, Florida high school football promises to deliver excitement week in and week out. Grab your jerseys and get ready — there’s plenty of action ahead!