IMG Academy Unveils 2025 Football Schedule: An Epic Showdown Awaits!

Venice, Florida, USA - IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is gearing up for an exciting 2025 football season, as they have just announced their schedule featuring three teams: a national team, a junior national team, and a state team. With a reputation for tough competition, IMG Academy’s teams are no strangers to the spotlight. The national team, often ranked among the Super 25, previously clinched a national championship in 2020 and ended last season with a record of 7-2, finishing the year ranked No. 15 nationwide.

This ambitious season kicks off on August 15 with a match against The First Academy in Orlando. Over the course of their schedule, the national team will travel more than 12,000 miles, indicating that these young athletes are set for a challenging journey indeed. Notably, the academy is ranked 22nd in high school football after a strong showing last year, including significant victories against teams like Bergen Catholic and Cocoa.

Challenging National Schedule

The national team’s schedule promises to test their mettle. Key games include:

• August 15: at Orlando The First Academy (Fla.)
• August 22: at Hoover (Ala.), ranked 7th in Alabama
• August 28: at Winslow Township (N.J.), ranked 4th in New Jersey
• September 5: Bye Week
• September 13: at Coronado (Nev.), ranked 5th in Nevada
• September 19: at Mandarin (Fla.)
• September 26: at Phenix City Central (Ala.), ranked 4th in Alabama
• October 3: at Venice (Fla.), 2nd in Florida
• October 10: Bye Week
• October 17: vs. NFL Academy (UK), Senior Night
• October 25: vs. East St. Louis (Ill.), ranked 1st in the state
• November 1: at The Hun School (N.J.), ranked 9th in New Jersey
• November 7: vs. St. Frances Academy (Md.), ranked 3rd in Maryland

This rigorous schedule highlights the academy’s commitment to competing at the highest level, as reflected in their past performances and player rankings. Among the national team, 14 players are currently rated three-star or better in the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the classes of 2026 and 2027, including standout Jake Kreul and highly regarded Keenyi Pepe. Despite losing several key players to graduation, returning talents like wide receiver Eric McFarland and linebacker Amarri Irvin are expected to shine.

Junior National and State Teams

In addition to the national squad, both the junior national and state teams are also preparing for their own sets of challenges. The junior national team will start its season on the same day as the national team, facing off against Tampa Catholic. Their schedule is packed with competition that fosters growth and skill development:

• August 15: at Tampa Catholic
• August 22: at St. John Neumann
• August 29: at Key West
• September 5: vs. Community School of Naples
• September 12: TBD
• September 19: at Manatee
• September 26: at Oasis
• October 3: at Sarasota Riverview
• October 12: at Spain U19 National Team
• October 24: at Ponte Vedra
• October 31: vs. Fort Meade

The state team, too, has a busy slate lined up, hinting at local rivalries and intense matchups:

• August 14: vs. Palm Beach Christian Prep
• August 21: vs. Tohopekaliga
• August 28: at Marathon
• September 4: vs. Mt. Bethel Christian
• September 11: vs. Ida Baker
• September 18: vs. Bayshore
• September 25: vs. Out-of-Door Academy
• October 2: at McLaughlin
• October 12: at Spain U19 National Team
• October 16: vs. Anclote
• October 23: vs. Hollins
• October 30: at Southwest Florida Christian

In summary, IMG Academy has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. As the teams take to the field, students, parents, and fans are ready to rally behind these young athletes vying for greatness. So, whether it’s a home game or on the road, there’s something to be said for the spirit of teamwork and determination that fuels these rising stars. Keep your calendars marked; the action starts in just a couple of months!

For more information on the full schedule, USA Today High School Sports reports all the details. Additional insights can also be found at On3, along with coverage from Sports Illustrated.