1. Raines Vikings
Raines enters 2026 as the clear No. 1 team after completing a perfect 14-0 season in 2025 and winning the Florida 3A state championship. The Vikings scored 680 points while allowing only 91, an average of nearly 49 points per game.
Quarterback Timothy Cole II was one of the area’s most productive players, passing for 2,757 yards, while running back Tadarius Washington rushed for 901 yards. Wide receiver Ziyon Butler added 1,037 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.
Raines loses important pieces from its championship team, but the Vikings remain loaded with athletes and speed. Quarterback Sa’ mon Ellison-Morgan looks to show that he can pick up where Cole left off, while putting his own stamp on his sophomore season. Other returning playmakers like WR Zion Green, DE Troy Butler, LB Johdeem Jones will be expected to help Raines defend its title.
The Vikings have the best defensive line in Northeast Florida, and possibly the state.
2. Bolles Bulldogs
Bolles went 13-2 in 2025, won its district and advanced all the way to the state championship game before falling to Cardinal Mooney. The Bulldogs scored 659 points and allowed 264.
The biggest offensive star was running back Xander Edwards, who exploded for 2,532 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns. Wide receiver Naeem Burroughs added 18 receiving touchdowns, while Camden Tietze who had 11 receiving touchdowns returns.
Bolles will have to replace quarterback Jaden Weatherly and several seniors like Burroughs, but Edwards’ production gives the Bulldogs one of the most dangerous returning weapons in the region.Quarterback Jaxon Flowers is a 6-foot-3 duel threat quarterback to look out for.
3. Mandarin Mustangs
Mandarin finished 11-3 in 2025, won its district and reached the regional playoff round. The Mustangs scored 422 points and allowed 259.
Running back Shaunqueze Foster Jr. returns after rushing for 1,217 yards and 17 touchdowns on 170 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Wide receiver Brysen Wright scored 15 total touchdowns as he returns bigger and better if that’s concivable for the #1rated WR in the nation. Tian Wyche added 11 TDs but he is at Famu.
Miami commit Quarterback Knox Annis, who threw for 2,203 yards in 2025, also gives the Mustangs a proven passing threat.
4. Ed White Commanders
Ed White went 9-3 in 2025, won its district and reached the playoffs. The Commanders enter 2026 with one of the area’s most experienced offensive groups.
Quarterback King Boylston accounted for 13 rushing touchdowns and completed 61.6% of his passes. Running back Rontrez Loyd averaged 72 rushing yards per game and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.
Defensively they lose safety Julian Holt, they have one of the most talented secondaries in the area led by Jaquari Parks(Wake Forest commit).The defensive front is led by Mark Shiloh.
Wide receiver Nick Roberson caught25 passes for 512 yards and nine touchdowns. He will be replaced by committee with King Mercer, Michael Hinson, and Demetrice Hugger.
5. Oakleaf Knights
Oakleaf finished 8-3 in 2025 and earned another playoff appearance. The Knights scored 310 points and allowed 219.
The Knights had several statistical standouts, including running back Fareed Coleman, who rushed for 1,301 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jermaine Robinson led the team with 129 tackles, while defensive lineman Mason Thomas Jr. recorded 12 sacks.
Oakleaf has the size and athleticism to challenge the top teams in Jacksonville. An experienced winner at every level is Jaidan Delaune and now he leads the Knights. He and Mike Conner make a lethal combination.
6. Bradford Tornadoes
Bradford posted an impressive 11-2 record in 2025, won its district and advanced deep into the playoffs. The Tornadoes scored 380 points and surrendered only 94.
Running back Iyen Addison led Bradford with 1,191 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while quarterback Cy Cubbedge threw 24 touchdown passes. Defensive end Nate Raymond recorded 11 sacks. Jordan Cason returns as one of the top defensive players in the area.
Bradford remains one of the most physical teams in the region.They have a new coach in Ross Baker, who was hired in February 2026 after previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Valdosta High School in Georgia. He takes over the Tornadoes program following the departure of former coach Jamie Rodgers.
7. Nease Panthers
Nease finished 9-3 in 2025, won a playoff game and reached the regional round. The Panthers scored 372 points while allowing only 160.
The Panthers return several difference-makers, including tight end Chase Phifer, running back Enrique Ordoñez and quarterback Aiden Phifer. Safety Kash Kolbow is one of the area’s top defensive players, while Phifer and Tyshawn Ford gives Nease a major target in the passing game.
Nease’s 45-7 playoff victory over Oakleaf showed how dangerous the Panthers could be when everything is clicking.
8. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets
St. Augustine enters the season after another strong campaign and a playoff appearance. The Yellow Jackets defeated Bolles during the regular season and also knocked off Nease before finishing the year with a strong postseason showing.
St. Augustine has lots of holes to fill losing Brenton James (QB): The powerhouse signal-caller who threw for 2,544 yards and 32 touchdowns last year.
Julio Santiago (WR): A major deep threat coming off a massive season with 902 receiving yards and 47 catches.
Somourian Wingo (WR): Part of a lethal receiving duo alongside Santiago, racking up 759 yards and 42 catches last season.
Runningback Durell Preston returns and will carry the load for the Jackets.
9. Ponte Vedra Sharks
Ponte Vedra continues to rise as one of the area’s most consistent programs. The Sharks made the playoffs in 2025 and showed their ability to compete with elite St. Johns County opponents.
Ponte Vedra defeated Beachside in the playoffs and finished the season with a major statement victory going deep in to the post season.
They return running back Alex Winkles providing stability to the Sharks’ ground attack.
The Sharks’ lost alot of players as well, but their combination of quarterback play, athletic receivers and a physical defense makes them one of the teams to watch in 2026.
10. Columbia Tigers
Columbia went 9-3 in 2025, finished second in its district and reached the playoffs. The Tigers scored 313 points and allowed just 139.
Quarterback Xavier Collins threw 16 touchdown passes but he departed. Running back Jerome Horne rushed for 80.3 yards per game and scored eight touchdowns, while receiver Kyren Caldwell produced eight touchdowns and is the big name returning. Defensively, Terry Henry and Kameron Mills each recorded 11 sacks. A new quarterback will lead them.
Columbia has enough returning talent to make another postseason run.
11. Trinity Christian Conquerors
Trinity Christian finished 9-5 in 2025, won its district and reached the playoffs. The Conquerors scored 398 points and allowed 293.
Trinity remains one of Northeast Florida’s most respected programs because of its speed, physicality and championship tradition. The Conquerors will rely on an experienced group of playmakers who have remained at the program to keep the program near the top of Class 1A.
Terel Dallas and Hicks Zarah are two players that are ready to take the next step after a very successful season last year.
12. Beachside Barracudas
Beachside went 8-4 in 2025, won its district and reached the playoffs. The Barracudas scored 352 points and allowed 266.
Quarterback Eddie Jordan IV was the centerpiece, passing for 2,465 yards and producing 2,637 total yards.
Yet Brennan Monaco returns as a big play weapon.
Beachside’s continued growth makes the Barracudas one of the most intriguing teams in St. Johns County.
13. Baker County Wildcats
Baker County struggled to a 4-7 record in 2025 and missed the playoffs.
However, the Wildcats have a proud football tradition and enter 2026 looking for a major turnaround. Expect Baker County to lean on its physical running game and defensive identity while developing its younger players.
Delynno Ruise (RB, Jr.): The powerhouse of the Wildcats’ offense, returning after a stellar season as a 900-yard rusher.
Rhett Rhoden (WR/S, Sr.): A lethal two-way threat who already boasts nine career interceptions anchoring the defensive secondary.
Hudson Hodges (ATH/OLB, Sr.): A highly versatile weapon expected to line up all over the field.
Former coach Jamie Rodgers is back and he will turn the program around.
14. University Christian Christians
University Christian remains one of Northeast Florida’s premier small-school programs. The Christians enter 2026 with playoff expectations and a roster capable of competing with the region’s best Class 2A and 1A teams.
The biggest question will be replacing key contributors from last year’s group while maintaining the program’s physical style of play.
Key returners:
Khalil Thompson (QB, Jr.): The team’s primary signal-caller returning after a stellar season passing for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Kyree Wilson (RB, Sr.): A lethal home-run threat in the backfield who enters the season closing in on a massive career milestone with 3,807 career rushing yards
15. Fletcher Senators
Fletcher finished 6-4 in 2025 and narrowly missed the postseason. The Senators scored 229 points and allowed 163.
Fletcher returns several athletic players including running back Jahmyri Jennings who will power the running game and will need to turn close losses into wins. The Senators have enough talent to move up this ranking if they can improve their consistency against the area’s stronger programs.
16. Creekside Knights
Creekside remains one of St. Johns County’s most competitive programs. The Knights will enter 2026 looking to improve after a season that included several difficult matchups against playoff-caliber teams. DT Brian Harris (Oklahoma commit) comes over and will look to add much needed help to the defense this year.
Creekside’s success will depend heavily on quarterback play, offensive consistency and a defense capable of creating more negative plays.
17. Fleming Island Golden Eagles
Fleming Island finished 6-4 in 2025, including a 2-2 district record.
The Golden Eagles return a group of players who gained valuable experience last season. Sebastian Cruz and Tristan Stevenson were among the team’s top scorers, producing 36 and 30 points respectively.
Fleming Island has the potential to climb quickly if its offense develops after losing Stevenson. He is now at Raines HS. Chase Donaldson is a player to keep an eye on this year for Fleming Island.
18. Bartram Trail Bears
Bartram Trail went 4-8 in 2025, but the Bears’ record does not fully reflect the young talent on the roster.
Running back Arthur Lewis rushed for 86.4 yards per game and scored 17 total touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Gavin Peterson added 74.3 rushing yards per game and nine touchdowns. Tight end Leo Marucci averaged 44.7 receiving yards per game.
If that young core takes another step forward, Bartram Trail could be one of the biggest movers in 2026.
19. Bishop Kenny Crusaders
Bishop Kenny enjoyed a strong 10-3 season in 2025, winning its district and advancing to the playoffs.
Running back Caleb Mattison Jr. was one of the region’s most productive players, rushing for 1,733 yards and 28 total touchdowns. He returns.
The Crusaders will need to replace some key pieces, but the program’s depth and coaching keep them firmly in the Top 25.
20. Tocoi Creek Toros
Tocoi Creek continues to build momentum as one of St. Johns County’s emerging programs. The Toros have developed a reputation for athletic skill-position players and an aggressive offensive approach.
The 2026 season represents another opportunity for Tocoi Creek to take the next step and challenge the established powers in the county.
21. First Coast Buccaneers
First Coast enters 2026 looking to regain its place among Jacksonville’s top programs. The Buccaneers have the athletic talent to compete, but consistency will be critical.
A stronger rushing attack by dual threat QB David Hunter and improved defensive production could push First Coast higher in the rankings by the end of the season.
22. Riverside Generals
Riverside remains one of the area’s most historic programs and enters the season with a young roster capable of improving throughout the year.
New Head coach Jerrand Nesmith. was hired in June 2026. Alot of players came over from Impact, which will help the Terron Lundy (WR/ATH – Class of 2030): A highly regarded freshman athlete expected to immediately contribute explosive plays to the varsity offense, still June is very late to begin at a new school. Still there were young playmakers like Tre’Veon Gelsey currently there like (WR/ATH – Class of 2029):Terron Lundy An incredibly talented sophomore playmaker recognized as one of the best young prospects in the city.
The Generals will need to establish themselves early against Jacksonville’s stronger programs. If their young players develop quickly, Riverside could become a dangerous opponent late in the season.
23. Yulee Hornets
Yulee finished 8-3 in 2025, including a 1-1 district record, and was one of the strongest small-school teams in Northeast Florida. The Hornets scored 281 points and allowed 175.
The Hornets also had a strong defensive presence, with Jaison Brown recording 95 tackles. He returns.
Yulee’s physical style makes the Hornets a difficult matchup for any team in their classification.
24. Atlantic Coast Stingrays
Atlantic Coast enters the season looking to make a jump in one of the region’s most competitive areas.
The Stingrays will need improved production on both sides of the ball to move up the rankings, but their athletic roster gives them an opportunity to surprise teams throughout the season.
Clemson commit Desmond Malpress can lead a monumental turnaround for the team, if he can double his sack total from 2025.
25. Baldwin Indians
Baldwin rounds out the Northeast Florida Top 25 after a season in which the Indians competed against several of the region’s strongest teams.
The Indians’ placement reflects both their returning talent and the potential for a bounce-back season. Thomas Davidson is a Senior and Austin Wasdin, isalso a Senior.
Baldwin will need to play with greater consistency and find offensive playmakers capable of producing against the area’s top defenses.
