Northeast Fl- Two weeks into the 2026 high school football season, the Northeast Florida landscape is beginning to take shape.Several teams also made significant moves based on their Week 2 performances. Bishop Kenny and Bartram Trail are climbing, while Nease and Ponte Vedra continue to search for their first victories.
Here are the Duval Sports D1 Week 3 Northeast Florida Top 25 Power Rankings.
1. Mandarin Mustangs — Previous: No. 1 | 2-0
Mandarin holds onto the top spot after another dominant performance, shutting out Atlantic Coast 50-0 in Week 2. The Mustangs have now outscored their first two opponents 88-21.
Shaunqueze Foster led the rushing attack with 112 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Knox Annis threw for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Brysen Wright added two touchdowns, including an impressive toe-tap reception.
This week: at Nease, Sept. 11.
2. Raines Vikings — Previous: No. 2 | 2-0
The defending state champions remain undefeated after cruising past Baldwin 52-14. Raines has scored 73 points through two games while allowing just 21.
Running back TJ Williamson continues to lead the offense, while Johdeem Jones has been a force defensively. Tristan Stevenson has also emerged as a key receiving target.
The key to success against Ed White will be the running game. White has been porous against the run in the past, if Raines can establish the run with Williamson and Curtis Asberry along with scrambles by QB Sa’mon Ellison-Morgan they will have a decisive advantages to keeping the ball away from the Ed White offense that put up 40 points week 1 versus Trinity.
This week: at Ed White, Sept. 4.
3. Ed White Commanders — Previous: No. 3 | 1-0
Ed White remains No. 3 after an opening-night 42-40 overtime victory over Trinity Christian. The Commanders were off in Week 2, giving them extra preparation time for the biggest game of Week 3.
King Boylston has been the offensive engine, while King Mercer Jr. leads the team in receiving production. Derrick Brown has also been a major defensive presence.
The key to success against Raines will be to shut down their passing attack with one of the best secondaries in the country led by Jaquari Parks, (Wake Forest commit)and Sidney Smith (offers from FSU, PITT, Wake Forest). If Raines gets it going through the air, it opens up everything else.
Can Ed White run against the best defensive front in Northeast Florida is the question?
This week: vs. Raines, Sept. 4.
4. Columbia Tigers — Previous: No. 4 | 2-0
Columbia stays at No. 4 after following its 20-19 upset of Bolles with a convincing 24-6 victory over Lakewood.
Jaylen Underwood, Zion Walker and Mathan Cook were selected as the Tigers’ players of the game.
Columbia has quickly established itself as one of the region’s most dangerous teams.
This week: vs. Madison County, Sept. 4.
5. Bradford Tornadoes — Previous: No. 5 | 2-0
Bradford stays in the Top Five after defeating Baker County 16-9. The Tornadoes are 2-0 and have shown they can win both high-scoring games and defensive battles.
Cy Cubbedge was outstanding, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 128 yards. Iyen Addison added 72 rushing yards and a touchdown. Bradford finished with 223 rushing yards.
This week: vs. Zarephath Academy.
6. Creekside Knights — Previous: No. 10 | 2-0 ⬆️ 4
Creekside is the week’s biggest riser among the established Top 10 teams.
The Knights followed their 21-14 win over Nease by defeating Fleming Island 45-28. Creekside has now scored 66 points in two games.
Timmy Goodrich Jr. has been a major offensive weapon, while Davis Baldwin Jr. has provided production on the ground. Defensively, Sutton Hooker continues to lead the way.
This week: at Fletcher, Sept. 4.
7. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets — Previous: No. 6 | 2-0 ⬇️ 1
St. Augustine drops one spot despite remaining undefeated.
The Yellow Jackets defeated Nease 28-22 in Week 2. Quarterback Cash Downey accounted for four touchdowns, running for two and throwing two more to Kaleb Stehr and Anthony Washington. Defensively, Markeal Logan recorded two sacks.
This week: at Menendez, Sept. 4.
8. Trinity Christian Conquerors — Previous: No. 11 | 1-1
Trinity stays at No. 8 after bouncing back from its overtime loss to Ed White with a hard-fought 14-8 victory over University Christian.
The Conquerors’ defense delivered when it mattered, holding UC to eight points thanks to Terel Dallas, Dylan Richards, Adrian Williams and Terrell Pinkney Trinity’s next challenge is another quality opponent.
This week: at Lincoln, Sept. 4.
9. Bolles Bulldogs — Previous: No. 9 | 1-1
Bolles remains No. 9 after responding to its opening loss with a 21-14 victory over Archbishop McCarthy.
Xander Edwards was the star, rushing for 101 yards while adding 72 receiving yards and a touchdown. Five-star defensive lineman Asher Ghioto also dominated with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and six quarterback hurries.
This week: Off. Next game is Sept. 11 vs. Bishop Kenny.
10. Oakleaf Knights — Previous: No. 8 | 1-1
Oakleaf stays put after taking care of business against Orange Park, winning 46-6.
Quarterback Jaidan Delaune and receiver/defensive back Syncere Murphy have been important pieces, while Isaiah Pierre-Val continues to anchor the defense. Pierre-Val is averaging 12 tackles per game and has 1.5 sacks.
This week: at Fleming Island, Sept. 4.
11. University Christian — Previous: No. 7 | 1-1
UC falls four spots after losing to Trinity Christian 14-8. The Christians opened the season with a 31-29 victory over Ponte Vedra, but could not produce enough offense against Trinity.
The UC defense remains a major reason to keep the Christians inside the Top 15. Geedarious Thomas and Justin Larosa fortify their front. Michael Gunter and Matthew Hammett handle the middle, while Kyree Wilson is the ultimate play-maker on both sides of the ball.
This week: vs. Lecanto, Sept. 4.
12. Baker County Wildcats — Previous: No. 12 | 1-1
Baker County stays at No. 12 following a 16-9 loss to Bradford. The Wildcats opened the season with a 31-19 victory over Clay County.
Baker County will have an opportunity to get back above .500 this week.
This week: vs. Baldwin, Sept. 4.
13. Beachside Barracudas — Previous: No. 13 | 1-0
Beachside remains No. 13 after a Week 2 open date. The Barracudas opened the season with a dominant 58-0 victory over KIPP Bold City. They’ll roll with Antonyo Davis on the ground to keep pressure on opponents
The Week 3 matchup will tell us much more about Beachside’s current level.
This week: at Tocoi Creek, Sept. 4.
14. Bishop Kenny Crusaders — Previous: No. 19 | 2-0 ⬆️
Bishop Kenny continues moving up after beating Ponte Vedra 28-21 in overtime. The victory pushed the Crusaders to 2-0.
Caleb Mattison has been outstanding, averaging 187 rushing yards per game and accounting for three touchdowns. Andrew McCoy Jr. leads the receiving group, while Bryce Lapenes has been active defensively.
This week: at Bartram Trail, Sept. 4.
15. Bartram Trail Bears — Previous: No. 16 | 2-0
Bartram Trail continues to climb after defeating Middleburg 23-12.
Sophomore running back Blake Soares led the Bears with 121 yards on only 13 carries. Xander Camus added 41 rushing yards and a touchdown.
This week: vs. Bishop Kenny, Sept. 4.
16. Nease Panthers — Previous: No. 17 | 0-2
Nease remains at No. 16 despite starting the season 0-2.
The Panthers lost to St. Augustine 28-22 in Week 2 after opening the year with a 21-14 loss to Creekside.
Chase Bogle has been a defensive standout with three sacks, while Chase Phifer has provided a major target in the passing game.
This week: vs. Mandarin, Sept. 11.
17. Fletcher Senators — Previous: No. 14 | 1-1
Fletcher falls slightly in the overall picture after losing a thriller to Plant City 27-25.
Quarterback Ty Keister completed 15 of 22 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Malcolm Mills caught four passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, while Jahmyri Jennings rushed for 63 yards and a score.
This week: vs. Creekside, Sept. 4.
18. Fleming Island Golden Eagles — Previous: No. 15 | 1-1
Fleming Island drops nowhere despite a 45-28 loss to Creekside. The Golden Eagles opened the season with a shutout victory over Atlantic Coast and now face another major test.
Zion Longmire and quarterback Greyson Critch are among the players to watch as Fleming Island looks to rebound.
This week: vs. Oakleaf, Sept. 4.
19. Ribault Trojans — Previous: No. 20 | 2-0
Ribault holds No. 19 after beating Andrew Jackson 34-14. The Trojans have started 2-0 and are beginning to look like a legitimate contender in Jacksonville. Wide Receiver Taevaughn Winters has 2 TDs through the air tossed by Leo Taylor.
Ribault’s physical rushing attack and defensive athleticism remain its biggest strengths. Led by Jalen Peters, and Shawn Frazier.
This week: vs. First Coast, Sept. 4.
20. Yulee Hornets — Previous: No. 21 | 2-0
Yulee stays at No. 20 after knocking off First Coast 16-13.
The Hornets have opened the season 2-0, and Liam Hice-Jones has emerged as one of the team’s top young offensive players. Duke Johnson has also been productive. Jaison Brown is a force on defense.
This week: vs. Fernandina Beach, Sept. 4.
21. Ponte Vedra Sharks — Previous: No. 18 | 0-2
Ponte Vedra drops slightly after falling to Bishop Kenny 28-21 in overtime. The Sharks are now 0-2 after opening the season with a 31-29 loss to University Christian.
Despite the record, Ponte Vedra produced 458 total yards against Bishop Kenny, showing the offense has the ability to move the football.
This week: vs. Merritt Island, Sept. 4.
22. West Nassau Warriors — Previous: No. 25 | 2-0
West Nassau moves up after another dominant performance, crushing KIPP Bold City 55-6. The Warriors are now 2-0.
Cameron Johns has been a force in the running game, while Shamoi Green has been one of the team’s top touchdown producers. Nate Batrous leads the defense in tackles.
This week: Off. Next game is Sept. 11 at Bayside.
23. North Florida Educational Institute — Previous: NR | 1-1 ⬆️ New
NFEI makes its debut in the Top 25 after defeating Fernandina Beach 24-11.
The Fighting Eagles bounced back from their opening-night loss to Bishop Kenny and now have a chance to build momentum.
Individual statistics have not yet been entered into MaxPreps, so the Eagles’ collective performance is the biggest factor in this ranking.
This week: vs. Bluffton, Sept. 4.
24. Episcopal Eagles — Previous: NR | 3-0 ⬆️ New
Episcopal is the hottest new addition to the rankings.
The Eagles are 3-0 after demolishing Englewood 47-0 in Week 2.
Freshman quarterback Justice Turpin threw for 197 yards and five touchdowns, completing 87.5 percent of his passes. Brayden Wessinger caught passes for 92 yards and three touchdowns.
This week: at KIPP Bold City, Sept. 4.
25. Stanton Blue Devils — Previous: NR | 3-0 ⬆️ New
Stanton rounds out the Top 25 after moving to 3-0 with a dominant 40-0 victory over Eagle’s View.
Arion Moore rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Pierce Macabasco threw for 86 yards and a touchdown. M.ichael White added 47 receiving yards and a touchdown.
This week: vs. Englewood, Sept. 4.
Week 3 Movers
📈 Biggest Risers
- Creekside: No. 10 → No. 6
- Bishop Kenny: No. 19 → No. 14
- New entries: NFEI, Episcopal and Stanton
📉 Biggest Falls
- University Christian: No. 7 → No. 11
- Fletcher: No. 14 → No. 17
- Ponte Vedra: No. 18 → No. 21
🔥 Week 3 Games to Watch
The rankings could change dramatically after Friday night.
Raines at Ed White is the marquee Jacksonville matchup, with the defending state champion facing an unbeaten Commanders team that has already survived a 42-40 thriller against Trinity.
Bishop Kenny at Bartram Trail is another major Top 25 showdown, while Creekside at Fletcher gives the Knights an opportunity to move to 3-0.
Oakleaf at Fleming Island is also important for two teams trying to establish themselves in the upper half of the rankings.
Meanwhile, Mandarin gets a week off from game action before traveling to Nease on Sept. 11, setting up a major district matchup. The Mustangs are currently 2-0 and have outscored their opponents 88-21.
After two weeks, Mandarin has the No. 1 ranking. Raines remains the defending champion sitting at No. 2. But with Creekside, Columbia, Bradford, Bishop Kenny and Bartram Trail all producing strong starts, the race for the top of Northeast Florida is already becoming crowded.
