The 2026 New York high school football season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams looking to defend their titles and others aiming to make their mark. The High School On SI preseason rankings highlight the top teams to watch, each bringing a unique blend of talent and determination to the field.
From the defending champions to the underdogs the stage is set for a thrilling season. Let’s dive into the teams that are expected to make waves in the 2026 high school football landscape.
Defending Champions and Their Streaks
The Iona Prep Gaels start the season at the top of the rankings after winning back-to-back New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) and New York State AAA championships. Their dominant defense led by Wake Forest commit Joshua Simmons and Boston College commit Mamadee Sangaray is poised to repeat their success.
The Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) enters the season with an impressive 41-game winning streak, having secured three consecutive Class AA state championships. Led by senior quarterback Gradyn Dixon who threw for 1,864 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, CBA is a formidable force to reckon with.
The Garden City Trojans bring an even more remarkable streak into the season, having won 66 consecutive games and five straight Long Island championships. Their senior standout, Anthony Asaro is a key player to watch this season.
Rising Contenders Aiming for the Top
Several teams are looking to turn last season’s disappointments into championship runs. The St. Francis Red Raiders led by quarterback Trent Buttles are aiming to avenge their loss to Iona Prep in the NYS Catholic High School title game. Buttles, a Rutgers commit had an impressive season with 1,929 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
The St. Anthony’s Friars who made it to the NYCHSFL AAA semifinals last season, are backed by a strong roster including Boston College commit Xavier Bala. Bala rushed for 1,312 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, making him a crucial player for the Friars.
The Somers Tuskers are out for revenge after losing to Rye in the Section I Class A final last season. With a strong defensive core led by Cole Kennedy the Tuskers are determined to reclaim their dominance.
Key Matchups and Interstate Games
This season also features several high-profile matchups and interstate games that are sure to draw attention. The Corona Centennial High football team led by coach Matt Logan opens their season against Trinity League power Servite. This matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the season.
The St. John Bosco Braves will face the Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Gaels in a game that could be a real national championship preview. Both teams have the potential to finish the season unbeaten, making this a must-watch matchup.
Additionally, the 2026 schedule of interstate high school football games includes a variety of exciting matchups, such as Beaumont (California) vs. Hilo (Hawaii) and Chaminade (California) at Leilehua (Hawaii). These games add an extra layer of excitement to the season, showcasing the best teams from across the country.
As the 2026 high school football season kicks off, all eyes are on these top teams and their key matchups. Whether it’s the defending champions looking to extend their streaks or the rising contenders aiming to make their mark, the season promises to be filled with thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
