We’re not even at the spring point of the offseason for states across the country, but releasing our rosters “too early” never fails and for those in the state of Florida, high school football never sleeps.
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There are plenty of stories galore throughout this offseason as we now head across the country for early matchups and state championship predictions as the high school football season begins to pick up steam with transfers and coaching changes happening every day.
Who will come out on top in the 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship games with the new rankings now officially in place? We give you who will be in the new Open Division and classes 6A-1A. I’ll add my predictions versus now and see who comes out ahead in these initial predictions.
Here are the too-early Florida high school football state championship game predictions for the 2026 season:
Open Division
Saint Thomas Aquinas Assailants vs. Plantation American heritage Patriots
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Now this is a heavyweight matchup that anyone would sign up to see at Pitbull Stadium at 305. The Raiders vs. the Patriots. Two teams armed with state championships from a year ago and remember, the teams that will qualify for the Open Division must have won titles in the past. You won’t see any team make it to the big game without having done so first, and what better matchup than these two teams? The two have faced each other in the regular season and in recent years, so why not add a championship matchup as well?
Andy’s prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 42, American Heritage Plantation 38
Teams expected to be in the first Open Division playoff: Saint Thomas Aquinas, Plantation American Heritage, Columbus, Cardinal Mooney, Miami Carol City, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Armwood, West Boca Raton
Class 6A
Deland Bulldogs vs. Venice indians
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The state’s highest classification is now Class 6A, with the FHSAA eliminating Class 7A and Columbus entering the Top 8, the Explorers are out of the state title conversation. Deland and Venice are two teams that I think will have multiple losses under their belt, but that will only further prepare them for deep playoff runs once again when the two suburban schools meet in a rematch of a 2022 state semifinal, which the Indians won. Both Deland’s Rick Darlington and Venice’s John Peacock are two of Florida’s best-known high school football coaches and each has the talent that would put them in this situation. I would expect a high-scoring matchup between the two programs, but Venice barely edged out Deland in an offensive shootout in Miami.
Andy’s prediction: Venice 38, Deland 33
Class 5A
FW Buchholz Bobcats vs. lake land Battleships
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With St. Thomas Aquinas, West Boca Raton and Armwood included in the vaunted Open Division, this sets up a rematch of a state semifinal game from a couple of years ago when the Bobcats and Dreadnaughts faced off. Although Lakeland would be a strong candidate to make the first Open Division playoff, I can see them finishing just outside the Top 8 and competing for a 10th state championship against a Buchholz team that could be as talented as ever. With the Dreadnaughts’ defense featuring an elite defensive line, led by EDGEs Santana Harvey and Drew Sapp, Lakeland could be on its way to another state crown.
Andy’s prediction: Lakeland 20, FW Buchholz 17
Class 4A
Lake Wales Mountaineers vs. Port Charlotte Pirates
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I can’t even begin to think about how many points could be scored in this contest, and given that Port Charlotte has never won a title, I don’t see this as far-fetched at all. Now Lake Wales has won a state championship, but being in the Open Division conversation will keep them on the outside looking in during the 2026 campaign. With both teams boasting some of the best skill position talent in the state, this could be a matchup many would love to see in the future.
Andy’s prediction: Port Charlotte 49, Lake Wales 48
Class 3A
Water Gallie Commodores vs. Downtown Miami rockets
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You’re probably wondering how Miami Central didn’t make the Open Division playoffs. Well, with the non-district schedule they’ve put together, that will probably take them down a notch or two, but it will surely make this one of the most battle-tested teams in 3A with games against Orange Lutheran (Calif.) and Buford (Ga.) under their belt. The Rockets will face a promising Eau Gallie team that has accumulated talent and should be among the championship contenders.
Andy’s prediction: Miami Central 31, Eau Gallie 14
Class 2A
Cardinal Newman Crusaders vs. The Bolles School bulldogs
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We have a returning state champion Cardinal Newman Crusaders, last year’s 1A champion, taking on the Bolles School Bulldogs, who were knocking on the door in last year’s 2A final. It doesn’t get any better than this and yes, I was considering teams like Clearwater Central Catholic and The First Academy in this equation. Either team could appear here, but my gut right now tells me that the Bulldogs and the Crusaders will have talent to return, and this time the former will win the 12th title.
Andy’s prediction: Bolles School 24, Cardinal Newman 21
Class 1A
Blountstown Tigers vs. True North Classical Academy Titans
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With reclassification and the addition of rural schools to the mix, Blountstown makes its appearance in the state championship game for the first time since 2019 against a super-talented True North Classical Academy team that has a group of returners. I give the edge in this game to the Titans as they bring back 2027 quarterback Zac Katz, who is already committed to Florida Atlantic.
Andy’s prediction: True North Classical Academy 35, Blountstown 21
How to Follow Florida High School Football
For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores from around the country, staying up to date on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Sunshine State, ensuring you’ll never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From thrilling finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination to follow all the excitement of high school football across the state of Florida.