Florida high school football 50 days away! Watch these 50 storylines

For most high school football teams in Florida, the Kickoff Classic — the unofficial start of the 2026 season — is just 50 days away.

The major storylines include new classes and district rivals, St. Thomas Aquinas' quest to repeat as national champion and several top recruits wearing new uniforms after offseason transfers.

But the biggest story is the Florida High School Athletic Association's new Open Division.

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE: Why Florida football recruiting still rules the national stage

The elite eight-team bracket with round robin play followed single elimination games has created a lot of uncertainty, questions and excitement.

The Open Division drama will play out during the entire season. Before then, here are 50 things to know 50 days before the season starts:

Familiar faces in new places

The offseason transfer window was in full swing once again, with hundreds of student-athletes switching schools since the end of the 2025 season. These are some of the top recruits at new schools for 2026:

A'mir Sears, Columbus ATH

Sears currently is the No. 2 ranked player in the 2028 on the 247Sports Composite rankings, behind Mandarin wide receiver Brysen Wright. Sears caught 11 touchdown passes and had 61 tackles in leading West Broward to the Class 6A state championship game last season.

Nick Lennear, Carol City WR

The five-star Miami commit has been an elite two-way on a Miami Northwestern squad that won the Class 3A title in 2024 and was the runner-up last season. Lennear is ranked No. 3 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100.

Niemann Lawrence, American Heritage QB

Lawrence, a junior, is ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the nation on the 247Sports Composite. The 6-foot-½, 202-pounder helped Miami Northwestern reach the Class 3A state championship game in 2025.

Brady Quinn, Chaminade-Madonna QB

Quinn, a three-star junior, arrives at Chaminade-Madonna after two outstanding seasons in Southwest Florida. The 6-1, 195-pound Quinn threw for 2,960 yards and 37 touchdowns at Lely in 2025.

Deion Jackson, Vero Beach LB

Vero Beach, the 2025 Class 7A state runner-up, adds Jackson from Legacy. The senior racked up 63 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles and two passes defended.

Kaleb Exume, Cardinal Mooney DL

Exume, a Boston College commit, is an athletic 6-3, 300-pound lineman. In the past two seasons at Parrish Community, Exume made 136 tackles, 42.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 53 hurries and four forced fumbles.

Tyler Reid, St. Thomas Aquinas RB

Reid, the younger brother of former Pitt All-American Desmond Reid, joins the Raiders after playing at Miramar. The 5-7, 165-pound Reid is ranked No. 89 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Pitt.

James Perrone, Miami Central QB

Perrone, a Pitt commit, was outstanding for Miami Southridge the past two seasons. In 2025, he threw for 3,231 yards and 33 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also rushed for 636 yards and nine scores.

New names in new places

Several top recruits have transferred into Florida powers from out of state this offseason. Here's a look at top recruits who could make a big impact this fall (This list doesn't include players who transfer into IMG.):

Austin Coles, St. Thomas Aquinas WR

Can’t stop, won’t stop. Got some work in at the UA Chicago Camp – Thank you! @STA_Football@SlyJohnson3#BEONWR@TheUCReport@GregSmithRivals@AllenTrieupic.twitter.com/TejDqG2x0o

— Austin “AC” Coles (@TheAustin_Coles) May 25, 2026

Coles, a Kentucky commit, posted back-to-back 850-yard seasons at Barrington (Illinois). The 6-4, 195-pound Coles set career highs for catches (53) and touchdown catches (seven) in 2025.

William Jackson, Evans QB

C🅾️MMITTED. 🐢🔴🟡⚫️

First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, trainers, and everyone who has believed in me and helped me along this journey.

After much prayer, thought, and conversation with my… pic.twitter.com/7RaTb81pH6

— William Jackson (@WillJacksonQB3) May 30, 2026

Jackson, a Maryland commit, is a Florida native who is returning home after playing at Camden County (Georgia) this past season. The 6-4, 211-pound Jackson threw for 1,923 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 251 yards and three scores in 2025.

Loia Valade, West Boca S

The 5-11, 180-pound Valade arrives at West Boca from McCallie (Tennessee). The Texas A&M commit had 456 receiving yards and five touchdowns and recorded 21 tackles with two interceptions and three passes defended last season.

Dajour Webb, Jones DL

Webb, a 6-1, 335 pounder, joins a loaded a Jones defensive line. The West Virginia commit was a two-way standout at Pine-Richland (Pennsylvania). He had 45 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery in 2025.

JC Wessel, Bolles TE

The 6-5, 225-pound Wessel is one of the nation's premier tight ends in the 2028 class. Wessel caught 18 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns and added 16 tackles and three tackles for loss at Frederica Academy (Georgia) in 2025.

Key non-district games

Florida's amazing talent pool means outstanding football games just about every week of the regular season. Here are some games every fan should have circled:

West Boca at American Heritage, Aug. 21

What a way to kick off the regular season. West Boca, which won the past two Class 6A state titles, travels to play an American Heritage squad that has won the past two Class 4A state championships.

Eau Gallie at Carrollwood Day, Aug. 21

An intriguing matchup of two teams that have been state semifinalists the past two years and have state title hopes this fall. Eau Gallie and Carrollwood Day both feature elite skill position players, including X'Zavier Corbin, Captain Rolle, James Allen and Brooklyn Maxey.

Cardinal Newman at Cardinal Mooney, Aug. 28

Another week, another meeting of defending state champions. Newman won the Class 1A state title in 2025, the first championship in program history. Mooney won the Class 2A state title in 2025 and is aiming for a third state title in four years.

Broward Classic, Aug. 21-29

The annual showcase featuring some of the top games in the nation has expanded to nine games in nine days. The highlights include McArthur vs. Mandarin, Chaminade-Madonna vs. Chatsworth (California), American Heritage vs. East St. Louis (Illinois), Archbishop McCarthy vs. Bolles, Columbus vs. Bishop Gorman (Nevada) and Aquinas vs. DeSoto (Texas).

Venice at Lakeland, Sept. 4

This is the first meetings for these state powers since playing in the Class 4S state championship games in 2022 and 2023. Lakeland has been the Class 5A state runner-up the past two years; Venice was a Class 7A state semifinalist last season.

IMG at The First Academy, Sept. 18

IMG plays only one Florida opponent this year — a First Academy squad that is looking to go deep in the postseason after serving a two-year playoff ban. This game features more a dozen players on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100.

St. Thomas Aquinas at Chaminade-Madonna, Oct. 2

Two of the top teams in the nation square off in the first weekend of October. These teams have met each of the past two regular seasons. Both games were decided by seven points or less. This should be another classic.

Key district games

Mandarin at Nease, Sept. 11

Two of the northeast Florida's most storied programs are in a district together this year and are poised for big time matchup. Mandarin's lone regular season loss was to IMG last season and returns most of its key pieces (including Miami QB commit Knox Annis and the No. 1 overall player in the 2028 class WR Brysen Wright), while Nease returns most of its offensive and defensive production from its 9-3 season.

Port Charlotte at South Fort Myers, Sept. 25

This game came down to the wire last year with Port Charlotte squeaking out a 29-28 win on the road. The Pirates have stars on offense, the Wolfpack can say the same on defense. Running the show for Port Charlotte is FSU QB commit Logan (No. 81) with Florida WR commit Elias Pearl (No. 11). The Wolfpack have talented younger players all over the field, and have Louisville commit Cornelius Tims III and NC State commit Jadell Carter on the defensive line.

Auburndale at Lakeland, Sept 25.

Don't let last year's 31-21 final score fool you. The Bloodhounds were a very young team last season, and gave the Dreadnaughts a fourth quarter scare after scoring 21 unanswered points with freshman quarterback Teo Edwards running the show. Lakeland returns a defense with three Top 100 players, and the Bloodhounds bring in a host of transfers while entering the year with an offseason of growth.

Riverdale at Cape Coral, Sept. 25

Don't expect the ball to be thrown much in this one. Riverdale has a pair of elite defensive backs in Vanderbilt commit Levi McKenzie and Latroy Pender Jr. Cape Coral also brings back a capable secondary with 3-star EDGE Maikol Armas on the outside.

Chaminade-Madonna at Cardinal Newman, Oct. 9

Think this one will have some meaning? Cardinal Newman stunned Chaminade-Madonna for the Class 1A state championship last year, and the Lions will be looking for revenge in this rematch.

Merritt Island at Eau Gallie, Oct. 9

Division I prospects will litter the field in this matchup. Merritt Island has USF commit Kevin Verpaele (No. 70) running the offense with Pitt commit DeShaun Thomas (No. 96) at tight end. Eau Gallie returns freshman running back phenom Xzavier Corbin, and 3-star QB Joseph Allen will be mid-season after missing all of last year with an injury. 4-star LB Gabriel Player highlights the defensive side for the Commodores.

Lake Wales at Jones, Oct. 9

This one is a rematch of the Class 4A-Region 2 championship that saw Jones cruise to a 24-10 win. Jones boasts one of the best defensive lines in the state behind Texas A&M commit Fred Ards III (No. 28) and West Virginia commit DaJour Webb. Lake Wales returns UCF ATH commit Kanelius Purdy with one of the most explosive secondaries in the area.

Armwood at Tampa Bay Tech, Oct. 9

The annual grudge match for Tampa is at the Titans' house this year, and it will be a good one like always. The Hawks have a stout defensive line with Nebraska commit Erroll Deomtagnac (No. 56) up front and LB Theo Wilson (No. 50) in the middle. Tampa Tech will look to 3-star WR Jordyn Murray with RB KeSean Smith carrying the load on the ground.

American Heritage at McArthur, Oct. 23

An explosive offensive against elite defensive talent – this one will have fireworks. Heritage, led by junior phenom QB Neimann Lawerence, has a pair of 6-foot-6 pass catchers in Kentucky commit Tank Proctor (No. 37) and BJ Outler. McArthur is looking to shut it down with a pair of defensive backs committed to Miami in Jaylyn Jones (No. 33) and Sherrod Gourdine (No. 66) with Temple commit Caleb Saint Fleur (No. 77) roaming the front.

Regions to watch

Class 2A-Region 3

This region consists of the Class 1A defending champions Cardinal Newman, Chaminade-Madonna (which has won 4 of its 5 last state title games), and Carol City which may be the most talented team in south Florida.

Class 3A-Region 4

This is a sneakily competitive region that has several contenders to make it out. Dillard is loaded with skill players and is looking to validate last year's undefeated regular season. Bishop Verot is always a playoff threat and has retooled nicely this year with a good balance of seniors. Miami Central is Miami Central with all of its national championships and a host of young talent this year.

Class 4A-Region 3

This region has a lot of parity at the top. Tampa Jesuit is a perennial playoff team and is stacked with defensive talent this year. Port Charlotte and South Fort Myers will battle it out in their own district that also include Fort Myers and Dunbar.

Class 4A-Region 4

This region is a who's who of south Florida excellence. American Heritage, Miami Norland, and McArthur are all in a district together with Miami Northwestern waiting in the wings.

Class 5A-Region 1

One of Class 5A's state finalists likely comes from this region. Mandarin is the Goliath this year, but Buchholz did take down both the Mustangs and Nease in last year's playoffs.

Class 6A-Region 1

DeLand, Boone, and Mainland had combined records of 31-6 last year While Lake Mary won the state championship.

Notable statistics

7: St. Thomas Aquinas' consecutive state title record

The Raiders have won an unprecedented seven consecutive state championships and appear to be one of the premier teams in Florida (and the nation) once again. Aquinas boasts four players in the top 20 of the USA Today Florida Network top 100, led by five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews (No. 1, Texas A&M commit).

19: Cocoa's regional championship streak

It's pretty amazing to think that if Cocoa's streak of final four appearances was a person, it would be old enough to vote.

53: Chase Burrill's touchdown passes in 2025

The St. Petersburg Catholic senior quarterback led the state in passing yards (3,677) and passing touchdowns, while throwing only four interceptions in 2025. Burrill led the Barons to a 12-1 record, with the lone loss coming to eventual Class 1A champion Cardinal Nemwan in the regional final.

473: Career tackles for Levi Champion

Champion, who transferred from King's Academy to St. Thomas Aquinas during the offseason, led Florida with 182 tackles in 2025. He finished third in 2024 with 176 tackles. Champion is committed to Liberty.

1,036: Days of Cardinal Mooney's in-state regular season win streak

No Florida team has beaten the Cougars in the regular season since Bishop Verot on Oct. 20, 2023. Mooney has lost only two games since then: Cocoa in the 2024 state semifinals and Cherry Creek (Colorado) in Week 2 last season. By the time Cardinal Mooney hosts Berkeley Prep in the season opener on Aug. 21, the streak will have topped 1,000 days.

2,629: Xander Edward's rushing yards in 2025

It was a banner year for Bolles junior running back Xander Edwards. Not only did he lead the state in both rushing yards and total touchdowns (44) in 2025, but he also broke Derrick Henry's state record for rushing touchdowns in a game with eight in a 73-49 win against Baldwin.

New coaches to know

Another year, another round of major coaching changes. Some of the state's perennial powers, including Miami Northwestern and Cocoa, promoted from within. Former Cocoa coach Ryan Schneider, now at Melbourne Central Catholic, leads a group of state championship coaches at new schools in 2026.

Jeremy Blunt, Nova Lakes

Nova Lakes is a first-year school in St. Cloud, but their head coach has an elite resume. Blunt won four state championships at Phoebus in Virginia. During his 14 years at Phoebus, Blunt went 153-23 with seven regional championships and four state titles.

Keith Brown, Miami Norland

Brown, an All-American linebacker on Norland's undefeated 2011 state championship team, takes over at his alma mater. Norland is hoping Brown provides stability after longtime coach Daryle Heidelburg moved to athletic director following the 2024 season.

Pat Fox, South Marion

South Marion's search for the first coach in program history wasn't exactly smooth, but it wound up with a state champion. After Kevin Saunders was hired then backed away, the Bears landed Fox. The former Pontiac Notre Dame Prep coach in Michigan won 89 games and a state title in 12 seasons.

Nate Hooks, Cocoa

Cocoa turned to one of its own, elevating quarterbacks coach Nate Hooks to head coach in February. Hooks, a Cocoa alum, spent the past three of the past four seasons as an assistant with the Tigers and helped the team with state championships in 2022 and 2024. Hooks previously was a head coach at Holy Trinity and Melbourne Central Catholic.

Eric Kresser, South Fork

Kresser, a former quarterback whose playing career includes the Florida Gators, Cincinnati Bengals and Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, takes over at South Fork after a successful seven-year run at Benjamin. Former Cocoa quarterback Champ Smith, a Harvard commit, will be Kresser's quarterback for the Bulldogs this season.

Ryan Schneider, Melbourne Central Catholic

Schneider, who guided Cocoa to three state championships and five state championship games, stepped away from the Tigers after eight seasons in January and was hired at Melbourne Central Catholic in February. Schneider went 82-13 with Cocoa and won state titles from 2022-24.

Jerome Thomas Jr., Miami Northwestern

Thomas takes over as head coach at Miami Northwestern, his alma mater. The Bulls essentially hit the reset button after losing the 2025 Class 3A state championship game as several top players graduated or transferred, and interim head coach Jaquatin Victrum was not retained. Thomas, who briefly played for the Washington Commanders, previously served as Northwestern's defensive backs coach.

Toro Wallace, Carol City

Wallace, who had been the offensive coordinator for multiple state championship winning teams at Chaminade-Madonna before stepping down during the 2025 season, takes over a Carol City squad with high expectations. Five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear, three-star running back Arwin Jackson and three-star edge rusher Trevoris Finley are among the players to arrive via transfer during the offseason.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida high school football: 50 storylines to watch before this season