Florida football is different. If you’ve ever stood on a humid sideline in Hollywood or Bradenton in August, you know exactly what I mean. The air is thick enough to chew, the pads are clacking, and the speed on the field looks like it belongs on a Sunday afternoon in the NFL, not a Friday night in the suburbs. Everyone wants to know who holds the crown for the best high school football team in Florida, but honestly? It depends on who you ask and what day of the week it is.
For years, the debate has centered on a few "untouchables." You have the private powerhouse recruiting machines, the historic public schools with 100 years of tradition, and the independent academies that function more like pro franchises than actual schools.
The Reign of St. Thomas Aquinas
Let’s talk about the Raiders. St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) isn't just a team; it’s a factory. They recently pulled off something that sounds fake but is 100% real: seven consecutive state championships. They capped their 2025 season with a 14-1 record and a 29-0 demolition of Lakeland in the Class 5A title game.
Mason Mallory, their quarterback, threw for 272 yards in that finale. He made it look easy. But the reason people call them the best high school football team in Florida isn’t just about one quarterback. It’s about the depth. When a starter goes down at STA, a four-star recruit usually steps off the bench to replace him. They finished 2025 as the High School Football America National Champions. That's not just "best in the state" talk—that's best in the country.
Why STA Stays on Top
It’s the coaching of Roger Harriott. It’s the alumni list that includes guys like the Bosa brothers. It’s a culture where losing a single game, like they did in Week 1 to Mater Dei, is treated like a national emergency. They responded to that loss by winning 14 straight games. That is how you define a "best" team.
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The IMG Academy "Problem"
Now, if we are being real, we have to talk about IMG Academy in Bradenton. This is where the debate gets messy. IMG doesn’t play for a Florida state title because they aren't part of the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) series. They play a national schedule.
They finished 9-0 in 2025. They have players like Keenyi Pepe, a massive offensive lineman committed to Alabama, and Zech Fort, a safety heading to Georgia. Because they don't play in the playoffs, some fans refuse to call them the best in Florida.
"They’re an All-Star team," people say.
Maybe. But if you put IMG on the field against any other team in this state, they are usually the favorites. They are basically a college program disguised as a high school. They had four alumni taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, including Tyler Booker at No. 12 overall. That kind of talent is hard to argue with.
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Chaminade-Madonna: The Giant Killers
Down in Hollywood, the Lions of Chaminade-Madonna have been doing things that defy logic for a school of their size. For a long time, they were the undisputed kings of the smaller classifications. They are flashy. They play with a swagger that is pure South Florida.
In 2025, they went 11-3. They made it to the Class 1A state championship again, though they suffered a shocking upset at the hands of Cardinal Newman. Even with that loss, their roster is terrifying. They’ve produced players like Jeremiah Smith, who is currently lighting up the Big Ten at Ohio State.
The New Blood Rising
While Chaminade and STA dominate the headlines, keep your eyes on schools like Lake Mary and Raines.
- Lake Mary: They stunned people in 2025 by winning the 7A title.
- Raines: A Jacksonville staple that went 14-0 to take the 3A crown.
- Miami Northwestern: Under the "Drive to 305" banner, they remain a nightmare for anyone traveling to Traz Powell Stadium.
How the Rankings Actually Work
Google any ranking and you'll see a mix of computer algorithms and human "vibe checks." MaxPreps uses a strength-of-schedule formula that loves IMG Academy. The FHSAA power rankings care more about who you beat within the state playoff system.
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Honestly, the best high school football team in Florida is a moving target. In 2025, St. Thomas Aquinas proved they have the best "program." They have the hardware. But if you want the team with the most pure, NFL-ready talent? That’s probably IMG. If you want the team that represents the "soul" of Florida football—the speed, the trash talk, the community passion—you look at Miami Central or Miami Northwestern.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you are a parent or a player trying to navigate this landscape, or just a fan wanting to see the best games, here is the reality:
- Watch the "Big Three" Schedule: If you want to see the highest level of play, look for when STA, IMG, or Chaminade-Madonna play out-of-state giants. That’s where the real speed is shown.
- Don't Ignore North Florida: Jacksonville and the Panhandle get overlooked because of the South Florida hype, but teams like Raines and Buchholz are consistently elite.
- The "Transfer" Factor: In Florida, players move schools often. A team that was 5-5 last year could be 10-0 this year just by picking up three key transfers in the spring.
- Attend a State Final: If you can, get to Pitbull Stadium in Miami for the championships. There is no better way to see who is actually the best than seeing them clash on that turf in December.
Florida football isn't going to slow down. The 2026 season is already looking like a collision course between these powerhouses. Whether it's the disciplined machine at St. Thomas or the raw, high-flying talent at Chaminade-Madonna, the crown is always up for grabs.
To stay ahead of the curve, follow the FHSAA weekly power rankings starting in September. Check the "Strength of Victory" (SOV) metric specifically—it’s the best indicator of which teams are actually beating quality opponents rather than just padding their stats against weak schedules.