Powerhouse programs are once again dominating preseason discussions, and the 2026 California high school football season looks to be another exciting campaign. California continues to be one of the top football states in the country, consistently producing championship-caliber teams and top college prospects. The fight for statewide supremacy is expected to be as fierce as ever, with challengers from Northern California and giants from Southern California.
Leading the way is St. John Bosco, one of the most complete teams in the nation going into the season. The Braves have one of the hardest schedules in America, a strong roster, and outstanding talent on both sides of the ball. They are the preseason favorite in many rankings due to their championship history and steady performance.
Mater Dei, another national powerhouse renowned for turning out elite Division I recruits, is not far behind. The Monarchs are still a serious contender for both state and national awards because they keep adding top athletes to their roster. One of the most important high school football games of the year is anticipated to be their rivalry with St. John Bosco.
After yet another outstanding season, Corona Centennial completes the top three. The Huskies have one of the best coaching staffs in California, a balanced attack, and explosive playmakers. They pose a threat to any opponent because of their physical style of play.
Santa Margarita Catholic, Mission Viejo, Orange Lutheran, and Sierra Canyon are among the other teams anticipated to contend for the championship. Each program combines skilled returning players with seasoned coaches who can go far in the postseason.
Traditional powers like De La Salle, Folsom, Pittsburg, and Serra (San Mateo) continue to have strong representation in Northern California. These teams regularly generate physical, disciplined football, and if they play in the postseason, they will put Southern California schools to the test.
Lincoln (San Diego), Cathedral Catholic, Murrieta Valley, Edison (Huntington Beach), Buchanan, Central (Fresno), Servite, Long Beach Poly, JSerra Catholic, Los Alamitos, Oaks Christian, Newbury Park, St. Mary’s (Stockton), Granite Hills, and San Ramon Valley are among the other teams that qualified for the preseason Top 25. They all have reasonable hopes of winning league titles and making it to the CIF playoffs when they start the season.
California High School Football Projected Top 25 (2026)
1. St. John Bosco
2. Mater Dei
3. Corona Centennial
4. Santa Margarita Catholic
5. Mission Viejo
6. Orange Lutheran
7. Sierra Canyon
8. De La Salle
9. Folsom
10. Serra (San Mateo)
11. Lincoln (San Diego)
12. Cathedral Catholic
13. Pittsburg
14. Murrieta Valley
15. Edison (Huntington Beach)
16.Buchanan
17. Central (Fresno)
18. Servite
19. Long Beach Poly
20. JSerra Catholic
21. Los Alamitos
22. Oaks Christian
23. Newbury Park
24. St. Mary’s (Stockton)
25. Granite Hills
As the season unfolds, these rankings are certain to change as teams face demanding schedules and fierce league competition. California’s football landscape is filled with elite athletes destined for major college programs, making every Friday night an opportunity for future stars to shine.
With powerhouse rivalries, nationally ranked matchups, and championship aspirations across the state, the 2026 California high school football season promises unforgettable moments from kickoff through the CIF State Bowl Championships. Fans can expect another year of outstanding competition as the race to be crowned California’s best team begins.
