As the highly anticipated 2026 high school football season approaches, the excitement under the Friday night lights is already building across Indian River County. The Vero Beach High School football program has officially secured a prominent spot in the newly released USA TODAY Florida Network Super 25 preseason rankings, cementing their status as one of the premier athletic programs in the state.
Vero Beach enters the 2026 season ranked No. 17 in Florida, following a stellar 2025 campaign where the team posted an impressive 14-1 record and finished as the Class 7A state runner-up.
Coming off an electrifying run to the state finals last year, Vero Beach is gearing up for a challenging and action-packed schedule. Local fans will not have to wait long to see high-stakes matchups. Vero Beach is set to face off against another top-ranked team in their upcoming preseason Kickoff Classic.
Upcoming Treasure Coast Kickoff Classics:
- Vero Beach vs. Cardinal Newman: On August 14, No. 17 Vero Beach will battle No. 19 Cardinal Newman. Cardinal Newman travels to the Treasure Coast fresh off a 12-3 season and a Class 1A state championship title, promising a thrilling and rigorous test for the local squad right out of the gate.
- Jensen Beach vs. Eau Gallie: Elsewhere in the wider Treasure Coast region, Jensen Beach will take on No. 22 ranked Eau Gallie in their Kickoff Classic, also scheduled for August 14.
Statewide Rankings Overview
At the very top of the USA TODAY Florida Network Super 25, reigning national champion St. Thomas Aquinas claimed the No. 1 spot. The powerhouse program received eight first-place votes following a 14-1 season and a record-breaking seventh consecutive Class 5A state title. Their roster is anchored by senior offensive tackle Mark Matthews, a Texas A&M commit who currently stands as the top-ranked player in the state.
IMG Academy, which enjoyed wire-to-wire dominance at the No. 1 spot in 2025, opens this season at No. 2 despite a flawless 9-0 record last year. According to the network, this marks the first time in the history of the Florida Super 25 that the Ascenders did not open the season in the top position.
With a top-20 statewide ranking and a roster hungry to return to the state championship, Vero Beach is primed to deliver another unforgettable season of local football. Indian River County residents and alumni are eager to pack the Citrus Bowl stands and support the team as they look to conquer their division once again.
