Mr. PA Football’s 2026 Pennsylvania Football Preseason Top 25 High School Power Rankings

Mr. PA Football’s Tremendous Twenty-Five Pennsylvania High School Football Preseason Rankings

(Power 25) Regardless of Classification

Honorable Mention:  Central Bucks West, Bethel Park, Springside Chestnut Hill, Bonner-Prendergast, Nazareth Area, Downingtown East, Haverford School, Southern Lehigh, Bethlehem Freedom

25.  Northwestern Lehigh (15-1)
Last Year: 19

Northwestern Lehigh enters 2026 off a 15-1 season and a trip to the PIAA 3A title game. The Tigers lose 3-year starting QB Shane Leh but return two All-State two-way standouts — Brady Zimmerman (WR/LB) and Michael Lagowy (WR/FS) — plus RB Chase Sukanick (13 rushing TDs in 2025) and linemen Maddox Hurdle, Nolan Koehler, and Fritz Scheirer.

Sophomore Trey Snyder takes over at QB, with the plan to lean on the run game early while he develops. Six offensive and four defensive starters return overall. Biggest question marks: QB inexperience, a rebuilt linebacker corps, and open competition at kicker/punter. Coach Josh Snyder (135-41 in 14 seasons) has the Tigers positioned as District-11 3A contenders again.

24. McKeesport (9-4)
Last Year: NR

McKeesport enters 2026 as a legitimate WPIAL 4A title contender, led by two elite Class of 2027 recruits: Kemon Spell — reigning Mr. PA Football winner, 5-star RB committed to Georgia, coming off 1,755 rushing yards and 28 TDs in 2025 — and Javien Robinson, a 4-star WR committed to South Carolina (18 catches, 370 yards, 4 TDs in 2025). Returning players Abraham Miller and Alexander Winowitch round out the supporting cast.

After three straight WPIAL 4A runner-up finishes, McKeesport has the star power to finally break-through for its first title in 20+ years.

23. Aliquippa (10-4)
Last Year: NR

Aliquippa moves down to Class 3A for 2026 after six years in 4A, still carrying the program’s usual championship expectations. Biggest change: three-year starter Marques Council Jr. has graduated (Yale commit); Handsome Lynn, who started in relief last season, is the likely new QB.

Returning playmakers Cameron Cannon and Matthias Cary lead the backfield, Mylez Green as a two-way standout and Jaiden Brown, Erick Raspberry, and Khier Kimbrough anchoring the line. Junior Anthony Ingram (6-foot-4 WR) is a name to watch.

With Aliquippa’s tradition and depth, the Quips should again be among the WPIAL 3A favorites — even while replacing their QB.

22.  Moon Area (9-4)
Last Year: NR

Moon Area enters 2026 off a 9-4 season and a second-place conference finish, with an experienced core returning. The big question is QB: three-year starter Andrew Cross graduated, and senior Max Harkins — who saw only limited backup action in 2025 — is the leading candidate to take over, though unproven as a starter.

The skill-position group is in good shape: Savario Vandetti (29 catches, 397 yards, 6 TDs in 2025, plus kick returns) leads the way, with Lucas Hoak, Dublin Jacoby, and Adien Wright adding experience.

Moon Area has the depth to chase another winning season and a deep WPIAL playoff run — if the new QB settles in quickly.

21. Coatesville (10-3)
Last Year: NR

Coatesville enters the 2026 season with the personnel to be among District 1’s leading Class 6A contenders. The Red Raiders return an accomplished offensive core led by Harrisburg transfer QB Mikal Shank, RB Andre Watson Jr., Florida-bound five-star OT Maxwell Hiller, and UAlbany commit C.J. Miller.

Shank arrives after a standout 2025 season at Harrisburg, where he threw for 2,647 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing 71% of his passes. Watson gives Coatesville an established rushing threat after producing 1,262 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. Up front, Hiller—listed at 6-foot-5½ and 305 pounds—and the 340-pound Miller provide the Red Raiders with rare size, experience, and college-level talent in the trenches.

With Shank’s experience, Watson’s production, and one of the area’s most imposing offensive lines, Coatesville has the talent to challenge for the District-1 Class 6A championship and make a deep run in the PIAA playoffs.

T 20. Cardinal O’Hara (10-5)
Last Year: NR

Cardinal O’Hara enters the 2026 season following a 10–5 campaign that culminated in a PIAA Class 4A semifinal appearance. The Lions narrowly fell to Southern Lehigh, 28–24, one win shy of the state championship game.

Competing again in the Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA Class 4A, O’Hara brings back a core of experienced contributors, including Joe McGinn, Demarcus Cain, Amaurie Gowans, Rahnir Clark, and Jackson Mitros.

Cardinal O’Hara should again be a serious contender in the Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA Class 4A.

T20. Imhotep Charter (8-5)
Last Year: NR

Imhotep Charter enters the 2026 season looking to build on last year’s 8-5 record. The Panthers open their new season with home games against Camden on August 29 and DeMatha on September 5.

Leading the way is senior QB Joe McLeish, who returns as the starter for his final high school season after committing to play at Morgan State next year. He’ll be joined by fellow seniors Kaeir Johnson, Kasim Green, and Nyeem (Forty) Powell, with underclassmen like junior Byire Murphy and junior Symeire Newsome also expected to contribute.  Junior DB Kaleb Woseley is drawing heavy recruiting interest heading into the season.

Expect Imhotep to be a legitimate Class 5A state-playoff threat rather than merely a district contender.

19. North Penn (12-3)
Last Year: 17

North Penn enters the 2026 season after a 12–3 campaign. The Knights captured the District-1 Class 6A championship and a trip to the PIAA Class 6A semifinals. Although the Knights must replace key graduates—including their quarterback—they return a strong foundation of skill talent and two-way experience. London Evans will be stepping in at QB and has looked the part in the off-season.

Senior Rylei Gray, a three-year starter who rushed for 1,196 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, leads the offense alongside junior running back Ziyon Smith and senior receivers Will Rittenhouse and Sal Colella. Gray, Smith, and Colella also provide valuable experience in the secondary.

Defensively, North Penn returns LB Tycho Bueters, DT Jamal Bell, and LB Jacob Garrett, while its experienced defensive backfield gives the Knights a reliable secondary. Sophomore TE/DE Jordan Patton has a high ceiling for the Knights and is one to watch.

North Penn has a strong returning core and should again be a serious contender in District-1 and a team capable of making a deep PIAA playoff run.

18.  Central York (11-2)
Last Year: 16

Central York is coming off an 11–2 season and enters 2026 as a major District-3 Class 6A contender. The Panthers will turn the offense over to sophomore QB Jamin Ilgenfritz, who takes over for Brooklyn Nace. Ilgenfritz is a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback with a strong, accurate arm and already holds multiple Power Four offers.

The Panthers return Kent State commit Legend Johnson, a senior Division I RB who also starts at LB. Central York also added Bishop McDevitt transfer running back Jerome LaRue, a Maryland commit, who is a home-run threat whenever he has the ball. First-team all-division WR DeMarcus Murray returns to lead the receiving group, giving Ilgenfritz an established target as he takes over at QB.

Central York’s schedule provides an immediate early-season test, with games against State College, North Penn, and Manheim Township before South Central Athletic Conference play begins. The Panthers also return several key defensive contributors, including LB/DE Cullen Gardner, LB Ali (Deuce) Johnson, and DB’s Josh Bahr, Doug Layer, and Jatniel Gil.

Central York has the talent and depth to make another deep District 3 Class 6A playoff run.

17.  Episcopal Academy (9-1)
Last Year: NR

Episcopal Academy enters 2026 after a 9–1 season and again projects as an Inter-Ac contender under head coach Todd Fairlie. The Churchmen return senior QB and Villanova commit Jackson Solley, RB A’ahzere Lucas, and TE/DE Dante Poole, giving the offense an experienced core.

Defensively, senior LB Kamau Kegler and DB Jackson Miller headline a unit that also returns valuable size and experience along the line. Episcopal’s demanding schedule includes Lawrenceville, The Hill School, Springside Chestnut Hill, Penn Charter, Malvern Prep, Germantown Academy, and Haverford School.

Episcopal has the experience and skill to challenge for an Inter-Ac title, though rebuilding the secondary will be a key factor.

16. Parkland (12-1)
Last Year: 13

Parkland enters 2026 after a dominant 12–1 season and returns the experience and talent to remain among District-11’s top Class 6A programs. The Trojans are poised to remain in the hunt for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference title.

Senior QB Finn Coen returns for his second year as the starter after passing for 1,471 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 292 rushing yards in 2025. He is joined by Villanova commit T.J. Lawrence, who rushed for 1,127 yards and 26 touchdowns while starring at LB, and senior WR/DB Blake Nassry, who recorded 449 receiving yards, nine touchdown catches, and six interceptions.

Parkland also returns senior WR Aidan Johnston, senior FB/LB Jaren Sanchez, senior return specialist Naquan Thomason, and key contributors along both lines. Junior Colby Hoffman adds depth at DE.

Parkland’s returning quarterback experience, Lawrence’s two-way impact, Nassry’s versatility, and a veteran offensive line provide the Trojans with a formidable base to challenge for another EPC championship and make a deep District-11 Class 6A playoff run.

15.  Avonworth (15-0)
Last Year: 9

Avonworth enters 2026 as the reigning PIAA Class 3A state champion, looking to build on last year’s title run. QB Carson Bellinger and ATH Luca Neal have graduated and the Antelopes will look to standout LB/RB Bryce Metz, who was Avonworth’s leading tackler in 2025 and returns as a key two-way player, to anchor the team. Losing Neal who was last year’s Mr. PA Football small school winner leaves big shoes to fill. Junior Jaden Jones also returns after contributing as a quarterback/receiver and defensive back and could factor into the QB conversation. Central Catholic transfer junior DE Xavier Harding is another outstanding edge rusher that is eligible for the regular season, but not the playoffs.

The Antelopes also bring back powerful senior RB Dimitri Velisaris and junior DE/WR Romello Harris-Blanchard to round out a talented two-way core. Coach Duke Johncour is back at the helm and Avonworth has the talent and physical style to make another serious run at a repeat state championship.

14.  Downingtown West (8-3)
Last Year: NR

Downingtown West opens 2026 as a seasoned District-1 Class 6A contender under head coach Tom Kline, with a tough schedule that includes Bethlehem Freedom, Perkiomen Valley, Coatesville, and Downingtown East.

Senior QB Devin Manning is taking over as the starting QB and replacing Cole Bricker. Key returning Whippets include senior Amari Cannon, senior Bryce Van Brunt, senior Marcus McComsey, senior WR/CB Brendon Kimble, plus junior RB/FB Jordan Quigley and junior MLB/FB Max Wolfington. Downingtown West has an experienced core and a major test before Ches-Mont play, the Whippets have the pieces for another deep Class 6A postseason run.

13.  North Allegheny (8-4)
Last Year: NR

North Allegheny enters 2026 with a strong returning core as it looks to stay in the WPIAL Class 6A championship picture. The Tigers are led by QB Brady Brinkley and an experienced group of two-way contributors: WR/DB Mason Brown, RB/DB Anthony Sisinni, TE/LB Henry Sheridan, OL/DL Grant Girty, OL/DL Aidan Urschler, and WR/DB Liam Stokes.

North Allegheny brings back a physical presence in the trenches along with experienced playmakers on the perimeter, giving the Tigers a well-rounded roster. If Brady Brinkley and the offense find an early rhythm, the Tigers have the depth and talent to make another strong push in the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.

12.  Upper St. Clair (10-3)
Last Year: NR

Upper St. Clair enters 2026 as a WPIAL Class 5A contender after a 10–3 season and deep playoff run. The Panthers return an experienced group led by senior RB/DB Max Ligier, senior WR/DB Anthony Rozzo, senior DB Carter Chojnicki, senior OL/DL Finn Corr, junior OL/DL Max Kile, and senior LB/RB John Banbury.

Upper St. Clair also opens the year ranked No. 12 statewide in our preseason Power Rankings. The Panthers are returning a great deal of two-way talent, physicality up front, and an established winning foundation and should again be a serious threat to make a deep WPIAL postseason push.

11.  State College (10-3)
Last Year: NR

State College enters 2026 looking to build on a 10–3 campaign and remain among Central Pennsylvania’s top programs. The Little Lions return key experience at the skill positions, led by junior QB Connor Kulka, senior FS/ATH Kellen Williams, senior RB Rowan Walker, senior WR/DB Anderson (A.J.) Fry, junior WR/DB Ethan Prenatt, junior DL/TE Cohen Johnson, and sophomore WR/DB Max Vendemia.

The line is anchored by senior OG/NG Anthony Sheffey and senior Matthew Gaul, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound DT/NG. Size and experience along the line of scrimmage, paired with a deep returning group of skill players, make State College a threat to be a major District-6 Class 6A playoff contender.

10.  Easton Area (14-1)
Last Year: 8

Easton Area enters 2026 looking to build on a 14–1 season that finished with the Red Rovers ranked No. 8 in Pennsylvania. Despite the graduation of standout QB Cole Ordway and several other key players, Easton returns enough emerging talent to remain a formidable team in 2026.

Easton Area’s 2026 roster features a strong group of returning players to watch. Senior TE/MLB Justin Cosover, a physical 6-foot, 191-pound anchor, is expected to lead the Red Rovers on both sides of the ball, while senior WR/SS Jayden Foreman brings veteran presence in the secondary and receiving corps. Senior WR/CB Sean McPeek adds size at 6-foot-3 as a perimeter target and cover corner, and senior Quamere Grant, at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, is expected to take on a larger role. Up front, senior T/DT Connor McQueen returns as a foundational piece in the trenches, while junior CB/RB Jeffrey Thomas is an athletic two-way playmaker tracking to make a major impact.

Led by head coach Matt Senneca, Easton remains a District-11 Class 6A program and should again be among the area’s leading contenders.

9.  Pine-Richland (11-2)
Last Year: 7

Pine-Richland enters 2026 as a WPIAL Class 5A contender after an 11–2 season. The Rams return an established core led by senior QB Aaron “Oobi” Strader, a Kent State commit who accounted for 2,979 total yards and 46 touchdowns last season, and senior WR/DB Khalil Taylor, a Nebraska commit, who totaled 571 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

Other players to watch include RB/LB Colten Andrighetti, WR/DB Nico Aiello, WR/DB Elijah Hill, and DL Max Visnic. With six returning offensive starters, five returning defensive starters, and head coach Jon LeDonne back, Pine-Richland has the experience and playmaking to make another deep PIAA state playoff run.

8.  Peters Township (13-1)
Last Year: 6

Peters Township enters 2026 as the defending WPIAL Class 5A champion after its dramatic 20–19 comeback victory over Pine-Richland. While the Indians must replace several senior standouts, their 2026 roster features promising key returners including junior WR/DB Dane McMillon, senior WR/DB Cooper Donovan, senior RB/DB Jackson Namy, and junior QB/DB Talen Stauffer.

The challenge will be reloading after graduating high-profile leaders such as edge rushers Reston Lehman and Lucas Shanafelt and QB Nolan DiLucia. Still, the program’s depth and championship experience should keep Peters Township firmly in the WPIAL 5A playoff conversation this season.

7.  Bishop McDevitt (12-3)
Last Year: 5

Bishop McDevitt enters 2026 as a Pennsylvania Class 6A contender after finishing 12–3 and reaching the PIAA Class 5A championship game last season. The Crusaders return key playmakers in senior QB Sebastian Williams, senior WR Jontai Quick, and junior WR/DB Howard Holton.

McDevitt also adds a pair of Cumberland Valley transfers in senior athlete Zayden Smith and senior safety/receiver Elijah Sherman, plus DuBois transfer Thacher Hanzely, a 6-foot-6 tight end/receiver in the Class of 2028. Junior lineman Andre Maina gives the Crusaders a major presence up front; he is a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle in the 2028 class, too.

Quick, Holton, Smith, Sherman, and Hanzely give McDevitt an explosive and versatile group of receiving options. The Crusaders should again be a major Mid-Penn force and a serious state-title contender.

6.  Harrisburg (13-1)
Last Year: 4

Harrisburg enters 2026 as a District-3 Class 6A contender under head coach Calvin Everett, coming off a trip to the PIAA Class 6A semifinal. The Cougars’ senior core includes WR/CB Jaiyon Lewis, RB/LB P.J. Dent, CB/WR Trays Walker, WR/DB Keijuan Sinkler, and Steel-High transfer QB Kayden Cole-Stephens, while junior ATH Ja’auan Johnson adds another returning playmaker.

Defensively, Harrisburg is led by senior DE Isaac John Lewis, a two-year starter who recorded 13.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss in 2025. The Cougars also add junior DE Turon Dennis, a Bishop McDevitt transfer, to strengthen the front.

That veteran leadership, athletic skill talent, and pass-rush potential give Harrisburg the ingredients to again challenge for the Mid-Penn Commonwealth, District-3, and a deep Class 6A state-playoff run.

5.  Roman Catholic (12-3)
Last Year: 2

Roman Catholic enters 2026 as a leading PIAA Class 6A and Philadelphia Catholic League contender after a 12–3 season and a Class 5A state championship in 2025. Replacing standout QB Semaj Beals is the central storyline; junior QB Jahmil Hawkins takes over for Beals, giving Roman Catholic a new leader under center in 2026.

The Cahillites’ senior leadership includes OL Sebastian Waddell, WR/DB Eisa Nealy, LB Walter Hudson, and edge rusher Austin (A.J.) Wright. Waddell brings imposing size at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, while Hudson—committed to Pitt—anchors the defense and Nealy adds a vertical receiving threat.

Sophomore phenom Coron Russell Jr. is Roman’s headlining young talent. The defensive back/receiver already holds 22 Division I offers and is regarded as one of the state’s premier young defenders, giving Roman a game-changing playmaker on both sides of the ball.

Veteran head coach Rick Prete and the Cahillites have proven playmakers on both sides of the ball and should be a major Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA Class 6A contender.

4.  Malvern Prep (8-2)
Last Year: 15

Malvern Prep enters 2026 with an experienced core under head coach Dave Gueriera. The Friars were one of Pennsylvania’s top programs after an 8–2 season in 2025. The Friars return several standouts, led by senior WR Cade Cooper, an LSU commit, along with senior LB Will Simmons, senior OL/DL Tyler Graham, and exceptional junior DE/TE George Parkinson IV.

The Friars depth at the skill positions and along the line of scrimmage should again make them a major Inter-Ac contender and again one of the best teams in Pennsylvania.

3.  St. Joseph’s Prep (5-5)
Last Year: 18

St. Joseph’s Prep enters 2026 as Pennsylvania’s No. 3-ranked team in our preseason rankings and a national contender. Despite a 5–5 record last fall, the Hawks return a talented senior core under head coach Tim Roken, led by CB/ATH Masiia Acrey, RB/LB Jaylen Jones, and LB Brandon Lockley Jr., an Oregon commit and three-year starter.

Other key returners include senior FS Dariel Jaquez, senior TE Jake Wilson, senior LB John Boggs, and junior WR Jett Harrison. Harrison headlines Prep’s underclassmen as one of the nation’s elite Class of 2028 prospects and an Ohio State commit. The Hawks have high-level talent across the roster and the personnel to contend again for the Philadelphia Catholic League and the PIAA Class 6A championship.

2.  La Salle College (13-1)
Last Year: 1

La Salle College enters 2026 looking to build on its 2025 PIAA Class 6A championship and remain a leading Philadelphia Catholic League favorite. The Explorers must replace several big-time players, including WR/CB Joey O’Brien, QB Gavin Sidwar, and standout OT Grayson McKeogh, but return a promising young offensive core in junior QB Luke Gordon and junior WR Owen Johnson.

La Salle’s senior defensive leadership is headlined by CB Trey Hopkins, a UCLA commit; LB Zykee Scott, a North Carolina commit; and versatile S/WR Chima Auguste. Under head coach Brett Gordon, the Explorers face a challenging slate featuring Paramus Catholic, Malvern Prep, Salesianum, Calvert Hall, and the Philadelphia Catholic League schedule, but should challenge again for another state title.

1.   Central Catholic (13-2)
Last Year: 3

Pittsburgh Central Catholic enters 2026 as a leading WPIAL Class 6A contender and is ranked No. 1 in the Mr. PA Football preseason Power Rankings. The Vikings are anchored by an exceptional senior offensive line featuring Notre Dame OT commit James Halter, Ohio State OT commit Jimmy Kalis, and Penn State OG commit Jon Sassic, while senior CB/WR Zach Gleason and senior RB/LB Roman Thompson lead the veteran two-way group.

The Vikings also have a potent junior backfield in QB Owen Herrick and RB/FS Chrys Black Jr. Herrick earned all-conference recognition after passing for 2,472 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, while Black is a dynamic two-way athlete with Division I offers from Indiana, Maryland, Kentucky, and Cal.

Under head coach Ryan Lehmeier, Central Catholic’s schedule includes Bergen Catholic, Pine-Richland, Mt. Lebanon, and North Allegheny—tests that should prepare the Vikings for another deep WPIAL and state postseason run.