2026 PFN Preseason Pennsylvania High School Football Rankings

The 2026 Pennsylvania preseason high school football rankings place St. Joseph’s Prep at the forefront of statewide competition, anchored by elite recruits including Ohio State commit Jett Harrison. Released ahead of the upcoming fall season, the MaxPreps Top 25 highlights top programs across the Commonwealth as teams prepare for competitive regional schedules.

Top-Ranked Contenders in the 2026 Preseason List

St. Joseph’s Prep enters the season as a primary focal point of the rankings, boosted by a formidable roster. According to MaxPreps, the Hawks finished as the No. 3 team in Pennsylvania last year and boast high-profile talent across multiple grade levels. Junior receiver Jett Harrison, son of NFL Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison, committed to Ohio State and stands as the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2028, according to 247sports.

The supporting cast for St. Joseph’s Prep features a stout senior class. Linebacker Brandon Lockley is committed to Oregon, while cornerback Masiia Acrey is pledged to Syracuse, providing the program with high-level Division I experience on both sides of the ball.

The Complete MaxPreps Preseason Top 25

The statewide landscape features a mix of perennial powerhouses and rising scholastic programs. According to MaxPreps, the complete 2026 preseason top 25 rankings comprise:

• 1. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia)
• 2. La Salle College (Wyndmoor)
• 3. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh)
• 4. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)
• 5. Malvern Prep (Malvern)
• 6. Harrisburg
• 7. Peters Township (McMurray)
• 8. Avonworth (Pittsburgh)
• 9. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg)
• 10. Easton Area (Easton)
• 11. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)
• 12. Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast Catholic (Drexel Hill)
• 13. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia)
• 14. Downingtown West (Downingtown)
• 15. North Allegheny (Wexford)
• 16. State College
• 17. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
• 18. Cardinal O’Hara (Springfield)
• 19. Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square)
• 20. North Penn (Lansdale)
• 21. Upper St. Clair
• 22. Aliquippa
• 23. Parkland (Allentown)
• 24. McKeesport
• 25. Northwestern Lehigh (New Tripoli)

As the season approaches, attention turns to how these 25 programs will navigate their respective district schedules and position themselves for state championship runs in late autumn. The depth of talent across the Commonwealth ensures that the road to the state finals will test the resilience, coaching, and depth of every contending roster.