New Jersey Super 25 football rankings entering 2026 season

With the high school football season getting started later this week for most teams, it's time to unveil the first New Jersey Super 25 rankings of the 2026 season.

Every week, voters from across USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey will rank the Top 25 teams in the state. The rankings will be posted every Tuesday morning.

Only four of last year's seven state champions begin the season ranked in the Super 25. There are 14 public-school teams and 11 non-public teams in the first rankings of the season.

Many Super 25 teams begin the season against out-of-state opponents, but there are three showcase matchups between ranked teams:

• No. 18 Toms River North at No. 21 Northern Highlands in the Jim Grasso Classic
• No. 12 Shabazz vs. No. 17 Atlantic City at the Battle at the Beach
• No. 7 Red Bank Catholic vs. No. 13 DePaul in the Battle in the 'Boro.

Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.

25. Rumson-Fair Haven

Public ranking: 14

The Bulldogs were defeated in the Central Group 2 sectional semifinals last year, ending a run of three consecutive Group 2 state title game appearances. They'll be led by two Ivy League recruits in senior running back/linebacker Ryder Izzo and senior defensive lineman Ben Gredell, and return all five starting offensive linemen. Junior Brady Williams and senior Casey Moore are competing for the starting quarterback job.

First game: Aug. 27 vs. Tottenville (N.Y.)

24. Delbarton

Non-public ranking: 11

Delbarton suffered a first round exit in the Non-Public A state tournament to eventual champion St. Joseph (Montvale). Rising junior Gavin Gilardi returns after 1,202 passing yards as a sophomore and adds a proven weapon with junior running back DJ Benfatti's transfer from Roxbury.

First game: Aug. 29 at Gilman (Md.)

23. West Morris

Public ranking: 13

West Morris swept the SFC Liberty White division and turned an undefeated regular season into the program's 11th sectional championship. With four sectional titles in five seasons, the Wolfpack remain a contender for a state title in Group 3. Running back Deacon Frayne's 1,423 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore announced him as one of the state's premier rushers.

Next game: Aug. 28 at Mendham

22. Mount Olive

Public ranking: 12

The Marauders scored at least 31 points in all eight of their victories in 2025, but fell short against West Morris and dropped a North 1, Group 4 sectional semifinal game to Northern Highlands. Running back Brayden Longo returns for his senior season after breaking through with 1,363 yards and scoring 28 total touchdowns in a variety of ways. Jared Martini guides a defense that forced 19 turnovers and returned four interceptions for touchdowns.

Next game: Sept. 4 vs. Randolph

21. Northern Highlands

Public ranking: 11

The Highlanders have reached three consecutive sectional finals, but has lost those games by four points, two points and one point. Last year, they fell in overtime to Ramapo, stuffed on a two‑point conversion while going for the win. Led by Penn State commit Carter Blattner on the line and West Point pledge Tucker Kanning at running back, they look to get over the hump this season.

20. Phillipsburg

Public ranking: 10

The Stateliners repeated as North 2, Group 4 sectional champions during a 10-3 campaign last season. Phillipsburg graduates several key pieces from that team but returns QB Dominic Bracco and RB Shane Moore, who are both expected to see an increased role in the offense.

First game: Aug. 28 vs. Parkland (Pa.)

19. St. Joseph (Metuchen)

Non-public ranking: 10

The Falcons went 8-2 last season and established themselves as the top team in the Big Central Conference, boosted by a win over Phillipsburg. While they graduated most of their skill position players, St. Joseph returns a strong nucleus on the line and on defense. It’s the largest team in Bill Tracy’s five seasons as head coach.

First game: Sept. 5 vs. Bridgewater-Raritan

18. Toms River North

Public ranking: 9

The Mariners return almost everyone from a team that went through a bit of a retooling year after winning the first three Group 5 state championships. Senior athlete and three-year starter Cole Garrison will be the starting quarterback after he was used mainly as the Wildcat QB last season. Senior linebacker and Duke University recruit Jack Baker is also a standout three-year starter.

First game: Aug. 28 at Northern Highlands

17. Atlantic City

Public ranking: 8

The Vikings made a huge statement last season, posting double-digit wins for the first time since 1999 and earning a spot in a sectional final. AC looks to hit the jackpot this fall, relying on an offense that returns eight starters. The Vikings have the ability to put up big-time numbers thanks to star quarterback Marvin Burroughs (2,679 passing yards, 30 touchdowns) along with a talented wide receiver corps that includes Don’Taye Thompson and Vish Turner.

First game: Aug. 27 vs. Shabazz, at Ocean City

16. Rancocas Valley

Public ranking: 7

The Red Devils have plenty of reasons to believe a big season is ahead as the team returns 17 starters, including all five starters on the offensive line. RV is deep in the pass-catching department with wide receivers Michael McQueen, Malcolm Harrison and Andre Birdsong along with Kris Oesterle, a three-year starter at tight end. The group will grow when Bryce Clark becomes eligible following his transfer from St. Augustine.

First game: Aug. 28 vs. Wayne Valley, at Ocean City

15. Wayne Hills

Public ranking: 6

After a few down years, the Patriots got back to a sectional final last fall. Seven All-Passaic County players return from that team, including wide receiver David Van Hook, who amassed 848 receiving yards and caught 11 touchdown passes. Senior Evan Rapoport (371 yards, 7 TD) and junior Ethan Zacharski (864 yards, 12 TD) both return at running back.

14. Donovan Catholic

Non-public ranking: 9

The Griffins return most of the key players from last year’s team that won seven straight games after a 1-3 start and advanced to the Non-Public B state quarterfinals before they were defeated by Holy Spirit in the final seconds. Among the returnees are senior quarterback Kahden Davis, senior running backs Ethan Nicolas and Alex Staten, and senior defensive back Jael Hester.

First game: Aug. 27 vs. Kingsway, at Rowan University

13. DePaul

Non-public ranking: 8

The Spartans have won three of the last four Non-Public B titles but don’t quite have the same talent level across the board. New quarterback Frankie Morano is a coach’s son and a hard-nosed player, and has an outstanding target in Kyron Dubose.

12. Shabazz

Public ranking: 5

After falling to Camden in the Group 2 state final last season, the Bulldogs are moving up to Group 3 but still expect to compete for a state title. Shabazz is led by an outstanding secondary. Rising junior Nasir Richardson is rated as the top cornerback in the nation in his class with more than two dozen offers. He anchors a defense that allowed 12.7 points per game in 2025.

First game: Aug. 27 at Atlantic City, at Ocean City

11. Camden

Public ranking: 4

The Panthers appear ready to defend the program’s first state title as the team returns a solid nucleus from that group. Sophomore quarterback Gregory Wyche Jr. returns after throwing for 719 yards and seven TDs last season. Daniel “Bear” Williams (6-foot-5, 370 pounds) anchors a big and experienced offensive line. Camden’s defense is expected to be lights-out, led by three-year starting lineman Anthony Nelson.

First game: Aug. 29 at Imhotep Charter (Pa.)

10. Old Tappan

Public ranking: 3

The Golden Knights have reached three Group 3 state finals in four years, winning two of them, and return several key players from last year's team that fell to Cedar Creek in the championship game. Standout quarterback Zach Miceli is blessed with pocket presence and fast feet, and tight end/receiver Shane Small and dynamic two-way player Leo Etter are starting to pick up college offers.

9. St. Augustine

Non-public ranking: 7

A new era begins in Richland as Bill Belton takes over as the new boss of the Hermits’ football program. After guiding his alma mater (Winslow) to consecutive state titles, Belton takes over one of the top non-public programs in South Jersey. St. Augustine boasts plenty of size and experience on both sides of the ball. The offense will focus around senior running back Roman Coney, who has rushed for over 1,500 yards in his scholastic career.

First game: Aug. 28 vs. Monsignor Bonner (Pa.)

8. Millville

Public ranking: 2

The Thunderbolts’ offense is expected to be electric with senior quarterback Robert O’Connor (4,694 career passing yards, 49 career passing TDs) along with senior playmakers Reggie Holley (19 total offensive TDs) and Jaden Days (9 receiving TDs). The defense will have some holes to fill, but returns a strong group at linebacker where senior Darnell Williams and junior Nyshon Jones roam.

First game: Aug. 29 vs. Erasmus Hall (N.Y), at Ocean City

7. Red Bank Catholic

Non-public ranking: 6

The Caseys return one of the state’s best backfields with quarterback Rahmir Rivera and running back Gabe Kemp, both sophomores. They also return junior wide receiver/defensive back Jason Berecsky, sophomore placekicker Simon Picnich standout senior lineman Jordan Key, Navy recruit and lineman Lorenzo Tartamella. The only two defeats last season came to Paramus Catholic, including one in the Non-Public B state semifinals.

First game: Aug. 27 vs. DePaul, at Rowan University

6. Paramus Catholic

Non-public ranking: 5

After coming close to a Non-Public B state title last season, the Paladins bring back sensational wide receiver Nehki Martin (Temple) and monster running back Chu Odoh (Penn State). The offense will be tough to stop.

5. Glassboro

Public ranking: 1

The two-time defending state champion Bulldogs enter the season with a Garden State-best 27-game winning streak. With its star-studded roster, Glassboro is expected to make another run at a state championship, but will have to do so in the larger-school Group 2. Oregon commit Xavier Sabb (18 total touchdowns last season leads an explosive offense, and North Carolina commit Tasheem Butler (138 tackles) commands a stout defense from his linebacker spot.

First game: Aug. 28 vs. Immaculata, at Rowan University

4. Bergen Catholic

Non-public ranking: 4

Sure, the transfer portal took more away from the Crusaders than it gave, but triggerman Trey Tagliaferri (Oklahoma) has a pair of Division 1 wide receivers to throw to and the young defense has potential. Would you doubt Bergen Catholic?

3. St. Peter's Prep

Non-public ranking: 3

The Marauders are breaking in a new quarterback, but any team with elite offensive lineman Oluwasemilore "Olu" Olubobola (Notre Dame) and running back Abdul Turay is a serious contender.

2. St. Joseph (Montvale)

Non-public ranking: 2

The Green Knights will be without coach Augie Hoffmann for the first two games of the season due to a school suspension for violating rules, but they’ll still have superstar linebacker Tahj Gray, and freshman Will Mitchell already looks like a major star.

1. Don Bosco

Non-public ranking: 1

With quarterback Carson Schoen having a year of experience under his belt and an aggressive defense led by Texas A&M commitment Makahi Allen, the Ironmen are poised to end their streak of five straight state championship game appearances without a title.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Passaic Tech

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey Super 25 football rankings entering 2026 season