The 2026 Pennsylvania high school football preseason rankings highlight St. Joseph's Prep as the top team, previously finishing third in the state last season. Led by Jett Harrison, who recently committed to Ohio State, the team showcases a strong senior class, including Oregon-bound Brandon Lockley and Syracuse-bound Masiia Acrey. Other notable future stars include five-star recruits Maxwell Hiller and Kemon Spell, committed to Florida and Georgia, respectively. La Salle College, reigning Class AAAAAA champions, holds the second spot, while various other teams and players emerge from a competitive landscape in Pennsylvania.

By the Numbers
  • St. Joseph's Prep finished with a 5-5 record last season.
  • La Salle College recorded a stellar 13-1 record.
  • Maxwell Hiller is rated as the second-highest prospect in the 2027 class.
Yes, But

While St. Joseph's Prep and La Salle College dominate the rankings, there is notable competition from teams like Central Catholic and Roman Catholic, each having strong records, indicating that the race for the championship could be closely contested.

State of Play
  • St. Joseph's Prep is poised to improve on last season's performance with key returning players.
  • Reigning state champions from various classes include Clairton, Southern Columbia Area, and Avonworth.
What's Next

The season ahead is set to showcase these talented teams and players, with potential shifts in standings as new recruits emerge and teams adapt strategies. Expect intense rivalries and surprises as schools vie for championship titles.

Bottom Line

As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on St. Joseph's Prep and their standout recruits, but a competitive field ensures that no title is guaranteed, making every game crucial to the outcome.