Jeff Fisher-2026 High School Football Preview

The 2026 high school football season is around the corner. Who will emerge as the best team in America?

Jeff Fisher, co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, returns to Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise for an inside look at the new HSFA national rankings.

Jeff examines the teams to watch across California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. He explains why St. John Bosco could run the table, identifies Miami Carol City as an underrated contender and previews the highly anticipated Bosco–Bishop Gorman matchup.

The conversation also explores the growing influence of NIL, the rise of interstate games, the challenges of comparing public and private-school programs, and the algorithm High School Football America uses to rank teams that—so far—“haven’t played a game yet.”

Which powerhouse will live up to its ranking? Which team could surprise the country? And will high school football ever crown a true national champion?

Jeff and Spencer take you around the country and inside the race to be the king of high school football.

Jeff Fisher is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, a national source for high school football rankings, scores, news and stories.

Follow the rankings and the season at HighSchoolFootballAmerica.com.

Listen to Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise at LifeStrengthMedia.com or say, “Alexa, play Eavesdropping.”

CHAPTERS

00:00 — Welcome and the 2026 season
02:10 — Interstate games and the influence of NIL
04:00 — Louisiana and Alabama teams to watch
06:58 — The return of Friday night lights
10:00 — California and Georgia powerhouses
15:04 — Coaches and players to watch
20:08 — Texas talent and the state-championship challenge
25:01 — Florida’s leading programs and key matchups
30:09 — Predictions: contenders, surprises and the nation’s best
42:01 — Following the HSFA rankings throughout the season