The slow rumble toward the 2026 high school football season is omnipresent.
Practices each day become more physical. Schemes are being taught, and film study becomes mandatory, with Week 0 games set for Aug. 20 and 21.
So who are the Top 25 teams in the LA Daily News area heading into the regular season?
It’s time to unpack and rank the best programs in the area.
DAILY NEWS PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Sierra Canyon
First game: at JSerra, Aug. 21
Sierra Canyon brings forth what may be its most talented team in the school’s brief but growing history. Division I studs abound on both sides of the ball. Let’s start on the defensive line, led by Texas commit Kasi Currie, who is joined by Orange Lutheran transfer and Ohio State commit Marcus Fakatoa and Brayden Tautalo. High-end defensive backs led by team captain and UCLA commit Myles Baker and JSerra transfer Duvay Williams. That physicality upfront is matched by an offensive line anchored by Braydenn Mercer (UNLV commit), Tyson Seidman (San Diego State) and 6-foot-6, 300-pound junior Lance “Tater” Ciechanowski. What’s even scarier? Their best blocker might be 6-foot-6 sophomore Hunter Bryant. Talent at the wide receiver position is led by Sir Homer King Webb, with a starting quarterback competition between senior Demarco Hernandez and sophomore lefty Ian Patterson. Sierra Canyon isn’t just talented. The Trailblazers come in wanting to set a physical tone at the line of scrimmage.
2. Chaminade
First game: at Leilehua (Hawaii), Aug. 13
Chaminade will set the physical tone led by 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive lineman Jackson Hill, a senior Notre Dame commit. Hill’s technique packed in with his massive strength should allow for Chaminade to win in the trenches on most nights. Under center will be sophomore Jeremy Mellalieu, who is ready to take command of the offense after receiving significant playing time as a freshman. He passed for 565 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games. Defensive lineman Kingston Williams (UNLV commit) brings pressure and will look to topple Sierra Canyon in the talented Mission League.
3. Westlake
First game: at Newbury Park, Aug. 21
Skill players don’t get more elite than what Westlake has in wide receiver Charles “Spyda” Davis, who is committed to Cal. Davis is joined by fellow Cal-bound wideout Demare Dezeurn. The speedy 5-foot-10 Dezeum caught 64 passes for 1,372 yards and 21 touchdowns at Palisades last season before transferring to Westlake. The addition of Dezeurn gives sophomore QB Ford Green two outstanding receivers to target. Green had a massive freshman year as he threw for 2,195 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. Mix in receiver/free safety Erik Green (55 receptions, 625 yards, five touchdowns, 33 tackles, two interceptions) with 6-foot-6 defensive lineman Dylan Bruns and Westlake brings a team capable of dominating the Conejo Coast League and sustaining a deep playoff run.
4. Oaks Christian
First game: at Chaminade, Aug. 21
Oaks Christian boasts one of the most explosive defensive lineman in the country in USC commit Alifeleti Tuihalamaka. Much will be asked of Tuihalamaka, who will be paired with edge rusher Zane Reed. Oaks Christian will carry plenty of depth at the quarterback position. The group includes dual-threat sophomore Talis Payne, who is a 5-foot-11 transfer from University Prep in Redding. He carries offers from Southern, Hawaii, Georgia State and Sacramento State.
5. Newbury Park
First game: vs. Westlake, Aug. 21
Yes, Newbury Park graduated Brady Smigiel, who is now at Michigan. Now entering the fray under center is Daniel Tromello, a 6-foot-4 freshman. Tromello trains with Cameron Rising a fellow Panther who was a college standout at the University of Utah. Tromello has a target in 5-foot-10 Darrien Johnson. Newbury Park is young and unproven, but still, the fall won’t be as steep as one might think.
6. Agoura
First game: vs. Saugus, Aug. 21
Senior George Hastings is the key to the Chargers’ success. Agoura plays a physical style of football, well disciplined and looking to build off its 10-3 record last season.
7. Saugus
First game: at Agoura, Aug. 21
Saugus graduated several key seniors including starting quarterback Jake Nuttal and running back Ty Hall. What returns is a foundation set by the school’s all-time leading receiver, Landon Lattimore. Lattimore’s abilities as both a target and impact as a free safety, with his combined leadership, will elevate his teammates’ play.
8. Paraclete
First game: at St. Bonaventure, Aug. 20
Talented, physical, and multiple key returners have Paraclete set up for a road that could be lined with a state title when its season is completed. Senior Kyle Fulton Jr. returns alongside quarterback/linebacker Jeffery Patino. Paraclete is a team that doesn’t wait to establish tempo under coach Erick Jackson.
9. Hart
First game: vs. Birmingham, Aug. 21
A loss to Birmingham early last season awoke Hart and allowed Matix Frithsmith to put together a masterful 2025 campaign. Frithsmith rushed for over 1,000 yards and had over 1,000 receiving yards. Hart’s offensive line brings more experience, led by 6-foot-5 Sebastian Valenzuela.
10. Notre Dame
First game: at Crespi, Aug. 21
Notre Dame wide receiver Emmanuel Pullins is an elite track star with multiple Division I offers. Senior Tahj Skinner is committed to San Diego State. The collection of athletes and the innate discipline Notre Dame plays with makes the Knights a tough team no matter the opponent. Standouts at the line of scrimmage include seniors William Brockermeyer and Palmer Connery.
11. Calabasas
First game: at Alemany, Aug. 21
Senior Kingston Celifie, who is a UCLA commit, is one of the top two-way players in the country. But can his team follow suit collectively? Calabasas also has returning senior offensive lineman Donald Penn III. Calabasas is fast and athletic with skill position players and is big on the offensive line. Now it’s just a matter of putting it all together.
12. Valencia
First game: at Simi Valley, Aug. 21
Valencia will look to return to the top of the Foothill League but have a tough road to climb after the program graduated leading rusher Brian Bonner Jr., who is now at the University of Washington, and Brady Bretthauer, who is now at College of the Canyons. Senior Nico Funez returns at wide receiver and cornerback, along with San Diego State commit Caysen Badawi and junior linebacker Justin Simon. Those players should solidify the Vikings’ defense.
13. Crespi
First game: vs. Notre Dame, Aug. 21
Crespi returns quarterback Chase Curren (2,351 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions) along with sophomore receiver Harlem Bullock, who last season showed an ability to make catches through contact. A high-powered offense allowed Crespi to win the Del Rey League and finish 10-1 last season. There is more for Crespi to prove this season. This is a team with depth and talent on both sides of the ball. Watch out for linebacker Darryl Jones, who had an impressive sophomore campaign with 68 tackles, five tackles for loss and three pass deflections.
14. Quartz Hill
First game: vs. Chino Hills, Aug. 21
The addition of two transfers from Burbank, quarterback Deshawn Laporte and wide receiver Tyler Hudson, make Quartz Hill an immediate contender. Hudson’s length and hands and Laporte’s abilities as a playmaker with his arm and legs (3,900 passing yards, 54 touchdowns in 2025) will be combined with the return of 6-foot-2 defensive lineman RJ Echanique.
15. Simi Valley
First game: vs. Valencia, Aug. 21
Injuries plagued Simi Valley last season, but a fully healthy offseason means the Jim Benkert-led Pioneers will be back in the hunt. Senior linebacker Denver Smith is one of the team’s top returning players along with junior quarterback Connor Petrov.
16. Oak Park
First game: vs. Maya Angelou, Aug. 21
The addition of four-star sophomore quarterback Bryson Kennedy immediately puts Oak Park into the discussion. Kennedy shows elite touch and a massive frame for a dual-threat quarterback. Kennedy is joined by his stepbrother, linebacker and running back Bradlee Miller, while Division I-caliber athlete Gary Ferguson transferred in from St. Bernard’s.
17. Moorpark
First game: vs. Apple Valley, Aug. 21
Moorpark returns elite athlete Davis Benson, who, along with playing football, placed sixth in the long jump last school year. Benson sets the tone for another big year in the Conejo Valley with junior quarterback Blake Davidson.
18. Thousand Oaks
First game: vs. Northview, Aug. 21
While Thousand Oaks graduated a prominent part of its leaders on offense and defense, including quarterback Jackson Taylor (Boise State) and leading rusher Jordan Johnson (Moorpark), there’s still plenty in reserve for the Lancers to build a winning foundation in 2026. Senior Nikos Dukakis steps in at quarterback while two-way player Antonio Folmar solidifies the line of scrimmage at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds.
19. Lancaster
First game: at Coronado, Aug. 21
Lancaster graduated key elements on both sides of the football but returns sturdy 6-foot linebacker Davien Cathcart. Cathcart made 79 tackles last season (15.5 TFL) and junior running back Joziah Davis (two rushing touchdowns).
20. Birmingham
First game: at Hart, Aug. 21
Birmingham has been one of the area’s most consistent programs under coach Jim Rose. But the generation that’s coming could propel the Patriots to an elite level with the development of freshman quarterback Xzavier Johnson Jr. For now, Birmingham will take the senior leadership it has with senior wide receiver Paul Turner and junior quarterback/linebacker Daniel Kakooza.
21. St. Francis
First game: vs. Alta Loma, Aug. 28
St. Francis experienced some shortcomings last season with its young roster, leading to the departure of coach Dean Herrington. But now that talent appears ripe and ready to win, led by senior wide receiver Mason Maddox and senior linebacker Lucas Morzov. The team’s new head coach is Lance Mitchell, who was previously at Muir.
22. Alemany
First game: vs. Calabasas, Aug. 21
Alemany looks to return to its former success under new coach Dennis Keyes. There’s plenty of talent for Alemany to work with, led by senior running back Tabary McKnight, who had 521 all-purpose yards in 2025.
23. Burbank
First game: vs. Cabrillo, Aug. 21
Losing players to transfers is unfortunately part of the landscape of high school sports nationwide. The loss of Tyler Hudson and Leshawn Laporte to Quartz Hill creates new opportunities within the program. Linebacker Kalem Valencia is powerful at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds with 80 tackles and 13 TFL in 2025. The Bulldogs should be stout again in the trenches headed by 6-foot-5 Harry Molia.
24. Village Christian
First game: at Huntington Park, Aug. 21
Village Christian showed last season it could compete against top-tier teams. It had a close loss, 21-14, to Paraclete, hammered a quality CIF LA City Section opponent in North Hollywood and beat Heritage Christian. Junior wide receiver Balien Gerhardt will be targeted by his brother, senior quarterback Hudson Gerhardt. Senior defensive end Michael Chase finished with 68.5 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss.
25. Harvard-Westlake
First game: at West Ranch, Aug. 21
The Wolverines look to find their way back as a competitive football program under former Crespi head coach Dameon Porter. There’s optimism abounding for Harvard-Westlake after it stumbled to a 3-7 record in 2025. Key returners include senior 5-foot-9 quarterback Aaryan Mehdi Williams and 6-foot-2 junior edge rusher AJ Spain.
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