If you have followed high school football on a national level over the years, then you have at some point likely heard the ongoing debate surrounding which state nationally is best when it comes to talent.
Yes, for years, this has been an ongoing debate surrounding which states are the best when it comes to high school football, in particular the level of talent alone.
In this conversation, there is certainly a case to be made for multiple states, but if you had to pick one in particular, just which would you choose at No. 1?
Here is a look at who we consider to be the 10 best states nationally in terms of high school football talent.
Florida, California, Texas among top high school football states
- Florida
- California
- Texas
- Georgia
- Ohio
- Alabama
- Maryland
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
Starting at the top, the biggest debate likely comes between three states in particular with Florida, California, and Texas, each of which you could easily rank at No. 1. In terms of the list though, we went with Florida in the top spot.
Known as “The Sunshine State,” Florida is home to many of the nation’s elite programs such as IMG Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Chaminade-Madonna, among multiple others. There are countless top programs and players annually around the Miami area, but Florida is also much more than that though, as programs around Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville have all found success in their own right over the years.
As for California, the opposite side of the country is home to annual national powerhouses such as Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, but similar to Florida, the state is much, much more than that. Programs such as Centennial, Mission Viejo, Sierra Canyon, and Santa Margarita are among the nation’s best this season, as is storied De La Salle.
Lastly in that trio is Texas, a state that has produced power programs such as Duncanville and Southlake Carroll. There are however countless others, a group that features the likes of North Shore, Allen, and North Crowley, making the Texas playoffs annually a state where you can’t miss the action.
Outside of those three states, Georgia is likely the next best when it comes to high school football, with some of the best “The Peach State” has to offer featuring programs such as Grayson, Buford, Carrollton, and Milton. A majority of those come around the Atlanta metro, which is also one of the most talent-rich areas in the nation.
Ohio is also a state that produces a significant amount of talent, as is Alabama, which is home to some notable programs around the Birmingham metro in particular that include Thompson, Clay-Chalkville, Hoover, and Parker, among others.
The same can be said for Maryland, which is home to national power St. Frances Academy, while Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi are all southeast powers with a rich history of top talent.
Now that you’ve seen our Top 10, what do you think? Are these the 10 best states for high school football?
