The Kickoff Classic is still just a preseason game, but it’s doesn’t feel that way.
Not a week where IMG (No. 1 USA TODAY Florida Network Super 25) travels to The First Academy (No. 7 Super 25).
That game alone features 13 of the top 72 players on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100, including IMG edge rusher Jake Kreul (No. 3, Oklahoma commit) and First Academy interior offensive lineman Chancellor Barclay (No. 26, Clemson commit).
IMG, ranked No. 4 nationally, is looking to get off to a good start in its first game under Greg Studrawa, while First Academy is looking to make a statement in its quest to become a true national power.
If that headliner isn’t enough, defending state champions Chaminade-Madonna and West Boca face off, Miami Northwestern takes on Lakeland, Cardinal Mooney visits St. Thomas Aquinas and Cocoa hosts Bradford in a rematch of the 2023 Class 2S state championship game.
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Ten teams in the Super 25 face off this weekend, and 14 Super 25 teams are facing teams ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes.
Here’s a closer look at this week’s top games.
Top 5 Kickoff Classic games
IMG at The First Academy
This is a statement game for both teams. A very talented IMG squad is making its debut under Studrawa, a former LSU offensive coordinator and Ohio State offensive line coach. The First Academy won nine games on the field in 2024 — it later was forfeit those wins —and boasts strong offensive and defensive lines and secondary.
Individual recruiting matchup to watch: IMG 2028 WR Eric McFarland vs. First Academy 2026 S Devin Jackson (No. 35 top 100, Oregon commit).
Miami Northwestern vs. Lakeland (at Vero Beach)
Northwestern (No. 2 Super 25, No. 1 Class 3A) is playing its first game under interim coach Jaquatin Victrtum, who replaced Teddy Bridgewater. Victrtum inherits a loaded roster led by standout receivers Calvin Russell Jr. and Nick Lennear. Lakeland (No. 8 Super 25, No. 2 Class 5A) won 13 games in 2024 and has had several impact transfers this offseason.
Individual recruiting matchup to watch: Miami Northwestern 2028 QB Niemann Lawrence vs. Lakeland 2027 EDGE Santana Harvey.
Chaminade-Madonna at West Boca
Something has to give here. Chaminade-Madonna (No. 3 Super 25, No. 1 Class 1A) won its final 13 games in 2024, including the Class 1A state title. West Boca (No. 9 Super 25, No. 1 Class 6A) capped a 15-0 season with the Class 6A state championship. Both teams were unanimous No. 1 selections in their respective classes in the preseason poll.
Individual recruiting matchup to watch: Chaminade-Madonna 2026 RB Derrek Cooper (No. 1 top 100, Texas commit) vs. West Boca DL Jamar Thomson.
Cardinal Mooney at St. Thomas Aquinas
For the second consecuitve season, St. Thomas Aquinas (No. 4 Super 25, No. 1 Class 5A) takes on a Class 2A power in the Kickoff Classic. Last year, the Raiders traveled to Fort Myers and dominated Bishop Verot. This year, Aquinas hosts Mooney (No. 14 Super 25, No. 2 Class 2A). The Cougars won the Class 1S state title in 2023 and were a state semifinalist last fall.
Individual recruiting matchup to watch: Cardinal Mooney 2026 DL/EDGE Elijah Golden (No. 40 top 100, Notre Dame commit) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas 2027 OT Mark Matthews.
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Miami Norland at Vero Beach
Norland (No. 17 Super 25, No. 3 Class 4A) is playing its first game under new head coach Tyronn Johnson and must replace several key seniors from last year’s regional finalist team. Vero Beach (No. 24 Super 25, No. 3 Class 7A) had a talented offense with Power 4 talent at quarterback, wide reciever and the offensive line.
Individual recruiting matchup to watch: Norland 2027 DB Kenton Dopson (Miami commit) vs. Vero Beach 2026 WR Xavier Stinson (No. 89 top 100, UCLA commit).
Other top Kickoff Classic games
Aug. 14
Spruce Creek (No. 10 Class 7A) at Buchholz (No. 3 Class 6A)
Madison County (No. 2 Rural) at Wakulla (No. 9 Class 3A)
Florida High (No. 4 Class 2A) at Godby (No. 7 Class 3A)
Aug. 15
Bradford (No. 6 Class 2A) at Cocoa (No. 3 Class 2A)
Gadsden County (No. 7 Class 2A) at Venice (No. 1 Class 7A)
Edgewater (No. 3 Class 5A) at Bishop Moore (No. 6 Class 3A)
Manatee (No. 6 Class 5A) at Booker (No. 3 Class 3A)
Oakleaf (No. 5 Class 5A) at Columbia (No. 10 Class 4A)
Miami Central (No. 2 Class 3A) at Vanguard
Bolles (No. 1 Class 2A) at Creekside
Nease at Trinity Christian (No. 5 Class 1A)
Ponte Verda at St. Augustine (No. 4 Class 4A)
Osceola (No. 8 Class 6A) at Mainland (No. 9 Class 5A)
Clearwater Central Catholic (No. 3 Class 1A) at Armwood (No. 9 Class 6A)
Jesuit (No. 7 Class 4A) at Sumner
Plantation at Eau Gallie (No. 5 Class 3A)
McArthur (No. 10 Class 5A) at American Heritage (No. 1 Class 4A)
Palm Beach Central (No. 8 Class 7A) at Atlantic (No. 8 Class 5A)
Aug. 16
Seminole (No. 6 Class 7A) at Jones (No. 2 Class 4A)
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: IMG Academy football vs The First Academy headlines Florida prep football exhibition games
Reporting by Jon Santucci, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
