Top Five South Florida High School Football Players Ahead of 2026 Season

Wriiten by Marcus Benjamin

Last season, Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney from American Heritage (Plantation, FL) put together an impressive freshman campaign.  The freshman All-American recorded 109 receptions for 1,211 yards, both single-season program records.  

In 2024, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, from Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, FL), registered 76 receptions for 1,315 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns, all Buckeye records for a freshman receiver.  

A player to watch from South Florida to make a similar impact in 2026 is Syracuse signee Calvin Russell.  The 6-foot-5, near 200-pound five-star rated wide receiver from Miami Northwestern has all of the tools to make an immediate effect as his two predecessors.

The future continues to look bright for South Florida athletes to make footprints in college football, as there are plenty of talented prospects among all classes in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.  Here are the top players from the region regardless of class.

Athletes mentioned are from the 2027 class unless noted

Mark Matthews, Offensive Tackle

The potential NFL first-rounder has the prototypical size (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) to continue dominance on the high school level and be an immediate starter in college.  

The consensus five-star from St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, FL) plays with a nastiness and physicality that you like to see from an offensive lineman, and could very well start every game as a collegiate athlete.

Nick Lennear, Wide Receiver

If there is a player who most resembles Toney and Smith, it’s Lennear.  The explosive wideout, now at Miami Carol City High School, can take it the distance on a short pass, beat defenders deep on the long ball, and make tough catches in traffic.  

The Miami Hurricanes commit has also shown that he can be a high-impact player on the defensive side of the ball at safety.  He is an elite athlete who plays big, despite being 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, and if there is a player who could set freshman school records again from South Florida, it’s Lennear. 

Julius Jones, Wide Receiver

Although Lennear is considered the top wide receiver in South Florida, many could argue that Jones, from St. Thomas Aquinas, could end up as the better college player.  The Notre Dame legacy has the speed and body control to make big play after big play on the next level.  

The dangerous slot receiver continues to build strength to his frame (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) and seems to make a “wow” play every time he steps on the field.  The game-changer is slated to be an immediate weapon for whatever school he chooses.

A’mir Sears, Athlete

The 2028 two-way athlete could make his case as the best overall player in South Florida this season.  The dynamic playmaker, now playing for Christopher Columbus (Miami, FL), could make an instant impact at corner or wide receiver on the next level.  

Sears has a knack for getting the football in 50-50 situations and has elite closing speed. He likely will not be tested much as a cornerback and will get plenty of opportunities to score the football with his high ability to create separation as a wide receiver.  Whatever position he fully commits to, his future school will be lucky to have his services.  

Jamar Thompson, Defensive Tackle

It is not common for an interior defensive lineman to crack the starting lineup of a major college football program, but Thompson certainly has a chance to get in a rotation early.  

The West Boca High School defender has unbelievable quickness at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds and seems to get better with every snap.  Thompson is effective as a run-stopper and a pass-rusher and has the potential to be a multi-year starter in college.  

Other top players

Tyler Alexander, Defensive Lineman

Jaden Carey, Defensive Back

Demarcus Deroche, Tight End/Wide Receiver

Trevoris Finley, Defensive End

Zayden Gamble, Safety

Anthony Jennings, Wide Receiver

Jaylyn Jones, Defensive Back

Neimann Lawrence, Quarterback

Trae Proctor, Tight End

Wyatt Smith, Defensive End

Ah’mari Stevens, Wide Receiver