News Summary
The spring high school football season has begun in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, drawing the interest of national college recruiters. Teams are gearing up for the upcoming season, with several spring football games scheduled throughout May. Notable prospects from the Class of 2026 have been highlighted, showcasing their talents in hopes of securing collegiate offers. The season also includes coaching changes and historic achievements in various sports, making it a pivotal time for local athletes as they aim for future success.
Jacksonville – Spring high school football has officially started in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, captivating the interest of national college recruiters as they look toward the 2026 recruiting class. With teams preparing for the upcoming 2025 season, a series of spring football games will be held throughout May, offering a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and secure collegiate attention.
The Times-Union has spotlighted 25 prospects from the Class of 2026 who are currently drawing the attention of college recruiters. Their performances in the upcoming spring and summer months will significantly influence their recruitment trajectory and may lead to further opportunities for local rising seniors. A notable trend among recruits this season is the strong emphasis on offensive positions, highlighting players with existing college offers and recruiting interests.
Among the standout athletes is Jaime Ffrench Jr. from Mandarin High School, recognized as a five-star recruit. Ffrench has made a commitment to the University of Texas but previously decommitted from Alabama. He has received offers and interest from prestigious programs, including Miami and LSU, and is currently ranked as the fourth-best wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class.
The spring football season officially kicks off on May 14, featuring several notable matchups across the region. Key games to look out for include:
- Ribault at Ridgeview on May 14
- Providence vs. Raines at Jackson on May 15
- Suwannee at Bradford on May 15
- Trinity Christian at Atlantic Coast on May 16
- Fort White at Columbia on May 17
- Baker County at Creekside on May 20
- Fleming Island at Fletcher on May 21
- St. Augustine at Bishop Kenny on May 21
- Mandarin at Bolles on May 22
- Menendez at Nease on May 22
Additionally, five players from Jacksonville are scheduled to compete in the FACA All-Star Classic for flag football on May 17, further contributing to the excitement surrounding the spring sports season. The local athletics scene has also seen achievements beyond football, with school records broken in the FHSAA high school track and field championships held in Northeast Florida.
Coaching changes have also been prominent in local high schools. Old Plank Christian has hired veteran coach Frank Andrea to lead their spring football program, while Riverside High School has appointed former regional champion coach Toby Frazier to its boys basketball program. Bishop Snyder’s head boys basketball coach, Russell Powell, has recently resigned after six successful seasons.
In another exciting development, Fletcher beach volleyball has made history by reaching the Class 3A final, marking the first time the school has achieved this feat since 1991. Throughout the community, various college signings have been celebrated as numerous athletes commit to advancing their sports careers at the collegiate level.
The spring football season not only represents a pivotal moment for current students but also showcases the depth of talent in Jacksonville. As the local athletes prepare to demonstrate their skills in front of college scouts, the momentum of this season holds tremendous potential for the future of high school sports in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Top Offensive Recruits
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Jacksonville.com: Top 100 Recruits
- Google Search: High School Football Recruiting
- First Coast News: Jaime Ffrench Commits
- Google Scholar: High School Football Recruitment
- Jacksonville.com: Top 10 Jacksonville Spring Games
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
- High School OT: Demon June Commits
- Google News: High School Football 2025
