Cooper Flagg named NBA Rookie of the Year: Mavericks star edges Kon Knueppel
Cooper Flagg named NBA Rookie of the Year, edging out Kon Knueppel!
Florida consistently produces top high school athletes, with a new ranking for 2026 highlighting the best schools. The list is based on student feedback and athletic performance metrics.
Year in and year out, some of the best high school athletes in the country seem to come out of Florida.
From legends of the past like Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith to modern-day superstars like Jeremiah Smith, they all got their starts playing for one of the state’s premier high schools.
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The Sunshine State yearly produces elite athletes and national championship-caliber teams. Looking at 2026, what schools in the state are currently the best for athletes?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
Lake Highland Preparatory School's Cadence Sorensen looks over her shoulder as Gulliver Prep's Paulina Guerra attempted to clear the bar during the pole vault competition Thursday afternoon, May 18, 2023, during the FHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Championships.
J'Nia Simpson (1725) of Tampa Catholic prepares to throw in the girls shot put during the FHSAA Class 2A high school track and field meet in Jacksonville on May 16, 2024.
St. Thomas Aquinas leads the heat in the girls 4x100 relay during the FHSAA Class 4A high school track and field championships on May 10, 2025.
Data via Niche survey statistics
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Top Florida high schools for athletes revealed
The top high schools for athletes in Florida for 2026 are determined by a study from Niche, which evaluates various athletic performance metrics.
The ranking is based on student and parent feedback, including reviews of athletics, state championships, student participation, and the number of sports offered.
Notable athletes from Florida high schools include Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Jeremiah Smith, who are recognized for their contributions to sports.
Florida's warm climate, diverse athletic programs, and competitive sports culture contribute to its reputation for producing elite high school athletes.
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