The high school football season is back and once again looking to be a fantastic year in the Tri-State area. Between the top two divisions, there looks to be a battle at the top between many powerhouse programs. The resurgence of Princeton back into the discussion, the Anderson Raptors continuing to reload and the GMC/GCL battles are all storylines and things to watch in 2026. The tri-state area and the state of Ohio has proved to be one of the hotbeds for high school football and the 2026 season will be no different. Each and every Friday night in the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana area during football season is one that is a can’t miss. The tri-state area has always been littered with top Division 1 talent and it’s on display each week.

Without further ado, here are the ISC High School Football Top 10 rankings.

1. Anderson (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday vs. Louisville Trinity (KY), 7 p.m.

2. Elder (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday vs. #10 Middletown, 7 p.m.

3. Princeton (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Thursday vs. #5 Moeller, 7 p.m. (At Paycor Stadium)

4. Lakota West (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday vs. #6 St. Xavier, 7 p.m.

5. Moeller (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Thursday vs. #3 Princeton, 7 p.m. (At Paycor Stadium)

6. St. Xavier (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday at #4 Lakota West, 7 p.m.

7. LaSalle (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday at Colerain, 7 p.m.

8. Badin (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday vs. Hamilton, 7 p.m.

9. Winton Woods (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Game: N/A
Next Game: Friday at Springfield, 7 p.m.

10. Middletown (0-0) (Last Week rank: N/A)

Last Week: N/A
Next Game: Friday at #2 Elder, 7 p.m.

On the outside looking in: Lakota East, Springboro, Kings

The preseason rankings (D1/D2) in Cincinnati are covered by the three big conferences in the area. The ECC, GCL and GMC are the conference representatives in the preseason and their teams will surely not disappoint this season. All four GCL South teams are in the top 10, while the ECC has two of the powerhouse teams making an appearance, including the top spot with Anderson. The GMC has three of their top teams in the rankings as well. As with every season, the battle in the top two divisions will be between these three conferences. To kick off the season, the top teams are challenging themselves and there are some fantastic matchups in week 1. The GMC versus GCL battle is the one to watch every season and that will play out this year as these teams look to head to Canton for a state championship. Last year, it was Middletown and St. Xavier who represented Cincinnati in the state final four, with the St. X Bombers coming away with a 21-6 win. The top team in the rankings, the Anderson Raptors have been the class of the ECC for a couple of years and have represented Cincinnati in the State Championship game the last two seasons, unfortunately falling short both times. This year, the Raptors will feature one of the top players in the country, 4 star cornerback Ace Alston. They also bring back their starting quarterback in Owen Scalf. Scalf was 40 yards shy of 5,000 yards last season but tossed 41 touchdown passes. Two top players on each side of the ball is what will help propel Anderson into another playoff spot. The greater Cincinnati area is loaded and expect 2026 to be another great high school football season.

Chris Asbrock is the owner, writer and analyst for Impact Sports Cincinnati and can be followed on Twitter  Follow @iamchrisasbrock and Follow @ISCincy

       Make sure to check out our podcast on Anchor