The Connecticut high school football season begins in nearly two weeks, kicking off on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Many teams that were in the championship games a season ago return as some of the most talented teams in the state while other teams will look to make a name for themselves this upcoming season.
Here are the top-25 CIAC teams heading into the 2026 season:
1. New Canaan
The New Canaan Rams have been the best CIAC team in recent years, winning a fourth-straight title in 2025. They head into the 2026 season riding a 23-game win streak and bring back a lot of talent and experience.
2. Greenwich
Another season, another preseason ranking with Greenwich near the top. On a short list of one of the top programs in the state, the Cardinals have captured back-to-back Class LL championships and are loaded once again.
3. Hand
The Hand Tigers knocked off previously unbeaten Killingly 37-13 in a dominant Class SS state title victory in December. The Tigers earned its 15th state title in program history and snapped Killingly’s previous state-best 25-game win streak.
4. Fairfield Prep
Led by an experienced offensive line, Fairfield Prep is one of the top teams in the state once again. The Jesuits must replace quarterback Robbie Manning, but have all the pieces in place for another deep playoff run.
5. St. Joseph
Expectations were not met for the St. Joseph Hogs last season, as they failed to reach the Class M state title. The Hogs return a bunch of talent including Jake Rios and HT Jones while being bumped up to Class MM this season.
6. Windsor
Rob Fleeting has stepped back in as head coach to lead one of Connecticut’s top programs. The Warriors must replace record-setting quarterback AJ Robinson, but have a talented core led by wide receiver Jayden Compton, who holds offers from Florida State and Syracuse.
7. Southington
After the Southington Blue Knights’ slow 2-3 start last season, they won seven-straight games including a win against Windsor to reach the Class LL state final. They return enough starters and key players on both sides of the ball to make another state title run and could have one of the most dynamic offenses in the state this season.
8. Bunnell
Bunnell went 10-3 a year ago and advanced to the Class MM title game. They return one of the best players in the state in receiver/corner Rody Ricketts, as well as quarterback Jake Garrigan.
9. Wilton
The Wilton Warriors finished last season with a 10-2 record, and nearly reached the Class MM championship game, falling 21-20 to Bunnell. The Warriors have a lot of turnover and a tough schedule facing seven playoff teams but will be led by running back Dennis Dustin.
10. New Britain
The Golden Hurricanes earned the No. 1 seed in the Class LL tournament before getting bounced by No. 8 NFA. Dual-threat quarterback Billy Seymour returns to lead the offense, as do linebackers Juluis Mendez and Jaden Benitez on defense.
11. Brookfield
Brookfield has been one of the most consistent teams the past couple of seasons, reaching the Class M state title two seasons in a row, despite falling short each time in heartbreaking fashion. They return five starters on each side of the ball but will have tough shoes to fill with the departures of Thad Balzi, Tyler Buttendorf, and Chase Sylvia.
12. Cheshire
Cheshire faces a challenging schedule after advancing to the Class L title game, facing eight playoff teams from 2025. They do return leading rusher Michael Chopak, as well as four of five starters on the offensive line.
13. Newtown
The Newtown Nighthawks have reached the Class L quarterfinals or semifinals in each of the last three seasons. Under head coach Dan Farina, they’ve been a consistent winning team, piling up a 28-7 record the last four seasons. They drop down to Class MM this season.
14. Ridgefield
Ridgefield advanced to the Class L semifinals last season before falling to Cheshire. Connor Chojnacki will lead an offense that is expected to be one of the best in the Fairfield County Athletic Conference.
15. Fairfield Ludlowe
The Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons posted a 7-4 record last season, making the Class L playoffs for a second season in a row. They blew a 19-point halftime lead to Class L runner-ups Cheshire, and will look to reach the state semifinals for the first time in program history this season with six returning starters on each side of the ball.
16. West Haven
West Haven started last season 3-1 before fading down the stretch against a tough schedule, finishing 5-5. Rida Sanaan returns at 6-2, 327 pounds to anchor the offensive line for a group that will have a new quarterback in 2026.
17. Glastonbury
Glastonbury has been one of the most competitive teams in the Central Connecticut area in recent years. With two-straight trips to the Class LL quarterfinals, the Guardians will be catapulted by two-time All-State running back Dante Casdia, who is nearing 4,000 career rushing yards.
18. Maloney
The Spartans went 6-4 a year ago, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth against a loaded schedule. Three of their four losses came against Southington, New Britain and Glastonbury by a combined 16 points. Multi-year starting quarterback Showerda returns.
19. Staples
One downfall about playing an FCIAC schedule is facing some of the toughest teams across the state. That led to a 5-6 down season for the Wreckers last season, who will look to bounce back as one of the state’s best teams this season. The challenges remain this season, facing seven playoff teams from a season ago.
20. North Haven
Coach Tony Sagnella’s group will look to bounce back from a 5-5 campaign in 2025. Artie McCormack returns at running back after rushing for more than 1,200 yards last season.
21. Berlin
The Berlin Redcoats surprised the state of Connecticut by being one of the two undefeated teams at the end of the season, posting a perfect 13-0 record along the way of winning the Class M state title. Berlin, like some other teams, have a large turnover heading into the season, including seven seniors going off to play collegiate football this fall.
22. Darien
It was a little bit of a down year for Darien a year ago. They went 6-4 a year ago, but were easily dispatched by New Canaan in the Class L quarterfinals. They should be better in 2026, thanks in large part to a big, experienced offensive line, led by Thomas Cavalo.
23. Killingly
The Redmen rode a 25-game winning streak into the Class SS state title a season ago where the Hand Tigers snapped their streak in a 37-13 victory. It will be a rebuilding season for Killingly who return zero, yes zero starters on either side of the ball.
24. Sheehan
Sheehan is flying high coming into the 2026 season after rolling to the Class S title a year ago. They must replace record-setting quarterback Jake O’Brien, but do return a strong group on both sides of the line.
25. Masuk
Dropping down to Class M, the Masuk Panthers should be in the cards to make a title run. Despite a 5-5 season in 2025 a year after winning the 2024 Class MM state title, the team returns senior quarterback Aaron Champagne as well as seniors Tanner Walker, Jake Kyle, and Daniel Balestriere.
(Weekly polls put together by NEFJ correspondents Andy Close & Rob Gullo)