IMG Academy frequently plays teams from across the country, but today the elite high school football program welcomes the NFL Academy from the United Kingdom.
The Ascenders, tied for No. 2 in the national high school football composite rankings, are going for their 18th win in a row. Coming off their closest win of the season against The St. James Performance Academy, IMG improved to 7-0 with a 49-7 beatdown against New Palestine (Indiana) last week. Georgia commit Jayden Wade threw for 302 yards and five touchdowns, two to USA TODAY Midseason All-American Osani Gayles (Alabama).
Based in Loughborough, about midway between Leicester and Nottingham in the heart of England, the NFL Academy is part of the league's initiative to grow the game overseas.
The team is 2-1 against U.S. competition with its last game a 21-16 loss to Washington (Ohio).
Watch IMG Academy football games live
Here's what you need to know about today's game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
IMG Academy football start time today
- Date: Friday, Oct. 16
- Time: 5 p.m. ET
The IMG Academy vs. NFL Academy game starts at 5 p.m. from the IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton, Florida.
How to watch IMG Academy vs St James Performance Academy
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Live streaming: Fubo (free trial) | HomeTeam Network
IMG Academy vs. NFL Academy will be broadcast on ESPN2. Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers, as well as the HomeTeam Network app.
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Weather update for IMG Academy football game
AccuWeather predicts 84 degrees with mostly cloudy skies at kickoff in Bradenton, Florida. Winds are expected to blow out of the west-northwest at 8 mph. There is about a 50% chance of rain with thunderstorms possible into the evening.
IMG Academy football schedule 2026
Here's a look at the IMG Academy results and remaining schedule for the 2026 season. All times Eastern.
- Aug. 21: IMG 59, Lone Peak (Utah) 3
- Aug. 29: IMG 59, Cornerstone Christian (Texas) 10
- Sept. 5: IMG 41, Saint Louis (Hawaii) 0
- Sept. 18: IMG 48, The First Academy 27
- Sept. 25: IMG 56, Legacy School of Sport Sciences (Texas) 7
- Oct. 3: IMG 44, St. James Performance Academy (Virginia) 42
- Oct. 9: IMG 49, New Palestine (Indiana) 7
- Oct. 16: IMG vs. NFL Academy (England) | 5 p.m.
- Oct. 31: IMG vs. Hun (New Jersey) | 7 p.m.
- Nov. 13: IMG at St. Frances Academy (Maryland) | 7 p.m.
- Record: 7-0
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: What channel is IMG Academy vs NFL Academy on? Time, TV schedule for high school football
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