It's football season — somewhere.
We know that most of the east coast hasn't kicked off yet — from this list, only Hough (NC) and Grimsley (NC) saw action last week — but a fresh ranking right before all
chaos breaks loose among the Eastern powerhouses is an important reference. It does mean, however, that this list looks pretty similar to its last iteration.
But never fear — there will be a lot of action on the East Coast this weekend, so keep an eye on these major players.
1. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD)
Record: 0-0
St. Frances isn’t hunting for the top spot in the East region this year – they’re hunting for the top spot in the nation. Currently sitting at No. 3 in USA TODAY’s most recent National Super 25 rankings, the Panthers will open their season this Friday, ready to trot out a jam-packed roster and debut top-tier transfers like five-star Edge Anthony Sweeney and four-star WR Brandon Jefferson.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, at Deland (FL), 7 p.m. ET.
2. DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD)
Record: 0-0
DeMatha’s ready to get going. Four-stars James Pace (Edge) and Nikolas Stevens (DL) are both returning, and four-star transfer cornerback Langston Pridegeon will be one to keep an eye on as the season ramps up. To note: the Stags have a new man at the helm in interim head coach Bryce Bevill after legendary longtime coach Bill McGregor took a leave of absence.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, vs. Archbishop Carroll (MD), 7 p.m. ET
3. Hough (Cornelius, NC)
Record: 1-0
Hough came out on top of Northwestern (SC), 15-10, last Saturday, but the defensive-battle-of-a-game wasn't necessarily pretty. They'll stay on top of fellow North Carolina power Grimsley this time around, but we'll be keeping an eye on them.
Next game: Saturday, Aug. 29, vs. Cardinal Gibbons (NC), 8 p.m. ET
4. Grimsley (Greensboro, NC)
Record: 1-0
Our only other Eastern region Super 15 team to see action this past week, Grimsley put on a 24-0 show against West Charlotte. Sophomore quarterback Brody Lowe had a strong showing in the slot previously reserved for 2026 standout Faizon Brandon (who, as a side note, was just named Tennessee's QB1).
Next game: Thursday, Aug. 28, vs. West Forsyth (GA), 7 p.m. ET
5. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ)
Record: 0-0
Our current top Jersey team, expectations for Don Bosco are high as they look to follow up on their 11-1 2025 season. They'll open in Florida this weekend, but they've definitely got their eyes trained a little further down the line, towards a state title game rematch (and a chance for revenge) against St. Joseph's on Sept. 25.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, vs. Armwood (FL), 7 p.m. ET
6. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)
Record: 0-0
Speaking of St. Joseph's, here the Green Knights are. They're definitely excited to start their Non-Public A state title defense, and, with a lot of defensive talent returning, you'll likely see them at least back in that game. Mount Carmel is quite the team to open against, and could very well start the Knights' season off with a loss — it'll be on ESPN, and it's well worth tuning in for.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, at Mount Carmel (IL), 7 p.m. CT
7. La Salle College (Wyndmoor, PA)
Record: 0-0
The freshly crowned defending 6A state champ will be returning a lot of strong talent on the path to a hopeful repeat, including three-star wide receiver Owen Johnson and three-star cornerback Trey Hopkins.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, at Paramus Catholic (NJ), 7 p.m. ET
8. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, PA)
Record: 0-0
What an opener. Roman Catholic is heading out West to take on one of the nation's absolute best (No. 5 on USA TODAY's most recent national Super 25 rankings) this Friday. On the off chance that the Cahillites manage to pull off an upset on St. John Bosco, the eyes on their season will increase ten fold.
Next game: Friday Aug. 28, at St. John Bosco (CA), 7 p.m. CT
9. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ)
Record: 0-0
The Crusaders should be pretty strong this year, especially on the offensive side of the ball where they're returning most of their key players and four-star quarterback Trey Tagliaferri. Their opener against Central Catholic (No. 15 on this list) will be a good in-state battle to kick things off with.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, at Central Catholic (PA), 8 p.m. ET
10. Providence Day (Charlotte, NC)
Record: 0-0
Fans will get their first looks at high profile transfers Braylon Clark (five-star wide receiver) and Nate Dollard (four-star cornerback) this Friday as Providence Day kicks off against Rolesville. The Chargers will run into Hough in early September, which will be a good test for both Tar Heel state powers.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, vs. Rolesville (NC), 7 p.m. ET
11. Archbishop Spalding (Severn, MD)
Record: 0-0
A state championship five-peat is the goal for the Cavaliers this season. They will, to note, be under a new head coach this season in Robert Green, a former piece of the Naval Academy coaching staff, so it's yet to be seen how things will look under his leadership. DeMatha might be brutal, but it's a great in-state opportunity for Archbishop Spalding.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, at DeMatha Catholic (MD), 7 p.m. ET
12. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, NJ)
Record: 0-0
The Marauders are primed for another predictably strong season, catching a lot of eyes with returning standout 5-star Oluwasemilore Olubobola (OL). They'll open down south against Dillard.
Next game: Saturday, Aug. 29, at Dillard (FL), 6 p.m. ET
13. St. James Performance Academy (Springfield, VA)
Record: 0-0
The Strivers are ready to prove that their impressive, 8-1 inaugural season will be the norm for their interesting program. They have quite a journey ahead of them for their season opener, taking on a traditionally strong but recently struggling Lehi squad out West.
Next game: Saturday, Aug. 29, at Lehi (UT), 7 p.m. MST
14. Catholic Memorial (West Roxbury, MA)
Record: 0-0
Starting the long path to a MIAA Division 2 state title defense, the Knights are returning a strong pack of key players, including three-star running back Christian Simmons and four-star Kennedy Hurte-Jones on the defensive line.
Next game: Tuesday, Sept. 1, vs. Everett (MA), 5 p.m. ET
15. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)
Record: 0-0
Opening against Bergen Catholic will be a toughie, but Central Catholic is ready to get things started. They’re chasing history this season, aiming to become the first three-peat WPIAL champions in 6A history, so keep an eye on them.
Next game: Friday, Aug. 28, vs. Bergen Catholic (NJ), 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY Sports Super 15 East region football rankings, Week 2
