Florida's high school football programs continue to be a fertile ground for future NFL stars, with a strong showing in the recent 2026 NFL Draft. Building on this legacy, the upcoming 2027 draft class is already generating significant buzz. A new crop of exceptional athletes, all hailing from Florida high schools, are poised to make their mark on the professional stage, with many projected to be early-round picks. This preview spotlights ten of these remarkable talents, offering an early glimpse into the future of American football.
Emerging Stars: Florida's Dominance in the 2027 NFL Draft Landscape
The Sunshine State once again flexed its football prowess in the 2026 NFL Draft. A remarkable eleven players who sharpened their skills in Florida's competitive high school system were selected within the initial 65 picks. A standout among them was Fernando Mendoza, a former student of Christopher Columbus High School, who made history as the first Floridian high school alumnus since Tucker Frederickson in 1965 to be chosen as the number one overall pick, joining the Las Vegas Raiders.
IMG Academy maintained an impressive streak, extending its record to seven consecutive years with at least one first-round pick. This year, the academy celebrated two top-ten selections: Carnell Tate, who was drafted fourth by Tennessee, and Francis Mauigoa, chosen tenth by the New York Giants.
Looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, the talent pipeline from Florida remains robust. While it's still early to finalize predictions, several former Florida high school standouts are already garnering significant attention as potential early-round selections. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and performance at the collegiate level, making them key players to watch as the draft approaches.
- Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver, Ohio State): Hailing from Chaminade-Madonna High School, the formidable 6-foot-3, 223-pound Smith is considered a generational talent. In his two collegiate seasons, he has amassed 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and earned All-American honors in both years, showcasing a rare combination of size, speed, and agility.
- David Stone (Defensive Lineman, Oklahoma): This former five-star recruit from IMG Academy had a breakthrough season in 2025. Stone, standing at 6-3 and weighing 315 pounds, recorded 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback hurries. With an anticipated larger role in 2026, his potential is immense.
- Jordan Seaton (Offensive Tackle, LSU): Also from IMG Academy, the 6-5, 307-pound Seaton was the nation's top offensive tackle in the transfer portal. After starting 22 games at Colorado, earning second-team All-Big 12 in 2025 and Freshman All-American in 2024, he brings significant experience and skill to LSU.
- Ellis Robinson IV (Cornerback, Georgia): The 6-0, 180-pound Robinson, another IMG Academy product, impressed with an outstanding spring before a high ankle sprain. Named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, he tied for the SEC lead with four interceptions, demonstrating elite coverage abilities.
- Jayden Jackson (Defensive Lineman, Oklahoma): This IMG Academy alumnus was a Freshman All-American in 2024 and continued his strong performance in 2025. The 6-2, 322-pound Jackson has accumulated 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks in his two years at Oklahoma.
- Damon Wilson II (Edge Rusher, Miami): From Venice High School, the 6-4, 250-pound Wilson was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2025 during his time at Missouri, recording 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. His development under Miami's defensive ends coach, Jason Taylor, is expected to further elevate his draft stock.
- Isaac Brown (Running Back, Louisville): The Homestead High School graduate, standing at 5-9 and weighing 190 pounds, is a dynamic play-maker. A third-team All-ACC selection in 2025 and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2024, Brown has rushed for 2,057 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 43 receptions over two seasons.
- Keon Sabb (Safety, Alabama): Sabb, a member of Michigan's 2023 national championship team and an IMG Academy alum, started all 15 games for Alabama in 2025. The 6-1, 208-pound safety recorded 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and an interception, making him a formidable presence in the secondary.
- Kenyatta Jackson (Edge Rusher, Ohio State): Another Chaminade-Madonna product, Jackson, a 6-6, 265-pound defensive end, had a career-best season at Ohio State. He tallied 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, earning him the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year award in Florida.
- Amare Ferrell (Safety, Indiana): The Columbia High School graduate, a 6-2, 205-pound safety, was instrumental in Indiana's 2025 national championship run, starting 15 games and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. Over his career, he amassed 107 tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight interceptions, and 15 pass breakups.
The consistent production of top-tier football talent from Florida high schools underscores the state's vibrant sports culture and dedicated development programs. These rising stars are not just individual talents but represent the enduring legacy of football excellence in Florida, promising an exciting future for college and professional leagues alike.