As the high school football season progresses, The News-Gazette has expanded its weekly rankings from a Top 10 to a Top 25 format, allowing for a more comprehensive view of the competitive landscape. This week, St. Joseph-Ogden (SJ-O) has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the rankings, showcasing their impressive performance early in the 2026 season.
St. Joseph-Ogden, currently boasting a 2-0 record, has demonstrated a formidable offense led by standout quarterback Lane McKinney. The Spartans have been averaging an astonishing 58 points per game, a statistic that speaks volumes about their offensive capabilities. This week, they are set to host Chillicothe IVC, a team still searching for their first win, at Dick Duval Field in St. Joseph.
Following closely behind in the rankings is Mahomet-Seymour, also with a perfect 2-0 record. The Bulldogs have made headlines with the debut of Matt Ivashkevych, a Ukraine native who made a significant impact in his first game last Friday. Mahomet-Seymour will face Champaign Central at Tommy Stewart Field this Friday, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, sitting at No. 4 with a 2-0 record, features the dynamic player Elijah VanScyoc, who has proven to be a versatile asset for the team. The Knights will be looking to extend their winning ways when they host Tri-County at Wilson Field in Arthur.
At No. 5, Oakwood has also started the season strong with a 2-0 record. The Comets' defense, led by Cooper Lappin, has been making crucial plays, and they will be looking to keep their momentum going as they travel to face Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Farm at Ike Burch Field.
Other notable teams in the rankings include the Sages at No. 6, who are also 2-0 and have a potent offensive threat in wide receiver Zeke Young. They will host Rantoul this Friday night. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who have a 17-game win streak in the Vermilion Valley Conference, are at No. 7 and will be playing against Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin.
Unity, despite a challenging start with a 1-1 record, remains in the spotlight after a narrow 27-23 loss to Monticello. The Rockets are eager to bounce back as they prepare for a tough matchup against Bloomington Central Catholic.
As the season unfolds, the competition remains fierce, with teams like Sullivan, who recently overcame a slow start to secure a 34-7 victory against Arcola, looking to continue their success. Sullivan is currently ranked No. 10 and will face fellow unbeaten Nokomis this Friday.
With the rankings reflecting the teams' performances, the excitement for high school football continues to build. Each matchup this week promises to be crucial as teams strive for victory and a higher standing in The News-Gazette's Top 25 poll.
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