COLUMBUS — Columbus Watterson has climbed to the top of the Ohio Super 25 high school football poll, claiming the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Network Ohio’s fifth ranking of the 2026 season ahead of Week 8.
Watterson earned 438 total points and 8 first-place votes to edge past Massillon Washington, which sits at No. 2 with 423 points and 9 first-place votes. Cincinnati Princeton held at No. 3 with 381 points and a single first-place vote, followed by Sunbury Big Walnut at No. 4 and Lakewood St. Edward at No. 5.
The Super 25 poll ranks the state’s 25 best teams regardless of division, using a panel of sports writers and sports editors from across Ohio’s USA TODAY network. Each voter submits a Top 25 list, with a first-place vote worth 25 points, second place 24, down to one point for 25th.
Central Ohio is well represented in this week’s rankings. Gahanna Lincoln checks in at No. 7, Pickerington North lands at No. 15, and Sunbury Big Walnut holds at No. 4. Others receiving votes include Columbus DeSales, Newark Licking Valley, Ontario and Upper Arlington.
Northeast Ohio also showed strongly, with Massillon Washington at No. 2, Lakewood St. Edward at No. 5, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit at No. 10, Wadsworth at No. 11, Canton McKinley at No. 14, Akron Hoban at No. 16 and Cleveland Glenville at No. 19. Toledo Central Catholic carries the Northwest Ohio banner at No. 12, with Liberty Center at No. 24.
The poll sets the stage for a pivotal Week 8 across the state, with league titles and playoff positioning on the line. The Friday Night Lights Game of the Week continues weekly coverage of the season’s biggest matchups.
