New York City high school football is back, and the 2026 season has the makings of a wide-open race. Although the official PSAL conference schedule begins September 18, several of the city’s top programs are already playing difficult nonleague games that should reveal plenty about them.
Erasmus Hall remains the team to beat after defeating Tottenville 34–27 in last season’s 4A championship game. The Dutchmen lost their opener to Millville, 29–20, but produced 481 yards of offense. With Jordan Bishop and Ebube Onukaogu leading another talented group, one early defeat should not change how Erasmus is viewed.
Tottenville also remains a serious contender. The Pirates lost 28–27 on the road against Rumson-Fair Haven, but pushing one of New Jersey’s stronger programs to the final play showed that Tottenville is still championship-caliber despite losing an accomplished senior class.
Eagle Academy II may have the highest ceiling in the city. Eagle opened with a 14–12 victory over Friendship Collegiate Academy as Zy’eare Schulters rushed for 103 yards, Anthony Caratelli passed for 154 and the defense recorded five sacks. With Schulters, Juvens Lindor, Josiah Brown, Beyty Diouf and transfers Caratelli and Charles Simmons, Eagle has the talent to win it all. The question is whether it can consistently defeat the physical, experienced teams at the top of 4A.
Curtis should not be overlooked. The Warriors lost Caratelli and Simmons to Eagle but began the season with a convincing 41–14 victory over St. Peter’s. Curtis eliminated Eagle from last year’s playoffs and continues to play with the toughness required to win postseason games.
Lincoln is the biggest wild card. Transfer quarterback Michael Misla arrives after helping Frank J. Macchiarola Academy win the 3A championship. If he settles in quickly alongside playmakers such as Mekhi Negron, Somari Decoteau and Giovani Napoleon, the Railsplitters could become dangerous by midseason.
Kennedy is my early dark horse. Three-year starting quarterback Jeremiah Senat returns with running back Amadou Samake and most of the offensive line. The Knights have enough experience to improve considerably on last season, but their defense must take a major step before they can enter the championship discussion.
The early championship board begins with Erasmus and Tottenville because they have already proven they can reach the final. Eagle possesses as much raw talent as anyone, while Curtis and Lincoln are capable of disrupting the entire race.
My early prediction is Erasmus to repeat—but Eagle Academy II is the team most capable of taking the crown away from the Dutchmen.