News Summary

The 16th Annual High School Football Kickoff is set to take place in Atlanta from August 14-23, 2025. Featuring 45 top-ranked athletes, the event will showcase six thrilling matchups across multiple states, providing young football talents a national platform. With commitments to major Division I programs already made, the excitement builds for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of high school football.

Excitement Builds in Atlanta as ESPN Readies for High School Football Kickoff

Atlanta, GA – Get ready, football fans! The 16th Annual High School Football Kickoff is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and competition. From August 14-23, 2025, six electrifying matchups will take place across the nation, spanning from the sunny fields of Georgia to the vibrant pitches of California.

Game Lineup: Talent on Display

This year’s kickoff is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a whopping 45 athletes ranked in the prestigious ESPN 300 and ESPN Junior 300 rankings. Among them, 22 athletes have already made commitments to major Division I college football programs, igniting the flames of enthusiasm among scouts and coaches alike.

The schedule reveals some thrilling matchups that are sure to have both players and fans at the edge of their seats:

  • Milton (GA) vs. No. 12 Buford (GA) – August 14 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Phillip Beard Stadium, Buford, GA.
    • Buford boasts 4-star commits like EDGE Bryce Perry-Wright (Texas A&M), S Tyriq Green (Georgia), OL Graham Houston (Georgia), and EDGE Dre Quinn (Clemson).
    • Milton’s star to watch is 4-star TE Grant Haviland.
  • St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) vs. American Heritage (FL) – August 22 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Brian Piccolo Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
    • St. Joseph’s featured player is 4-star LB Brandon Lockley, while American Heritage showcases 5-Star Plus+ QB Dia Bell (Texas) and 4-star WR Brandon Bennett (FSU).
  • IMG Academy (FL) vs. Hoover (AL) – August 22 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from The Met, Hoover, AL.
    • IMG Academy flaunts 5-star EDGE Zyron Forstall along with 5-star OL Keenyi Pepe (USC).
  • Mater Dei (CA) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) – August 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN from Brian Piccolo Stadium.
    • Mater Dei features stars like 5-star TE Mark Bowman (USC) and 5-star WR Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State).
  • St. Frances Academy (MD) vs. Chaminade-Madonna (FL) – August 23 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Brian Piccolo Stadium.
    • St. Frances Academy showcases 5-Star Plus+ EDGE Zion Elee (Maryland).
  • Folsom (CA) vs. Grant Union (CA) – August 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN from Grant Union High School, Sacramento, CA.
    • Folsom brings 5-star QB Ryder Lyons (BYU) and 4-star OL Vlad Dyakonov (USC) to the field.

A National Stage for Young Athletes

With teams hailing from seven different states, this event is not just about the games; it’s about giving young athletes the chance to shine on a national stage. For many of these players, this could be the stepping stone to their dream college football programs. The exposure and recognition offered at the High School Football Kickoff is invaluable and can make a meaningful difference in a young athlete’s future.

Fans can look forward to witnessing elite high school football programs from across the country as they battle for glory in these exciting matchups. Whether you’re in the stands or tuning in from home, the anticipation is palpable!

Mark Your Calendars!

As the kickoff approaches, it’s time to mark your calendars and gear up for an unforgettable week of football. Spread the word and rally friends and family to join in on the excitement. This is a celebration of talent, ambition, and the sheer love of the game!

So, grab your jerseys, get ready for some serious action, and prepare to cheer on these young athletes as they kick off the season in style!

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