Saint Frances Academy Football Schedule and 2025-2026 Season Outlook

Saint Frances Academy (SFA), located in Baltimore, Maryland, remains one of the most dominant forces in high school football. Known for playing a rigorous national schedule that takes them across the country, the Panthers consistently rank among the top teams in the United States. As fans and recruiters look forward to the upcoming year, understanding the 2026 schedule status and reviewing the 2025 performance is essential.

Currently, the full 2026 Saint Frances Academy varsity football schedule is in the process of being finalized. However, high-profile matchups are already beginning to take shape, continuing the school's tradition of facing elite competition.

2026 Saint Frances Academy Football Schedule Status

As of mid-2026, Saint Frances Academy is still confirming several contracts for its national tour. Because the program operates as a "freelance" entity rather than participating in a standard state-based league, athletic directors must coordinate with other powerhouse programs across Florida, California, and Texas.

Confirmed 2026 Matchups

The most significant date currently on the 2026 calendar is a home-and-home renewal with a long-standing rival:

• Opponent: IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
• Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Location: TBD (Typically high-profile neutral sites or school campuses)

This game is widely considered one of the "Super Bowls" of high school football. Both programs regularly produce NFL talent, and this matchup often has major implications for the final national rankings.

Expected Schedule Release

The complete varsity schedule is typically released in phases. Fans can expect the full slate of 10 to 12 games to be confirmed by late summer. Preliminary reports suggest the team will likely travel to the West Coast and potentially participate in a season-opening showcase in early September.

Complete 2025 Season Results Recap

The 2025 season was a testament to the Panthers' resilience. Finishing with a 9-1 overall record, Saint Frances Academy solidified its position as the #1 ranked team in Maryland and climbed to the #2 spot in national rankings according to major sports analytics platforms.

Below is the detailed game-by-game breakdown of the 2025 season:

Key Game Analysis: The Battle in Bellflower

The only blemish on the Panthers' 2025 record was a hard-fought 21-14 loss to St. John Bosco in California. In our review of the film, the Panthers' defense showed elite athleticism, keeping the Braves' explosive offense in check for most of the game. However, a late fourth-quarter interception and a red-zone stand by St. John Bosco prevented SFA from taking the victory. This game proved that SFA can compete with any program in the country, regardless of the travel distance.

The Season Finale: Victory Over Corner Canyon

On December 10, 2025, Saint Frances Academy capped off their season with a dominant 37-20 win over Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon. This game highlighted the Panthers' offensive depth, with the running game controlling the clock and the defensive line recording multiple sacks.

Current Roster Highlights and Top Prospects

The Saint Frances Academy program is a factory for FBS-level talent. The 2025 and 2026 rosters feature several athletes who are already committed to major Power 5 universities.

Jireh Edwards (Safety, Class of 2026)

Named the 2025 MaxPreps Maryland High School Football Player of the Year, Edwards is a 5-star prospect. Standing 6'1" and weighing over 210 lbs, he possesses the rare combination of sideline-to-sideline speed and the physical power to stop the run in the box. His presence in the secondary makes it nearly impossible for opposing quarterbacks to find success in the deep passing game.

Zion Elee (Edge Rusher, Class of 2026)

Elee is currently ranked as one of the top edge rushers in the nation. His explosive first step and bend around the corner have made him a nightmare for offensive tackles. During the 2025 season, the Panthers' defensive front, led by Elee and James Bolorunduro, combined for a staggering number of tackles for loss.

James Bolorunduro (Linebacker/Edge)

As a sophomore in the 2025 season, Bolorunduro emerged as a breakout star. Recording over 70 total tackles and 22 sacks, he proved to be one of the most productive underclassmen in the history of the program. His development heading into the 2026 season is a primary storyline for scouts.

The Saint Frances Academy Football Legacy

Founded in 1828, Saint Frances Academy is the oldest black Catholic school in the United States. Its football program, while relatively young in its current "national powerhouse" iteration, has quickly built a legacy that rivals century-old institutions.

Notable Alumni in the NFL and College

The success of the SFA schedule is often measured by where its players end up after graduation. Some of the most notable names to come out of the Baltimore program include:

• Blake Corum: A standout running back for the University of Michigan and a key part of their national championship run before moving to the NFL (Los Angeles Rams).
• Chris Braswell: An elite linebacker who starred at Alabama and was selected in the early rounds of the NFL Draft.
• Eyabi Okie-Anoma: A highly-ranked recruit who played at multiple high-level college programs.

The ability to produce "Sunday" talent year after year is why teams like IMG Academy and Mater Dei are always willing to schedule the Panthers.

How to Follow Saint Frances Academy Football

For fans looking to stay updated on the latest schedule changes, tickets, and live streams, several platforms provide reliable data:

1. Official Athletics Site: The SFA Panthers official website is the primary source for varsity, JV, and freshman schedules.
2. MaxPreps: This platform provides updated rosters, box scores, and national ranking movements.
3. NFHS Network: Many of SFA’s home games and high-profile away games are broadcast live on the NFHS Network, allowing fans nationwide to watch the Panthers in action.
4. Hudl: For those interested in scouting and highlights, the SFA Hudl page provides game film and individual player reels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the head coach of Saint Frances Academy football?

The program is currently led by a dedicated coaching staff including M. Hailemariam and various specialized coordinators. The coaching philosophy at SFA emphasizes discipline, academic excellence, and physical preparation for the collegiate level.

Where does Saint Frances Academy play home games?

Because SFA is located in an urban setting in Baltimore, they often play home games at various local stadiums or larger regional facilities to accommodate the crowds and media presence required for national matchups.

Is Saint Frances Academy in a conference?

No, Saint Frances Academy football operates as an Independent/Freelance program. This allows them to create a custom schedule that includes opponents from across the country rather than being restricted to local Maryland regional leagues.

How do I get tickets for SFA football games?

Tickets are typically available through the hosting school's athletic department website. For national showcase games, tickets are often sold through specialized event platforms.

Summary

The Saint Frances Academy football schedule remains a focal point for the high school sports world. While the full 2026 schedule is still being built around a marquee matchup with IMG Academy in November, the program's stellar 9-1 performance in 2025 has set a high bar. With 5-star talents like Jireh Edwards and Zion Elee leading the way, the Panthers are poised to maintain their status as the kings of Maryland football and a top-five contender on the national stage. Whether you are a fan watching via live stream or a recruiter looking for the next NFL star, SFA's upcoming season is not to be missed.