SOUTHWEST FLORIDA POWER 10: IMG Academy National Holds No. 1 as Venice, Palmetto and Manatee Strengthen Their Positions

Southwest Florida’s top three remain unchanged after Week 3, but the rest of the Power 10 sees meaningful movement as several teams strengthen their current-season résumés.

IMG Academy National stays No. 1 with a 99.07 FPRI rating, while Venice remains No. 2 after one of the biggest wins anywhere in the state, defeating Lakeland 32-25 in overtime. Cardinal Mooney holds No. 3 following a 56-34 victory over True North, giving Southwest Florida three teams ranked inside the statewide top seven.

The biggest movement comes immediately behind them. Palmetto climbs two positions to No. 4 after beating Riverview 34-28, while Manatee jumps three spots to No. 5 after a 41-21 victory over SFA Academy. Bishop Verot also makes a strong move into the Power 10 after shutting out Riverdale 38-0, while Port Charlotte and Riverview slide following losses against highly rated opponents.

FPRI Methodology Update

Readers may notice more movement than usual in this week’s FPRI rankings.

After reviewing how the first three weeks of the 2026 season were being reflected in the model, several refinements were made to better balance preseason expectations with actual on-field results. The changes were applied consistently across the entire statewide dataset and were not made to benefit or penalize individual teams.

The biggest update involves head-to-head results. FPRI now gives stronger recognition to statement wins over teams that entered a game rated significantly higher, but it does so in a controlled way. Rather than automatically transferring the defeated opponent’s full rating to the winner, the system moves the winning team part of the way toward that opponent’s pregame strength.

The model also now considers what happens after that win. A later loss to an elite or higher-rated opponent does not erase the value of an earlier statement victory, while a later loss to a significantly lower-rated opponent can reduce how much of that head-to-head boost remains.

Quality wins were also refined. Instead of using hard rating cutoffs that could create abrupt jumps in bonus value, the quality-win component now uses a smoother scale and gives more consideration to current-season performance when a team has already exceeded its preseason expectation.

A 35-point per-game margin-of-victory cap has also been added to the rating calculation. Actual scores and point differentials remain unchanged in the published statistics, but margins beyond 35 points no longer continue increasing a team’s rating. This helps prevent extreme blowouts from carrying too much weight in the overall formula.

Preseason ratings still remain part of FPRI early in the season because the sample size is small, but that influence continues to decline as more games are played and more 2026 data becomes available. Because these refinements are being applied to games already played this season, some teams may make larger-than-normal moves in this week’s rankings.

That movement is expected as the model adjusts to the stronger body of current-season evidence. As the season progresses, FPRI should naturally become more stable while remaining responsive to meaningful wins, losses, opponent strength and head-to-head results.

IMG Academy National Holds No. 1 While Venice Strengthens No. 2

IMG Academy National remains firmly in control of the Southwest Florida rankings with a 99.07 FPRI rating, keeping the Ascenders at No. 1 in the region and No. 2 statewide.

While IMG Academy National did not add a Week 3 result, the gap remains substantial enough for the Ascenders to stay comfortably ahead of the rest of the region.

Venice, however, provided the biggest result among the teams chasing them.

The Indians went on the road and defeated Lakeland 32-25 in overtime, handing one of Tampa Bay’s highest-rated teams its first loss and strengthening Venice’s place at No. 2.

Venice now carries a 91.44 FPRI rating and climbs four positions statewide to No. 6.

The victory matters for more than just the final score. Lakeland entered the matchup as one of the strongest teams in the state, giving Venice a valuable current-season result against elite opposition. That kind of win becomes increasingly important as preseason information continues losing influence.

Venice remains 7.63 rating points behind IMG Academy National, but the Indians now have substantially more current-season evidence supporting their position near the top of the statewide rankings.

Cardinal Mooney Remains No. 3 After Another Big Offensive Performance

Cardinal Mooney remains No. 3 after defeating True North 56-34.

The Cougars now carry an 84.94 FPRI rating and climb seven positions statewide to No. 7, putting three Southwest Florida teams inside the statewide top seven.

Cardinal Mooney’s position is especially notable because the Cougars sit 13.50 rating points ahead of No. 4 Palmetto. That creates a clear separation between the region’s top three and the rest of the Power 10.

The 56-point offensive performance also illustrates the distinction between actual scoring and FPRI margin calculations. Cardinal Mooney’s full score remains part of the published result, but only a maximum 35-point margin can contribute to the rating.

In this case, the Cougars won by 22, so the entire margin remains relevant.

The larger story is that Cardinal Mooney continues stacking positive current-season results and strengthening its position as one of Southwest Florida’s three clear regional leaders.

Palmetto Climbs Into the Top Four

Palmetto makes one of the strongest moves inside the Power 10 after beating Riverview 34-28.

The Tigers climb two positions from No. 6 to No. 4 with a 70.94 FPRI rating and jump 25 places statewide to No. 46.

The result carries extra value because Riverview entered Week 3 inside the regional top five. Palmetto therefore gains a direct head-to-head result over a team that had been positioned ahead of it.

That gives the FPRI stronger evidence than an indirect comparison ever could.

Palmetto also carries a 21.8 strength-of-schedule rating, one of the strongest figures in the Southwest Florida Power 10. That schedule context adds weight to the Tigers’ current position and helps explain why the move is substantial rather than incremental.

The gap between No. 3 Cardinal Mooney and No. 4 Palmetto remains large, but Palmetto has now created separation from the teams directly behind it.

Manatee Jumps Into the Top Five

Manatee also produces a major move after defeating SFA Academy 41-21.

The Hurricanes climb three positions from No. 8 to No. 5 with a 68.52 FPRI rating and rise 25 positions statewide to No. 53.

That jump reflects the growing importance of current-season evidence. Manatee entered the year with a lower regional baseline, but each additional result gives the FPRI more information about what the Hurricanes actually look like in 2026.

The 20-point win over SFA Academy provides another positive data point and moves Manatee ahead of both Port Charlotte and Riverview.

The Hurricanes now sit only 2.42 points behind Palmetto and 0.92 ahead of No. 6 Port Charlotte.

That makes the No. 4 through No. 6 portion of the rankings much tighter than it was a week ago.

Port Charlotte Falls Despite Pushing The First Academy to Overtime

Port Charlotte falls two positions from No. 4 to No. 6 after losing 23-20 in overtime to The First Academy.

The Pirates now carry a 67.60 FPRI rating, but the context of the loss matters considerably.

The First Academy entered the matchup as one of Central Florida’s highest-rated teams and had already beaten Edgewater earlier in the season. Port Charlotte pushed the Royals into overtime before falling by three.

That kind of loss provides different information than a lopsided defeat against a lower-rated opponent.

Port Charlotte also carries a 23.8 strength-of-schedule rating, the strongest among the Southwest Florida Power 10. That helps explain why the Pirates remain firmly inside the upper half despite the loss.

Their regional drop is driven as much by the strong gains made by Palmetto and Manatee as by anything negative in Port Charlotte’s own performance.

Riverview Falls After Head-to-Head Loss to Palmetto

Riverview slides two positions from No. 5 to No. 7 following its 34-28 loss to Palmetto.

The Rams now carry a 65.54 rating and fall 10 positions statewide.

The movement is significant because the FPRI now has a direct comparison between Riverview and Palmetto. Riverview entered Week 3 ahead of the Tigers, but Palmetto won the matchup and now sits three positions higher.

Still, the Rams remain tightly connected to the teams around them.

Only 0.04 rating points separate Riverview from No. 8 South Fort Myers, while Bishop Verot sits only another 1.04 points back.

That makes this portion of the rankings especially vulnerable to movement in Week 4.

Riverview begins district play Thursday against Lakewood Ranch, giving the Rams an immediate opportunity to stabilize their position.

South Fort Myers Moves Up After Beating Gulf Coast

South Fort Myers climbs two positions to No. 8 after defeating Gulf Coast 28-7.

The Wolfpack now carry a 65.50 FPRI rating and sit only 0.04 points behind Riverview.

That tiny margin means the difference between No. 7 and No. 8 is essentially negligible entering Week 4.

South Fort Myers’ move also comes despite a relatively weak early strength-of-schedule figure. As more games are played, the Wolfpack will need additional quality results to maintain or improve their position against teams carrying stronger opponent profiles.

For now, the Gulf Coast victory is enough to move South Fort Myers firmly into the Power 10.

The Wolfpack have an open week in Week 4, meaning the teams around them will have an opportunity to generate new information while South Fort Myers remains idle.

Bishop Verot Surges Into the Power 10

Bishop Verot makes one of the biggest moves of the week after shutting out Riverdale 38-0.

The Vikings climb four positions from No. 13 to No. 9 with a 64.46 rating and rise 21 positions statewide to No. 79.

The result reaches the new 35-point margin-of-victory cap, meaning the final three points of separation do not provide additional rating value.

More importantly, Bishop Verot’s win came against a Riverdale team carrying a 14.4 strength-of-schedule rating, giving the FPRI useful opponent context.

The Vikings now sit only 1.04 points behind South Fort Myers and just 1.29 behind Riverview.

Week 4 provides another interesting test when Williston travels to Fort Myers. Williston is currently inside the North Central Florida Power 10, giving Bishop Verot an immediate cross-regional opportunity to strengthen its résumé.

Immokalee Holds the Final Power 10 Spot

Immokalee falls one position but remains inside the Power 10 at No. 10 following a 46-14 victory over Barron Collier.

The Indians now carry a 64.25 FPRI rating, putting them only 0.21 points behind Bishop Verot.

The regional drop is another example of rankings movement being relative.

Immokalee won convincingly, but Bishop Verot’s shutout of Riverdale created enough additional value to move the Vikings ahead.

Immokalee’s early strength-of-schedule figure remains low, which could become increasingly important as the preseason component fades and more current-season opponent information enters the formula.

Still, the Indians sit only 0.21 points outside the No. 9 position and remain 1.95 points ahead of the first team outside the Power 10.

The Chase Just Outside the Power 10

Out-of-Door is the first team out at No. 11 with a 62.30 rating after defeating Saint Stephen’s Episcopal 28-0.

The Thunder fall four positions despite the shutout, largely because stronger movement occurred around them. Their early strength-of-schedule figure also remains significantly negative, which limits how much separation the result can create.

Riverdale falls one position to No. 12 after its 38-0 loss to Bishop Verot. The Raiders carry a 59.89 rating, but their 14.4 strength-of-schedule figure remains one of the better numbers among the teams immediately outside the Power 10.

Community School climbs two positions to No. 13 after defeating IMG Academy Junior National 34-27. The Seahawks now carry a 58.88 rating and a strong 16.2 strength-of-schedule figure, making them one of the more interesting teams just outside the cutoff.

St. John Neumann also climbs two spots to No. 14 after defeating Gulliver Prep 56-26, while Cape Coral jumps three positions to No. 15 following a 26-20 win over Dunbar.

Naples sits No. 16 after overwhelming Lely 63-0, while Sebring climbs two positions to No. 17 after defeating Legacy 35-22.

The cutoff is not as compressed as some other regions, but several teams remain within realistic striking distance. Only 5.37 rating points separate No. 10 Immokalee from No. 14 St. John Neumann.

One significant head-to-head result could still change that picture quickly.

Week 4 Spotlight: Bishop Verot Hosts Williston

One of the most intriguing Week 4 matchups in Southwest Florida comes when No. 9 Bishop Verot hosts Williston.

Bishop Verot enters after surging four positions into the Power 10 following its 38-0 victory over Riverdale. Williston, meanwhile, sits inside the North Central Florida Power 10 and brings another strong regional profile into the matchup.

That gives Bishop Verot a clean opportunity to validate its rise against a ranked opponent from another part of the state.

A strong performance could help the Vikings move closer to South Fort Myers and Riverview, while a loss could reopen the door for Immokalee and the teams sitting just outside the cutoff.

Venice also begins district play Friday when Lehigh visits Powell-Davis Stadium. The Indians enter Week 4 with major momentum after beating Lakeland in overtime and have an opportunity to strengthen their already elite rating.

Cardinal Mooney hosts Wellen Park in district play, while Palmetto travels to IMG Academy Junior National.

Manatee heads to Lake Brantley in one of the more interesting cross-regional matchups involving a top-five Southwest Florida team.

Port Charlotte hosts Dunbar in district play, giving the Pirates an opportunity to rebound immediately after the overtime loss to The First Academy.

Riverview hosts Lakewood Ranch on Thursday night, while Immokalee travels to Charlotte in another district matchup.

Community School travels to Archbishop McCarthy, St. John Neumann visits Lemon Bay, Cape Coral goes to East Lee County and Riverdale hosts North Fort Myers.

Naples travels to Aubrey Rogers, Sebring visits Lake Gibson and Hardee heads to Lake Placid.

IMG Academy National, South Fort Myers and Out-of-Door have open weeks.

Southwest Florida Has a Clear Top Three — and a Tight Race Behind Them

The structure of Southwest Florida is becoming increasingly clear at the top.

IMG Academy National remains No. 1 with a 99.07 rating, Venice strengthens its No. 2 position after beating Lakeland, and Cardinal Mooney remains firmly entrenched at No. 3.

Those three teams have separated themselves considerably from the rest of the field.

The more volatile race begins at No. 4.

Palmetto has climbed after beating Riverview head-to-head. Manatee has moved into the top five. Port Charlotte remains highly rated despite its overtime loss to The First Academy, while Riverview and South Fort Myers are separated by only 0.04 points.

Bishop Verot has surged into the Power 10, while Immokalee holds onto the final spot despite another convincing win.

The middle of the region is also becoming more interconnected.

Palmetto has beaten Riverview.

The First Academy has beaten Port Charlotte.

Bishop Verot has beaten Riverdale.

Community School has beaten IMG Academy Junior National.

Those results give the FPRI more direct evidence about how teams compare rather than forcing the model to rely primarily on preseason assumptions and indirect connections.

Week 4 should add another layer.

Bishop Verot gets Williston. Port Charlotte hosts Dunbar. Immokalee plays Charlotte. Riverview gets Lakewood Ranch. Venice begins district play against Lehigh.

Southwest Florida already has a clearly defined elite tier.

The race immediately underneath it is becoming much harder to separate.

Explore the Complete Florida Power Rankings Index

The Southwest Florida Power 10 is part of FloridaHSFootball.com’s Enhanced Florida Power Rankings Index, which ranks all 587 football teams in Florida — 563 11-man teams and 24 8-man teams — while also powering the Florida Power 25, classification rankings and eight regional rankings throughout the season.

As more games are played, current performance and opponent strength will continue replacing preseason information within the ratings.

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