Prediction: IMG Academy (Fla.) falls short of undefeated season

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way down to Florida and take a close look at IMG Academy. The Ascenders always have one of the top football teams in the country and their schedule speaks to that. Heading into the 2025 season with a new head coach on the sideline, the Ascenders will once again aim for an undefeated campaign.

Player Spotlight: EDGE Zyron Forstall

The Ascenders’ newest addition, Zyron Forstall joins what is already a very talented defensive front seven. He will be a terrorizing bookend to pair with four-star edge rusher Jake Kreul. Getting a look at the 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive end in the season opener will be something to see.

Others to watch: OT Keenyi Pope, EDGE Jake Kreul, WR Osani Gayles, S Zech Fort, RB Tranard Roberts, CB Larry Moon, LB Amarri Irvin, LB DQ Forkpa, TE Judah Lancaster, OL Breck Kolojay, DL Preston Carey, DL Cameron McHaney, DB AJ Marks

Season Prediction: 9-1

Whenever you’re breaking down IMG Academy’s regular season, you have to remember that the Ascenders are competing for the mythical national championship. With the kind of schedule they put together, that’s always the goal as they don’t participate in Florida’s FHSAA state playoffs series. It’s tough to travel around, prepare and beat the best teams in the country but IMG is built for that exact purpose. I think we’ll see the Ascenders one loss this fall a foe they know very well.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 14 – at The First Academy (Fla.) Royals – W
The Ascenders face a very talented Royals’ group, but leave Orlando with their first win of the season.

Aug. 22 – at Hoover (Ala.) Buccaneers – W
Yes, we predicted IMG Academy would lose to Hoover, but the Massey Ratings thinks this one is all Ascenders.

Aug. 28 – at Winslow Township (N.J.) Eagles – W
If you thought the Ascenders were going to arrive at Carey Stadium and then leave with a loss, well, you’re wrong.

Sept. 13 – at Coronado (Nev.) Cougars – W
The last time IMG went out west, they lost to Corner Canyon. This time around, the team leaves no doubt.

Sept. 19 – at Mandarin (Fla.) Mustangs – W
A nice, short trip to the 904 turns into a rout of the Mustangs as the Ascenders improve to 5-0.

Sept. 26 – at Phenix City Central (Ala.) Red Devils – W
IMG Academy is singing Sweet Home Alabama all the way back home as they go to 2-0 playing in the Yellowhammer State.

Oct. 3 – at Venice (Fla.) Indians – W
Last year, this game was relatively close. This time around, we see a multiple score victory.

Oct. 17 – NFL Academy (U.K.) – W
IMG wallops NFL Academy and sends them back to the United Kingdom with a loss.

Oct. 25 – East St. Louis (Ill.) Flyers – W
The Ascenders roll to 7-0 with a win over Illinois’ top team.

Nov. 1 – at Hun School (N.J.) Big Red – W
IMG Academy makes a Saturday trip up to the Northeast and edges out the Hun School.

Nov. 7 – St. Frances Academy (MD) Panthers – L
It’s the rivalry that’s separated by hundreds of miles from Baltimore-to-Bradenton. The Panthers come into Manatee County and hand the Ascenders their only loss of the season.