Ohio high school football 2026 | Greater Akron rankings heading into Week 6
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Here we go again.
Week 5 showed separation in the Greater Akron high school football power rankings and once again, this week’s poll looks different.
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Here’s what the Week 6 rankings look like:
1. Walsh Jesuit Warriors (4-0)
Previous ranking: 1
Why Walsh: The Warriors are that good. They had a bye last week to get ready for Hoban. The Knights have one win this season, but have a resume that should make Walsh coach Nick Alexander lose some sleep. It’s a strong contender for game of the week in Greater Akron.
Last week: Bye
This week: vs. No. 7 Hoban (1-4)
2. Wadsworth Grizzlies (5-0, 2-0)
Previous ranking: 2
Why Wadsworth: The Grizzlies are making the potential of a Division II, Region 5 regional final against Walsh a strong possibility. Just like this poll, Walsh and Wadsworth are 1-2 in the region. Last week, Wadsworth ruined North Royalton’s homecoming in a game that was a running clock to start the second half.
Last week: 38-0 win at North Royalton
This week: vs. Medina (1-4, 1-1)
3. Highland Hornets (4-1, 2-0)
Previous ranking: 3
Why Highland: The Hornets beat the team that beat the team that used to be here. Confused? Highland beat Nordonia 23-21 in Week 4. Nordonia beat previous No. 3 Hudson 23-9 in Week 5. That makes the Hornets an easy choice to move up a spot in this week’s rankings.
Last week: 47-0 win at Medina
This week: at Stow (2-3, 0-2)
4. Nordonia Knights (4-1, 1-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Why Nordonia: The Knights arguably had their signature win of the season in Week 5. They Hudson at the break and gave up a safety afterwards but rallied with 23 straight points to hand previous unbeaten Hudson at home. Nordonia could head into Week 10 at 9-1 if they focus.
Last week: 23-9 win over No. 5 Hudson
This week: vs. North Royalton (3-2, 0-2)
5. Hudson Explorers (4-1, 1-1)
Previous ranking: 3
Why Hudson: The Explorers were hurt by the loss of quarterback Hayden Lipinski (illness) prior to game with Nordonia. They turned the ball over four times against the Knights and couldn’t get the offense rolling in the Week 5 loss. If you know coach Jeff Gough, the setback will be temporary.
Last week: 23-9 loss at No. 4 Nordonia
This week: at Solon (3-2, 1-1)
6. Woodridge Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0)
Why Woodridge: The Bulldogs traveled to previous one-loss Ravenna and blew the doors off the Ravens. This week, it’s a home game against another one-loss team in a three-game stretch that could solidify Woodridge’s place atop Division IV, Region 13.
Last week: 49-0 win at Ravenna
This week: vs. Norton (4-1, 1-1)
7. Hoban Knights (1-4)
Last week: 8
Why Hoban: We told you last week, the Knights are a sleeping giant this season. They proved it in Week 5 when they beat North Carolina state semifinalist Cardinal Gibbons at home. They travel to Conway Memorial Stadium on Friday to take on undefeated Walsh. Win there and it’s watch out for the Knights.
Last week: 19-4 win over Cardinal Gibbons
This week: at No. 1 Walsh Jesuit (4-0)
8. Green Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1)
Last week: Not ranked
Why Green: Last week, some of you correctly pointed out that the Bulldogs should have been in the top eight. You were right and despite a close loss to Jackson in Week 5, Green gets its just rewards. They’re sixth in Division II, Region 7 and a win this week could move them higher.
Last week: 16-10 loss to Jackson
This week: vs. Canton McKinley (4-1, 2-0)
Out: Tallmadge (3-2)
Also considered: Norton (4-1), Copley (4-1), East (4-1)
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio high school football 2026 | Greater Akron rankings heading into Week 6