Florida high school football program slapped with penalties, including forfeiting a win

A Florida high school football program that had very high expectations for the 2026 season has been forced to forfeit their Week 1 win.

Miami Carol City, which entered the year ranked inside the USA TODAY Super 25 and is currently ranked 10th in the Super 15 Southeast rankings, had to forfeit their season-opening win because of an ineligible player. The news was first reported by the USA TODAY Florida Network .

Miami Carol City, which is widely considered the favorite to win Class 2A if the Chiefs aren't in the Open Division, self-reported the infractions to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

According to the FHSAA's sanction letter to the school, which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the penalties handed down to Carol City include the player in question being ineligible for a year, starting Aug. 28, 2026. The school was also fined $3,700 and placed on administrative probation until Sept. 1, 2027. It will also undergo an FHSAA audit of its football program.

The investigation began after the FHSAA received an allegation on July 10 accusing a third party of recruiting for Carol City's football program.

Carol City, which goes from 2-1 to 1-2, dominated Daytona Beach Mainland (FL) on Aug. 21, winning 38-3.

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X .