Buchholz Florida 2026 Football Preview: Schedule, Players and Prediction | Top 25 Public HSFB
Series
2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 88 Buchholz (FL)
Buchholz moves into Class 5A with a returning multi-offer quarterback, a UAB line commit and a defense led by current Division I recruits.
Top 25 Public HSFB8/17/20265 min read
Buchholz led West Broward 10-0 in the second half of the 2025 Class 6A state semifinal and still watched another season end one game short of the final. The 24-17 loss closed a 12-2 fall season and extended the program's semifinal streak to five years.
The next attempt comes in a new classification. Buchholz moves into FHSAA Class 5A, Region 1, District 3 with a returning quarterback, two proven running backs and a 320-pound Division I commit joining the offensive line. The offense has production back, but it must replace its two leading receivers after Justin Williams graduated and Marquel Brooks transferred to Miami Carol City.
Team Snapshot
2025 record: 12-2
2025 finish: FHSAA Class 6A state semifinalist
2026 classification: FHSAA Class 5A, Region 1, District 3
Head coach: Mark Whittemore
2025 fall scoring: 438 points scored, 235 allowed
2026 Outlook
Andrew Whittemore returns after producing 2,517 total yards and 27 touchdowns as a sophomore. He completed 150 of 260 passes for 2,116 yards and 19 touchdowns, then added 401 rushing yards and eight scores. His current offer list includes Arkansas, Purdue, Iowa State, UCF, Wake Forest, Tulane and several other Division I programs.
Josh Menefee and Ashton Norris give Buchholz two experienced backs. Menefee ran for 684 yards and six touchdowns on 115 carries. Norris added 259 rushing yards, 181 receiving yards and four scores. Their roles become more important after the graduation of Justin Williams and Chris Johnson.
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The receiving room is the offensive uncertainty. Brooks caught 38 passes for 584 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, but he is no longer on the roster. Buchholz needs a new lead receiver to emerge around Whittemore. The protection should be stronger. UAB commit Bryce Daniels transferred from Bradford to join returning linemen Nicholas Siple and Ibrahem Shaer.
The defense lost senior leaders Evan Walker and Caleb Young Jr., but it is not empty. Army commit Troy Fleming returns in the secondary. Amir Sheppard and Zay Robinson were all-area selections in the front seven, while Jayvyn Williams and Camron Burse both added Division I offers during the offseason.
Players to Know
Andrew Whittemore | QB | Class of 2028
Whittemore grew from a first-year starter into the engine of a semifinal offense. He threw for 2,116 yards, ran for 401 more and accounted for 27 touchdowns. Buchholz can ask more of him now, especially while the receiver rotation resets.
Bryce Daniels | OL | Class of 2027
Daniels is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound interior lineman committed to UAB. He transferred from Bradford and gives Buchholz a senior anchor for a road-heavy schedule.
Troy Fleming | DB | Class of 2027
Fleming committed to Army in July. He made impact plays throughout 2025, including an interception in a 27-7 win over Nease and a fumble return touchdown against Vero Beach.
Josh Menefee | RB | Class of 2028
Menefee led the returning backs with 684 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He topped 100 yards against Nease and Oviedo and gives the offense a reliable inside runner.
Ashton Norris | RB/receiver | Class of 2028
Norris produced 440 yards from scrimmage as a sophomore. His 16 catches matter because Buchholz must replace its two leading receivers.
Jayvyn Williams | DL/LB | Class of 2027
Williams was an all-area honorable mention after contributing to the 2025 front seven. He has added Division I offers, including Florida Atlantic, and is one of the defenders Buchholz needs to move into a larger role.
Camron Burse | DB/returner | Class of 2028
Burse holds a Bethune-Cookman offer. He returned a punt 55 yards for Buchholz's only touchdown in the 15-13 opener against Vanguard and returns as a speed piece in the secondary and on special teams.
Schedule Breakdown
The official regular season contains seven road games. Buchholz opens at Vanguard, then plays Gainesville before trips to Eastside, West Port and Jesuit. Four district games are spread across September and October: at West Port, Forest at home, at Matanzas and Oakleaf at home.
The closing stretch is difficult. After the Oct. 9 district game at Matanzas, Buchholz gets an open week before hosting Oakleaf and traveling to Bolles. A preseason trip to Lake Mary gives the rebuilt receiving room and defense a serious test before the games count.
Complete 2026 Schedule
Aug. 21: at Vanguard
Aug. 28: vs. Gainesville
Sept. 4: at Eastside
Sept. 11: at West Port
Sept. 18: at Jesuit
Sept. 24: vs. Forest
Oct. 1: at Santa Fe
Oct. 9: at Matanzas
Oct. 23: vs. Oakleaf
Oct. 30: at Bolles
Biggest Question
Who becomes Andrew Whittemore's dependable target?
Williams graduated after leading Buchholz in receiving, and Brooks transferred after finishing second. Menefee and Norris can absorb touches, but the Bobcats still need receivers who can win outside and convert third downs. Whittemore's development raises the offensive ceiling only if that room develops with him.
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I have Buchholz finishing 8-2 in the regular season and winning Class 5A-District 3. This year though may be different from the last due to who may, or may not, be in the 5A bracket come playoff time. I do think they make the finals this year, but I don't have them taking it home.
Bottom Line
Buchholz has reached December five years in a row without breaking through to the championship game. Whittemore, Daniels, Menefee and a defense with current Division I recruits give the Bobcats enough to make another run. The margin will come from the new receivers and the ability to survive seven road dates.
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