IMG Academy's Football Team Ranks Among Nation's Best: How to Catch Their Games

Heading into the 2024 season, IMG Academy National's head coach, Billy Miller, boasts an impressive streak of over 700 days without a loss.

Ranked No. 3 in the nation by MaxPreps, the Ascenders owe their preseason standing to Miller's successful track record and the talent-laden roster he commands this year.

The team is stacked with top college recruits, with numerous seniors and juniors earning 4-star ratings, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings.

To foster team chemistry for the 2024 season, Miller and his coaching staff introduced the players to the Netflix documentary "Redeem Team," which chronicles the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team led by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade as they claimed the gold medal.

"We try to give them examples of how a team plays together and succeeds," said Miller, now in his second season as IMG's National head coach. "It’s about teams that hold each other accountable and really come together. We do a lot of team bonding. These kids live together, so they’re around each other 24/7, whether it’s at football practice, school, or meetings."

Miller joined IMG in 2014, spending eight seasons as the Ascenders’ assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.

A Roster Full of Talent

Since 2018, 21 former IMG football players have been selected in the NFL Draft. Of the 180 college-committed players since 2020, over 160 have gone on to Division I schools.

This year’s squad is just as talented.

"That’s the thing about IMG—everyone’s good, everyone can play at the next level, and we’re all talented," said senior wide receiver Donovan Olugbode.

In his third season at IMG, Olugbode quickly built a connection with new quarterback Ty Hawkins. Hawkins transferred to IMG Academy in July after a stellar career at Lady Bird Johnson High in San Antonio, Texas, where he threw for 4,260 yards and 54 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, according to MaxPreps.

"It was a tough decision," Hawkins admitted. "Leaving San Antonio, my friends, and family was hard, but I felt IMG was the best place for my development."

Hawkins already knew some of the receivers from playing 7-on-7 football, including Olugbode, a 247 Sports consensus 4-star recruit committed to Missouri.

"He’s a beast," said Hawkins, who is committed to SMU. "You can throw anything his way, and he’ll go get it. He’s always open and really good."

Leading by Example

Defensively, IMG is formidable. The linebacker corps is led by Orlando native Gavin Nix, who is committed to the University of Miami.

"It all starts with leading by example," said Nix, now in his third year at IMG Academy. "I can't lead others until I lead myself. The new guys need someone to look up to, to understand our standards at IMG Academy. I believe my hard work over the years has set that example. And because of that, you gain credibility with the other guys."

IMG’s season kicked off on Thursday with a narrow 35-34 loss at Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon. The Ascenders’ first home game is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. against Cocoa.

Home games are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office, with admission set at $15.45 per ticket. Parking is free.