Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, will not field a varsity football team in 2026, the school announced Wednesday night, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the program.
The Tornadoes will instead field a junior varsity team as new coach Lance Hoeltke begins rebuilding a program that has lost 21 players to transfers following the departure of former head coach Carlos Woods.
The decision came the same day that Booker was fined $500 and placed on administrative probation until May 25, 2027, following a Florida High School Athletic Association investigation that found eighth-grade players participated in varsity spring practices.
Over the past several weeks, 21 Booker players transferred out of the program following the dismissal of former head coach Carlos Woods.
Booker had already canceled four games from its 2026 schedule before Wednesday’s announcement, leading to speculation that cancelling the season was a possibility. Booker ended the uncertainty Wednesday night, announcing on its Facebook page that it will not field a varsity team this fall.
Booker Will Field JV Team in 2026
“This decision was made after careful consideration of the current needs of our student-athletes and the long-term health of the football program,” principal Jamal Crook said in the announcement.
Crook said recent changes within the program made it clear that rebuilding participation, trust and commitment would take time.
“Rather than move forward with a varsity season before those foundations are firmly in place, Booker High School is choosing to focus this year on developing the program from the ground up,” Crook said.
The school plans to use the JV season to develop players and rebuild the program under its new coaching staff.
“This is not a step away from football at Booker High School,” Crook said. “It is an investment in its future.”
Crook said the decision is intended to give Booker time to rebuild participation, trust and commitment within the program. The Tornadoes will use the 2026 junior varsity season to develop players, establish a stronger team culture and create a foundation the school believes can support varsity football in the future.
Booker Joins Growing List of Canceled Football Seasons
Booker becomes the latest high school football program across the country to cancel its 2026 varsity season shortly before kickoff. Low participation and player-safety concerns have forced programs in several states to make similar decisions this summer, including schools in Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.
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