Fans see five different polls and get five different answers. This weekly, data-driven composite solves the issue. We blend insights from HSFA, MaxPreps, CalPreps, and Power 25, then cross-check them against On3, SI, and ESPN. The formula weights strength of schedule and head-to-head wins so the best teams rise to the top. Trust comes from clear math and real results, think Mater Dei’s 74-3 run since 2018 or St. Frances Academy handling a ranked Chaminade-Madonna by 29 points. This is about who earns it on the field. Scan the quick table, then see the 10 team capsules for the essential information.
2025 Consensus Top 10 , Quick View Rankings Table
Last updated: September 16, 2025
Sources: HSFA, MaxPreps, CalPreps, Power 25; cross-checked with On3, SI, ESPN, 247Sports
| Rank | Team (City, State) | Current Record | Composite Index | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) | 4-0 | 99.8 | ― |
| 2 | St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) | 4-0 | 98.9 | ― |
| 3 | Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) | 5-0 | 98.5 | ― |
| 4 | Grayson (Loganville, GA) | 4-0 | 97.4 | ▲ 1 |
| 5 | IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) | 3-0 | 97.1 | ▼ 1 |
| 6 | St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD) | 3-1 | 96.5 | ▲ 1 |
| 7 | Duncanville (Duncanville, TX) | 3-0 | 96.2 | ▼ 1 |
| 8 | Buford (Buford, GA) | 4-0 | 95.8 | ― |
| 9 | American Heritage (Plantation, FL) | 3-1 | 94.7 | ▲ 2 |
| 10 | Corner Canyon (Draper, UT) | 5-0 | 94.1 | ― |
How to Read the Rankings Table
The Movement column shows a team’s change from the previous week’s update:
- ▲ 1: The team moved up one spot.
- ▼ 1: The team moved down one spot.
- ―: The team’s rank did not change.
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Status: Consensus No. 1, chasing a rare three-peat championship in the High School Football America era.
Proof: The Monarchs are 74-3 since 2018. They set the tone for 2025 by winning a 26-23 road game against Florida titan St. Thomas Aquinas.
Headliners:
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt: Ohio State WR commit with game-breaking speed.
- Chris Henry Jr.: The nation’s #1 WR for 2026, also headed to Ohio State.
- Mark Bowman: USC TE commit, a matchup problem ranked as the #2 TE in the ’26 class.
Schedule: They have a tough schedule, facing the Trinity League gauntlet against rivals St. John Bosco and Orange Lutheran, plus a national-level non-conference slate.
Recent Form: W 45-10 vs. Centennial; W 38-14 vs. Serra; W 52-0 vs. Mililani.
Next Up: vs. Servite (Anaheim, CA). Expect Mater Dei’s trench depth to control the game from the start.
Verdict: (99.8 | ―) They sit at No. 1 because they consistently beat elite teams, home or away, and their resume is strong.
2. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)
Status: Consensus No. 2; the undisputed top challenger to Mater Dei.
Proof: A perennial top-5 program that finished 11-2 in 2024, with both losses coming in close games against Mater Dei.
Headliners:
- Koa Malau’ulu: A poised returning QB who took snaps as a freshman.
- Madden Williams: Texas A&M WR commit with an elite frame.
- Daniel Odom: Oklahoma-bound WR who gives them another lethal deep threat.
Schedule: Their schedule is difficult. Beyond the Trinity League, the Braves traveled to Florida to beat Manatee and host national power St. Frances Academy.
Recent Form: W 34-7 vs. St. Frances Academy; W 48-20 vs. Kahuku; W 42-12 vs. Manatee.
Next Up: at Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA). Bosco’s offensive line should create clear running lanes.
Verdict: (98.9 | ―) The path to No. 1 is simple but very difficult: they have to beat Mater Dei.
3. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV)
Status: Locked in as a top-3 program, hunting for its fifth national title.
Proof: Gorman posts dominant scoring margins against a schedule loaded with out-of-state powers.
Headliners:
- Jett Washington: An Oregon safety commit and nephew of the late Kobe Bryant. He is the nation’s top safety in the 2026 class. The roster is stacked with top Nevada recruits for years to come.
Schedule: Their schedule is fearless. Their 2025 slate includes showdowns with both Mater Dei and Santa Margarita, proving they’ll play anyone, anywhere.
Recent Form: W 56-14 vs. Long Beach Poly; W 49-6 vs. Liberty; W 63-0 vs. Arbor View.
Next Up: vs. Legacy (North Las Vegas, NV). Look for explosive plays early and often.
Verdict: (98.5 | ―) This team has the talent and coaching to beat anyone, but their title hopes depend on defeating one of the Southern California giants.
4. Grayson (Loganville, GA)
Status: A consensus top-5 team and Georgia’s most physical program.
Proof: The Rams proved their standing with a 24-23 overtime win against Alabama power Thompson. When healthy, this team’s ceiling is high.
Headliners:
- Travis Burgess: The 2026 five-star QB is a highlight player. Before a season-ending injury, he torched Collins Hill for 3 passing TDs and a rushing TD in a single game. The lines on both sides are loaded with future Power Five talent.
Schedule: They face a difficult game weekly in Georgia’s 7A classification, one of the toughest in the country.
Recent Form: W 31-28 vs. Mill Creek; W 28-10 vs. Parkview; W 42-17 vs. Archer.
Next Up: vs. Newton (Covington, GA). Grayson’s defensive front should dominate the red zone.
Verdict: (97.4 | ▲ 1) Even without their star QB, this team is built to win with power and defense, keeping them in the national title conversation.
5. IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Status: A top-tier program every year with a roster built like a college team.
Proof: IMG produced two first-round NFL picks in 2024 and currently has 12 prospects in the Top247 for the 2025 and 2026 classes.
Headliners:
- Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng: LB (#1 LB in 2025 class).
- Donovan Johnson: RB (Michigan commit).
- Zayden Walker: LB/EDGE (Georgia commit).
Schedule: A coast-to-coast tour against the nation’s best. They play very few true home games.
Recent Form: W 35-14 vs. Bergen Catholic; W 27-21 vs. St. Joseph’s Prep; W 55-0 vs. West Toronto Prep.
Next Up: at Pine Forest (Pensacola, FL). Expect IMG’s talent advantage in the trenches to be the difference-maker.
Verdict: (97.1 | ▼ 1) Their talent is clear, but their status as a boarding school versus a traditional high school makes their ranking a constant debate.
6. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD)
Status: A top-6 consensus pick and one of the most dangerous traveling teams in the nation.
Proof: They made a statement by defeating a ranked Chaminade-Madonna squad 42-13.
Headliners:
- Zion Elee: A top-5 overall recruit for 2026, this EDGE rusher creates difficulties for opposing QBs. The entire roster, especially the secondary and defensive line, is filled with D1-caliber players.
Schedule: Their schedule is tough. St. Frances travels to face programs like St. John Bosco, stacking their resume with elite competition.
Recent Form: L 7-34 vs. St. John Bosco; W 42-13 vs. Chaminade-Madonna; W 38-0 vs. Life Christian.
Next Up: vs. Friendship Collegiate (Washington, D.C.). St. Frances’ defense should hold them to single digits.
Verdict: (96.5 | ▲ 1) If the offense finds consistency, this team has the defensive firepower to beat anyone in the top five.
7. Duncanville (Duncanville, TX)
Status: The top team in Texas 6A football and a top-5 contender on most ballots.
Proof: The Panthers are built on a foundation of dominant defense, a balanced offense, and consistent deep playoff runs in a tough bracket.
Headliners:
- Kevin Ford Jr.: A 2026 WR with offers from nearly every major program.
- Javion Hilson: A 5-star EDGE rusher committed to Florida State.
- Tyren Polley: A disruptive DL making waves in the 2027 class.
Schedule: The Texas 6A schedule is relentless, supplemented by select out-of-state matchups.
Recent Form: W 45-3 vs. Rockwall; W 35-10 vs. South Oak Cliff; W 56-0 vs. SOC.
Next Up: at DeSoto (DeSoto, TX). Duncanville’s physicality at the line of scrimmage will be the key.
Verdict: (96.2 | ▼ 1) Their path to a national title runs directly through the Texas state championship, a prize as important as any.
8. Buford (Buford, GA)
Status: A consensus top-10 team with arguably the most complete roster in Georgia.
Proof: Their 2024 season saw them outscore opponents by 372 points. They also secured a 20-13 win over rival Milton.
Headliners:
- Tyriq Green: A two-way player who rushed for 1,519 yards and 21 TDs while snagging 5 interceptions on defense.
- Dayton Raiola: The efficient QB threw for 1,953 yards with 19 TDs and only 3 INTs.
- Bryce Perry-Wright: A UGA-committed DL who had 9 sacks.
Schedule: Another Georgia 7A titan facing a schedule packed with ranked opponents week after week.
Recent Form: W 20-13 vs. Milton; W 38-7 vs. North Cobb; W 48-21 vs. Marietta.
Next Up: at Collins Hill (Suwanee, GA). Buford wins by controlling the clock and limiting mistakes.
Verdict: (95.8 | ―) They have the balance and discipline to challenge anyone, making a potential playoff clash with Grayson a must-watch game.
9. American Heritage (Plantation, FL)
Status: A huge riser with an offense that can score quickly on anyone.
Proof: Down 28-0 in the third quarter to St. Joseph’s Prep, they stormed back for a 31-28 comeback win that vaulted them 13 spots in the national rankings.
Headliners:
- Dia Bell: The #1 ranked QB in the 2026 class, with mechanics and poise beyond his years.
- Malachi Toney: A big-play WR from the 2025 class.
- Zayden Ward: A shutdown corner in the 2026 class drawing national attention.
Schedule: A mix of Florida’s elite programs and national showcase games.
Recent Form: W 31-28 vs. St. Joseph’s Prep; L 14-21 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas; W 45-20 vs. Cardinal Gibbons.
Next Up: vs. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL). A significant WR/DB matchup will decide this rivalry game.
Verdict: (94.7 | ▲ 2) Their ceiling is a national title, but their inconsistency makes them a high-risk, high-reward pick every week.
10. Corner Canyon (Draper, UT)
Status: Utah’s top program and the only team from the state in the top 10.
Proof: The Chargers are perennial state title contenders who schedule tough out-of-state opponents. Their unbeaten start to 2025 keeps them in the national picture.
Headliners:
- Isaac Wilson: The senior QB and Utah commit leads a high-powered offense.
- Jerome Myles: A big-bodied WR and fellow Utah commit who is a reliable deep threat.
- Mana Fager: A 2027 DL who is already a factor on the interior.
Schedule: They dominate in-state play and seek challenges from programs in neighboring states.
Recent Form: W 42-7 vs. Lone Peak; W 55-21 vs. Bingham; W 48-14 vs. Kearns.
Next Up: at Skyridge (Lehi, UT). Expect Corner Canyon to push the pace from the opening whistle.
Verdict: (94.1 | ―) To climb higher, they need a signature win against a top-10 opponent to prove they belong with the top teams.
On the Bubble , Teams 11–15 to Monitor
- Mission Viejo (CA): 4-1 record; their only loss is to Mater Dei. A win over a ranked Trinity League foe could push them in.
- Bergen Catholic (NJ): 4-1 record; a dominant win in the state playoffs could see them jump Florida/Georgia teams.
- North Crowley (TX): 4-0 record; remains undefeated in a tough Texas district. Needs a signature playoff win to crack the top 10.
- Thompson (AL): 3-1 record; only loss was an overtime thriller to Grayson. Needs to run the table in Alabama.
- St. Joseph’s Prep (PA): 2-2 record; losses to American Heritage and IMG. They need to dominate their in-state schedule to climb back.
Our Composite Ranking Methodology
The methodology is based on a mathematical formula, not subjective opinion.
- Data Collection: We pull the top 25 rankings from four primary sources: HSFA, MaxPreps, CalPreps, and the Power 25. These are cross-checked with On3, SI, and ESPN.
- Calculating the Composite Index: A team’s final score is determined by a weighted formula. While the exact weights are proprietary, the general structure is:
Composite Index = (Weight₁ × SOS) + (Weight₂ × H2H) + (Weight₃ × Other Factors)- Strength of Schedule (SOS): A win against a highly-ranked opponent provides a significant boost.
- Head-to-Head (H2H): A direct win over another team is heavily weighted, with recent results mattering more than older ones.
- Other Factors: Margin of victory (often capped) and performance in playoff games are included.
- Score Normalization: Different polls use different rating scales. To create a single index, all raw scores are converted to a standard 0-100 scale using min-max normalization:
Normalized Score = ((Raw Score - Minimum Raw) / (Maximum Raw - Minimum Raw)) × 100
This ensures all sources are compared fairly before being factored into the final Composite Index. - Weekly Updates: The rankings are refreshed every Monday morning. The “Movement” column shows how a team’s position has changed from the prior week.
Common Ranking Criteria Across Systems
| Criteria | MaxPreps | CalPreps | HSFA | Power 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win/Loss Record | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Margin of Victory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Strength of Schedule | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quality Wins | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Playoff Weighting | ✓ | ✓ | Likely | Likely |
Key Storylines This Week
- Biggest Mover: American Heritage jumps two spots to #9 after a bye week, benefiting from losses by teams previously ahead of them.
- Marquee Matchup: #7 Duncanville vs. DeSoto. This is a battle for Dallas supremacy. The winner establishes itself as the clear favorite in their region of the 6A bracket.
- Injury Watch: All eyes are on Grayson, which continues to win without 5-star QB Travis Burgess, proving its program depth.
- Interstate Implications: With St. John Bosco’s win over St. Frances, the Trinity League solidifies its claim as the toughest in the nation, giving its top teams a major SOS advantage.
Regional Snapshot , Hotbed Leaders
| Region | Summary |
|---|---|
| California | Mater Dei and St. John Bosco are 1A and 1B. The Trinity League is the sport’s top division. |
| Georgia | Grayson and Buford lead the pack. The 7A playoff bracket is a difficult, month-long battle. |
| Florida | IMG Academy and American Heritage sit atop a state with the most teams in the HSFA 300 (52). |
| Texas | Duncanville is the top dog in a state with 38 teams in the HSFA 300 rankings. The 6A playoff is the ultimate test. |
Accessing Primary Ranking Sources
Many of the primary and cross-check sources offer free access to their top 25 rankings. For deeper analysis, such as detailed recruiting news or advanced team analytics, a subscription may be required.
| Source | Rankings Access | Subscription Required | Cost (2025-2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSFA | Limited free preview | Yes for full access | ~$4.99/month or $29.99/year |
| MaxPreps | Free rankings | Only for coaching analytics | Free; Advanced tools $600/team/season |
| CalPreps | Free rankings | Only for org data licenses | Free; $500-$2,000+/year for orgs |
| Power 25 (USA Today) | Free | No | Free |
| On3 | Free rankings/news | Yes for recruiting premium | ~$9.99/month or $99.99/year (premium) |
| SI/ESPN | Free | No | Free |
| 247Sports | Free rankings/news | Yes for VIP recruiting | ~$9.95/month (VIP) |
FAQs
1. What is the best team in 2025 in football?
Based on our composite index, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) is the #1 ranked high school football team. They have the best resume, toughest schedule, and an undefeated record against elite opponents.
2. What high school is ranked #1 for football?
Mater Dei High School from Santa Ana, California, holds the consensus #1 ranking across multiple major polls and our composite analysis.
3. What is the most winning high school football program?
In the modern era, programs like Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Bishop Gorman consistently post the best winning percentages against the highest level of competition. Mater Dei’s 74-3 record since 2018 is a prime example.
4. What is the most successful high school football program?
Success can be measured by wins, national titles, or NFL draft picks. By a combination of all three, Mater Dei, IMG Academy, St. John Bosco, and Bishop Gorman are consistently among the most successful programs, often ranking highly on lists of the best high schools for sports nationwide.
5. How often do the rankings update?
The rankings are refreshed every Monday morning during the season to reflect the previous week’s results.
6. Why is a team with a loss ranked higher than an undefeated team?
Strength of Schedule (SOS) and Head-to-Head (H2H) results are critical. A 4-1 team with a loss to the #1 team and four wins over top-25 teams has a stronger resume than an undefeated team that has played a weak schedule.
7. Why are the exact ranking formulas not public?
Most ranking organizations consider their specific formulas, including the weights for SOS, H2H, and other factors, to be proprietary. This protects their unique methodology. However, the core components they value, like those listed in our methodology section, are widely understood.
How to Use These Rankings
- Use it as a quick snapshot to see how the nation’s best teams stack up.
- Scan the team capsules for key recruits, recent performance, and what to watch for next week.
- Track the movement arrows to see which teams are improving before the playoffs.
Change Log (Weekly)
| Date | Changes |
|---|---|
| 9/16/25 | • Grayson jumps to #4 after IMG struggles; American Heritage continues its rise. • St. Frances climbs one spot after Duncanville’s close win weakens its SOS. |
| 9/9/25 | • American Heritage surges into top 10 after comeback win. • St. Frances jumps three spots after dominating Chaminade-Madonna. |
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