As the 2025 high school football season kicks off, the excitement is at an all-time high across the country. From powerhouse programs with long-standing traditions to rising squads ready to make their mark, this year’s slate is stacked with talent, storylines, and championship aspirations. Below is a look at the Top 25 High School Football Teams to Watch in 2025, based on returning talent, recent success, and national impact.

1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)

• 2024 Record: 13-1 (CIF Southern Section Champions)
• Strengths: Elite defense, balanced offense, and national-level coaching.
• Key Players: 5-star QB, top-ranked linebacker, SEC-bound WR.
• Why Watch: Mater Dei is still the team to beat in California and a national title favorite.

2. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)

• 2024 Record: 12-2 (CIF runner-up)
• Strengths: Deep WR corps, fast secondary.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, USC-bound WR, top-100 defensive end.
• Why Watch: The Bosco-Mater Dei rivalry defines California football.

3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)

• 2024 Record: 10-0 (national schedule)
• Strengths: NFL-caliber talent at every position.
• Key Players: 5-star RB, Alabama-bound OT, Clemson-committed LB.
• Why Watch: IMG reloads yearly and remains a national measuring stick.

4. Duncanville (Duncanville, TX)

• 2024 Record: 14-1 (Texas 6A State Finalists)
• Strengths: Tough defense, strong O-line.
• Key Players: Elite pass rusher, 4-star dual-threat QB.
• Why Watch: Texas powerhouse with revenge on their mind.

5. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL)

• 2024 Record: 12-2 (Florida state champs)
• Strengths: Speed, playmaking WRs, shutdown secondary.
• Key Players: 5-star WR, Miami-bound CB, 4-star RB.
• Why Watch: Florida’s dynasty program keeps producing stars.

6. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV)

• 2024 Record: 13-0 (Nevada state champions)
• Strengths: Explosive offense, fast defense.
• Key Players: Top-10 WR, Oregon-committed QB, elite LB.
• Why Watch: They could go undefeated against a tough national slate.

7. North Shore (Houston, TX)

• 2024 Record: 12-2
• Strengths: Power run game, strong QB play.
• Key Players: Sophomore QB phenom, Texas-bound RB.
• Why Watch: A Texas giant that never backs down.

8. Miami Central (Miami, FL)

• 2024 Record: 11-3
• Strengths: Defensive line, athletic linebackers.
• Key Players: 4-star DL, Miami commit RB.
• Why Watch: Known for producing NFL stars, they are always in the hunt.

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

• 2024 Record: 12-1
• Strengths: Balanced attack, legendary coaching.
• Key Players: Florida State-bound DB, 4-star QB.
• Why Watch: Florida’s most consistent power program.

10. Westlake (Austin, TX)

• 2024 Record: 13-1
• Strengths: QB depth, disciplined defense.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, linebacker headed to Texas.
• Why Watch: Texas football royalty with more to prove.

11. Buford (Buford, GA)

• 2024 Record: 12-2
• Strengths: SEC-level athletes, strong run game.
• Key Players: 5-star RB, Georgia-bound LB.
• Why Watch: A Georgia powerhouse with elite talent.

12. Allen (Allen, TX)

• 2024 Record: 11-3
• Strengths: Big offensive line, dynamic QB.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, Texas A&M-bound DE.
• Why Watch: Always in contention for a Texas state title.

13. Katy (Katy, TX)

• 2024 Record: 12-2
• Strengths: Smashmouth football, tough defense.
• Key Players: 3-star RB, elite LB.
• Why Watch: One of the most consistent programs in Texas history.

14. Desoto (Desoto, TX)

• 2024 Record: 13-1
• Strengths: Explosive WR group, athletic linebackers.
• Key Players: 5-star WR, Baylor-committed LB.
• Why Watch: Texas firepower at its best.

15. Corona Centennial (Corona, CA)

• 2024 Record: 11-2
• Strengths: High-scoring offense.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, USC-committed WR.
• Why Watch: California’s best shot outside Bosco/Mater Dei.

16. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, CA)

• 2024 Record: 10-3
• Strengths: Defensive backs, physical line play.
• Key Players: 4-star CB, 3-star WR.
• Why Watch: The Jackrabbits are rising again.

17. American Heritage (Plantation, FL)

• 2024 Record: 11-2
• Strengths: Skilled WRs, athletic defense.
• Key Players: 4-star CB, Clemson-committed RB.
• Why Watch: A Florida program loaded with talent.

18. Lakeland (Lakeland, FL)

• 2024 Record: 10-3
• Strengths: Tough running game, strong LB corps.
• Key Players: 4-star RB, Miami-bound LB.
• Why Watch: Florida powerhouse that loves physical football.

19. Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, TX)

• 2024 Record: 9-4
• Strengths: Balance, team speed.
• Key Players: 4-star WR, 3-star QB.
• Why Watch: Hungry to return to Texas glory.

20. Archbishop Hoban (Akron, OH)

• 2024 Record: 12-2
• Strengths: Strong offensive line, hard-nosed RB.
• Key Players: 3-star RB, Notre Dame-bound OL.
• Why Watch: Midwest’s toughest out.

21. St. Edward (Lakewood, OH)

• 2024 Record: 13-1 (Ohio state champs)
• Strengths: Discipline, size up front.
• Key Players: 4-star OL, LB headed to Michigan.
• Why Watch: Ohio’s best program heading into 2025.

22. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

• 2024 Record: 11-2
• Strengths: Defense-first, physical play.
• Key Players: 4-star LB, 3-star QB.
• Why Watch: A Pennsylvania powerhouse.

23. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ)

• 2024 Record: 12-1 (New Jersey champs)
• Strengths: QB play, dominant defense.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, Penn State-bound LB.
• Why Watch: The kings of New Jersey football.

24. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA)

• 2024 Record: 10-3
• Strengths: Secondary, versatile QB.
• Key Players: 4-star QB, DB headed to Oregon.
• Why Watch: A rising star in California’s football scene.

25. Aledo (Aledo, TX)

• 2024 Record: 14-1 (Texas 5A state champions)
• Strengths: Run game, disciplined defense.
• Key Players: 4-star RB, LB committed to Oklahoma State.
• Why Watch: Texas’s small-town dynasty continues.