The Definitive National Top 25 Rankings
The landscape of high school football continues to evolve as powerhouse programs reload and new contenders emerge. Our comprehensive 2025 rankings evaluate teams based on performance, talent development, and championship pedigree – with special emphasis on players demonstrating the 8 reflexes that separate elite prospects from their peers. From California dynasties to Texas titans, these programs represent the pinnacle of prep football excellence.
National Championship Contenders (Top 5)
1. Mater Dei Monarchs (Santa Ana, CA)
Record: 4-0
Why Ranked #1: The reigning national champions return 18 starters from last year’s undefeated squad, including Alabama-commit QB Elijah Brown who has mastered all 8 reflexes (72% completion, 18 TD).
Key Players:
- QB Elijah Brown (No. 1 2025 recruit)
- WR Marcus Harris (4.32 40-yard dash)
- LB Nasir Wyatt (8 sacks through 4 games)
X-Factor: Offensive line averages 6’5″, 295 lbs with 3 Power 5 commits
2. St. John Bosco Braves (Bellflower, CA)
Record: 4-0
Strength: Defensive front seven features 4-star DE Jaden Williams whose pass rush reflexes have produced 12 TFL.
Notable Win: 35-28 over IMG Academy
Next Test: vs. Mater Dei (Week 6)
3. Duncanville Panthers (Duncanville, TX)
Record: 5-0
Dominant Stat: Allowing just 3.8 points per game
Player to Watch: WR Dakorien Moore (LSU commit) showcases elite route recognition reflex
Complete National Top 25
| Rank | Team | City, State | Record | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mater Dei | Santa Ana, CA | 4-0 | QB Elijah Brown |
| 2 | St. John Bosco | Bellflower, CA | 4-0 | DE Jaden Williams |
| 3 | Duncanville | Duncanville, TX | 5-0 | WR Dakorien Moore |
| 4 | IMG Academy | Bradenton, FL | 3-1 | RB Bo Jackson Jr. |
| 5 | North Shore | Houston, TX | 4-0 | CB Devin Sanchez |
| 6 | Bishop Gorman | Las Vegas, NV | 5-0 | QB Micah Alejado |
| 7 | St. Frances Academy | Baltimore, MD | 3-0 | OL Jordan Seaton |
| 8 | Central | Miami, FL | 3-1 | WR Joshua Moore |
| 9 | Buford | Buford, GA | 5-0 | QB Dylan Raiola |
| 10 | Chandler | Chandler, AZ | 4-0 | RB Jamar Beal-Goines |
The 8 Reflexes Defining 2025’s Elite Players
- Pre-Snap Diagnostic Reflex
- Example: QB Dylan Raiola (Buford) checks into perfect play vs. blitz
- Route Recognition Reflex
- Example: CB Devin Sanchez (North Shore) jumps curl routes
- Pocket Navigation Reflex
- Example: QB Julian Lewis (Carrollton) avoids free rushers
- Contested Catch Reflex
- Example: WR Ryan Wingo (St. Louis) wins 50/50 balls
- Tackle Evasion Reflex
- Example: RB Daniel Hill (Meridian) forces missed tackles
- Pass Rush Reflex
- Example: DE Colin Simmons (Duncanville) counters OTs
- Open-Field Tackling Reflex
- Example: LB Sammy Brown (Jefferson) perfect pursuit angles
- Special Teams Reflex
- Example: KR Jeremiah Smith (Chaminade) sets up returns
Regional Breakdown: State Champions to Watch
Texas Top 3:
- Duncanville (5-0)
- North Shore (4-0)
- Westlake (4-0)
Florida Top 3:
- IMG Academy (3-1)
- Central (3-1)
- American Heritage (4-0)
California Top 3:
- Mater Dei (4-0)
- St. John Bosco (4-0)
- Servite (3-1)
Games That Will Reshape the Rankings
Week 6 Marquee Matchups:
- Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco (National Game of the Week)
- North Shore vs. Westlake (Texas showdown)
- IMG Academy vs. Venice (Florida power clash)
Under-the-Radar Battles:
- Buford vs. Mill Creek (Georgia)
- East St. Louis vs. Lincoln-Way East (Midwest)
- Bergen Catholic vs. Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey)
Recruiting Spotlight: Class of 2025 Standouts
Top Uncommitted Prospects:
- WR Jaime Ffrench (Jacksonville, FL)
- DL Elijah Griffin (Savannah, GA)
- QB Tavien St. Clair (Bellefontaine, OH)
Recent Big Commitments:
- QB Julian Lewis (USC)
- WR Dakorien Moore (LSU)
- CB Devin Sanchez (Ohio State)
Coaching Development: Building the 8 Reflexes
Top Developer Programs:
- Mater Dei (QB mechanics)
- St. John Bosco (DB technique)
- IMG Academy (Pass rush moves)
- Duncanville (WR releases)
- Bishop Gorman (Pre-snap reads)
Sample Reflex Drill:
“Blitz Recognition” – QBs identify pressure pre-snap with disguised coverages
Statistical Leaders Through Week 5
Offensive Standouts:
- Passing: Julian Lewis (1,988 yards)
- Rushing: Daniel Hill (1,102 yards)
- Receiving: Ryan Wingo (812 yards)
Defensive Dominators:
- Tackles: Sammy Brown (72)
- Sacks: Nasir Wyatt (9)
- INT: Marcellous Ryan (5)
Underclassmen Making Noise
2026 Stars:
- QB Jared Curtis (Nashville, TN)
- DL Jahkeem Stewart (New Orleans, LA)
- WR Chris Henry Jr. (Santa Ana, CA)
2027 Prospects:
- QB Brady Smigiel (Newbury Park, CA)
- RB Jamarion Parker (St. Louis, MO)
- CB DJ Pickett (Tampa, FL)
Ranking Methodology Explained
Our evaluation criteria:
- 40% On-field performance
- 25% College recruit quality
- 20% Strength of schedule
- 10% Championship pedigree
- 5% Coaching staff reputation
Controversies and Debate Points
Most Disputed Rankings:
- IMG Academy at #4 after loss
- St. Frances Academy schedule strength
- Chandler over East St. Louis
Overrated Teams?
- Central (FL) – Defensive lapses
- St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) – O-line issues
- Katy (TX) – Weak early schedule
Player Development Focus
Improving Your Reflexes:
- Film Study: 5 hours weekly breaking down tendencies
- Position-Specific Drills:
- WRs: Ball-tracking with tennis balls
- DBs: Backpedal transitions
- Cognitive Training: Reaction apps 10 mins daily
- Competitive Reps: 1v1s in practice
Week 6 Predictions
Potential Upsets:
- Westlake over North Shore
- Venice over IMG Academy
- Mill Creek over Buford
Safe Bets:
- Mater Dei by 7+
- Duncanville in shutout
- Bishop Gorman by 21+
The Road to Championship Season
As we approach midseason, the national picture begins to crystallize with traditional powers like Mater Dei and Duncanville asserting dominance while new challengers emerge. The development of the 8 reflexes in key players will ultimately determine which programs hoist trophies in December. Check back weekly for updated rankings as we track every crucial matchup through championship season.