The Nation’s Top 25 High School Football Programs
As we enter Week 5 of the high school football season, several powerhouse programs have separated themselves from the pack while new contenders emerge. Our comprehensive rankings evaluate teams based on performance, talent, and championship potential – with special attention to players demonstrating the 8 reflexes that define elite football instincts. From Texas juggernauts to California phenoms, these are the programs generating buzz among scouts and fans alike.
National Top 10 Breakdown
1. Mater Dei Monarchs (Santa Ana, CA) 4-0
Why They’re #1: The reigning national champions haven’t missed a beat, outscoring opponents 182-34 behind QB Elijah Brown’s mastery of the 8 reflexes (15 TD, 0 INT).
Key Players:
- QB Elijah Brown (5-star Alabama commit)
- WR Marcus Harris (4.3 40-yard dash)
- LB Nasir Wyatt (nation-leading 8 sacks)
Next Game: vs. St. John Bosco (Game of the Week)
2. St. John Bosco Braves (Bellflower, CA) 4-0
Why They’re #2: Their defensive line (4 FBS commits) has allowed just 2.1 yards per carry while showcasing elite pass rush reflexes.
Key Players:
- DL Jaden Williams (No. 1 recruit in 2026)
- RB Cameron Jones (7 rushing TD)
- CB Marcellous Ryan (4 INT)
3. Duncanville Panthers (TX) 3-0
Why They’re #3: The Texas 6A favorites boast 8 D1 commits and a defense allowing 4.3 points per game.
X-Factor: WR Dakorien Moore’s route recognition reflex creates explosive plays (22.4 yds/catch).
Regional Standouts (Rankings 11-25)
11. IMG Academy (FL) 3-1
Why They Rise: Rebounding from Week 2 upset behind RB Bo Jackson Jr.’s tackle evasion reflex (189 yds/game).
15. Bishop Gorman (NV) 4-0
West Coast Watch: QB Micah Alejado’s pre-snap diagnostic reflex keys their air raid (78% completion).
22. Buford Wolves (GA) 5-0
Sleeper Alert: Underclassmen-heavy team showing advanced open-field tackling reflexes.
The 8 Reflexes: This Week’s Standouts
- Pre-Snap Diagnostic Reflex
- QB Dylan Raiola (Buford, GA) – Changed 68% of plays vs. blitzes
- Route Recognition Reflex
- CB Devin Sanchez (North Shore, TX) – 3 INT using elite anticipation
- Pocket Navigation Reflex
- QB Julian Lewis (Carrollton, GA) – 0 sacks taken despite 132 dropbacks
- Contested Catch Reflex
- WR Ryan Wingo (St. Louis, MO) – 87% catch rate on 50/50 balls
- Tackle Evasion Reflex
- RB Daniel Hill (Meridian, MS) – 28 forced missed tackles
- Pass Rush Reflex
- DE Colin Simmons (Duncanville, TX) – 7 sacks using 3 counter moves
- Open-Field Tackling Reflex
- LB Sammy Brown (Jefferson, GA) – 0 broken tackles allowed
- Special Teams Reflex
- KR Jeremiah Smith (Chaminade, FL) – 2 return TD in 3 games
State-by-State Leaders
| State | Top Team | Player to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| TX | Duncanville | WR Dakorien Moore |
| CA | Mater Dei | QB Elijah Brown |
| FL | IMG Academy | RB Bo Jackson Jr. |
| GA | Buford | QB Dylan Raiola |
| OH | Archbishop Hoban | LB Eli Lee |
Week 5 Games That Will Shake the Rankings
National Showcases:
- Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco (CA) – 8 future NFL players on field
- North Shore vs. Westlake (TX) – District title implications
- IMG Academy vs. Central (FL) – Speed vs. physicality clash
Under-the-Radar Battles:
- Bergen Catholic (NJ) vs. Don Bosco Prep
- East St. Louis (IL) vs. Christian Brothers
- Hoover (AL) vs. Thompson
Recruiting Impact of This Week’s Performances
Stock Rising:
- QB Tavien St. Clair (Ohio State commit) – Showcased all 8 reflexes vs. Mentor
- DL Elijah Griffin (Georgia target) – 4 TFL in rivalry game
- RB Jordon Davison (2026 prospect) – 201-yard breakout
Needs Improvement:
- WR Caleb Cunningham (Miss State commit) – 2 drops in red zone
- LB Zayden Walker (Uncommitted) – Missed 3 open-field tackles
- QB Keelon Russell (SMU commit) – Struggled vs. pressure
Coaching Spotlight: Developing the 8 Reflexes
Top Developer Programs:
- Mater Dei – QB mechanics
- St. John Bosco – DB technique
- IMG Academy – Pass rush moves
- Duncanville – WR release packages
- Bishop Gorman – Pre-snap reads
Drill to Improve Recognition Reflex:
“Coverage Shell” – WRs/DBs react to coach’s last-second coverage calls
Statistical Leaders Through Week 4
Offense:
- Passing: Julian Lewis (1,842 yds)
- Rushing: Daniel Hill (892 yds)
- Receiving: Ryan Wingo (734 yds)
Defense:
- Tackles: Sammy Brown (68)
- Sacks: Nasir Wyatt (8)
- INT: Marcellous Ryan (4)
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)
How Rankings Are Calculated
Our methodology weighs:
- 40% On-field performance
- 25% College recruit quality
- 20% Strength of schedule
- 10% Championship pedigree
- CB DJ Pickett (Tampa, FL)
How Rankings Are Calculated
Our methodology weighs:
- 40% On-field performance
- 25% College recruit quality
- 20% Strength of schedule
- 10% Championship pedigree
- 5% Coaching staff reputation
Controversies and Debates
Most Disputed Rankings:
- IMG Academy at #11 (Too high/low?)
- St. Frances Academy unranked (Scheduling questions)
- Chaminade over American Heritage (FL)
Overrated Teams?
- Central (FL) – Living on reputation
- St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) – O-line struggles
- Katy (TX) – Weak schedule
Player Development Focus
Improving Your Reflexes:
- Pre-Snap: Study 10 hours of film weekly
- Route Running: Cone drills with sudden breaks
- Pass Rush: Work spin/swim moves daily
- Tackling: Angle pursuit drills with tennis balls
Week 5 Predictions
Upset Alerts:
- Liberty (NV) over Bishop Gorman
- Westlake (TX) over North Shore
- Good Counsel (MD) over St. Frances
Lock Picks:
- Mater Dei by 10
- IMG Academy by 14+
- Duncanville in shutout
What to Watch This Weekend
The Week 5 slate features matchups that will reshape the national landscape, especially the Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco clash featuring 15+ FBS commits. Scouts will focus on how elite prospects execute the 8 reflexes under pressure, while teams look to solidify playoff positioning. Check back next Monday for updated rankings reflecting this weekend’s results.