As the 2025 high school football season approaches, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) reclaims the top spot in the MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 rankings. This marks the sixth time since 2017 that the Monarchs begin their campaign as the nation’s No. 1 team—a testament to their sustained dominance and powerhouse program.
Monarchs Ready to Defend National Title
Coming off a 13-0 undefeated season and yet another Open Division state championship, Mater Dei is once again the team to beat. The Monarchs have now won five state titles in the last eight years and an astonishing 74 of their last 77 games dating back to 2018. Their 2024 campaign saw them go wire-to-wire as the nation’s top-ranked team, highlighted by eight victories over fellow MaxPreps Top 25 programs.
Under second-year head coach Raul Lara, expectations are sky-high. The Monarchs are stacked on both sides of the ball, and despite a quarterback change, their arsenal of offensive weapons remains elite. Transfer Ryan Hopkins steps in at QB, and he’ll have an embarrassment of riches to throw to, including Chris Henry Jr., Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Gavin Honore, and five-star tight end Mark Bowman.
Up front, the offensive line is anchored by Kodi Greene, Lex Mailangi, and Joe Hamby, forming a wall that could rival some college programs. On the defensive end, Mater Dei is equally formidable with playmakers like Tomuhini Topui, Shaun Scott, Aaryn Washington, Ace Leutele, C.J. Lavender, Danny Lang, and Ezekiel Su’a patrolling the field.
California’s Stronghold in the Rankings
California flexes its football might in this year’s Top 25, with six teams earning national recognition. Besides Mater Dei, perennial rival St. John Bosco (No. 2) continues to hover near the top, coming off an 11-2 season. Other California powerhouses joining the elite list include Centennial (No. 12), Mission Viejo (No. 14), Santa Margarita (No. 16), and Sierra Canyon (No. 21).
St. John Bosco remains Mater Dei’s biggest in-state challenger. Head coach Jason Negro returns a talented roster that looks to rebound from last year’s No. 5 finish and climb back to the top.
Southern Powerhouses Rise Again
Florida places five teams in the Top 25, showcasing its continued grip on national relevance. IMG Academy (No. 6), Chaminade-Madonna (No. 7), American Heritage (No. 8), St. Thomas Aquinas (No. 10), and Northwestern (No. 11) headline a deep field of Sunshine State contenders. Notably, Northwestern is led by former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, adding extra intrigue to the program’s 2025 prospects.
Texas and Georgia also remain well-represented with three teams each. In Texas, Duncanville (No. 9) and North Crowley (No. 18) are returning after deep playoff runs, while North Shore (No. 25) rounds out the Lone Star trio.
Georgia’s title hopes are carried by Grayson (No. 4), Buford (No. 13), and Milton (No. 22)—the latter fresh off a perfect 15-0 season and a No. 2 national finish last year.
National Diversity in the Top 25
While powerhouse states dominate, other regions have also produced top-tier teams. Bishop Gorman (No. 3) from Nevada is always a national threat and is coming off an 11-1 season under head coach Brent Browner. St. Frances Academy (No. 5) continues to represent Maryland’s elite, while Corner Canyon (No. 19) gives Utah a strong presence with a 13-1 record last season.
In the Midwest, Cass Tech (No. 23) represents Detroit, Michigan, while Edna Karr (No. 15) gives Louisiana its lone but potent entry. Thompson (No. 24) keeps Alabama on the national radar, and Grimsley (No. 17) proudly carries the flag for North Carolina after a stellar 16-0 campaign.
New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic (No. 20) also finds itself back among the elite, showing that championship-caliber football continues to thrive across the East Coast.
2025 Season Outlook: Can Anyone Dethrone the Monarchs?
The preseason rankings suggest a highly competitive landscape, but all roads still run through Santa Ana. Mater Dei’s combination of elite talent, coaching experience, and program culture places them in a league of their own. But rivals like St. John Bosco, Bishop Gorman, Grayson, and IMG Academy are poised and ready for a shot at the crown.
The 2025 season promises electric matchups, top-tier talent, and potential shakeups as teams try to climb the rankings. For now, though, Mater Dei sits atop the mountain—and knocking them off will take a monumental effort.
Top 5 Preseason MaxPreps Rankings at a Glance:
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Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) – Undefeated 13-0, defending national champion
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St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) – Strong 11-2 finish, looking to reclaim No. 1
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Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) – Loaded roster and elite coaching
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Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) – Georgia’s top contender after 14-1 season
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St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) – Nationally tested squad, ready to contend
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the 2025 high school football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Stay tuned—the race for the national crown is on.
