The 2025 high school football season is here, and MaxPreps has unveiled its annual list of the best team in every state heading into the fall. At the top of the national conversation is Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), the preseason No. 1 and back-to-back Open Division state champions. The Monarchs have started the year ranked inside the MaxPreps Top 25 for the sixth time in the last nine years and remain the only program to finish in the top five nationally every season since 2017.

Other national powers headline their states as well:

  • Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) — No. 4 nationally after another dominant run in Georgia.

  • IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) — Loaded with 25+ blue-chip recruits, ranked No. 6.

  • Duncanville (Texas) — Sitting at No. 9, the Panthers remain the Lone Star State’s powerhouse.

  • Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) — No. 3 overall, the Gaels continue their dynasty run.

  • St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) — A perennial contender, ranked No. 5.

Several other programs cracked the national Top 25 while representing their states:

  • Edna Karr (New Orleans, La.) — No. 15, coming off an undefeated 14-0 season.

  • Grimsley (Greensboro, N.C.) — No. 17, led by five-star QB Faizon Brandon.

  • Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) — No. 19, with Eric Kjar’s program chasing another title.

  • Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) — No. 20, a four-time defending state champ.

  • Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.) — No. 23, the defending Division 1 champs.

  • Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.) — No. 24, winners of five of the last six state crowns.

From Dimond (Anchorage, Alaska) to Sheridan (Wyoming), each state has a program carrying the mantle of “best team to beat” in 2025. The common thread? Deep rosters, elite coaching, and championship pedigrees.

This season promises marquee interstate matchups, national showcases, and plenty of playoff drama as these programs fight to stay on top.

👉 Read the full state-by-state breakdown here: Best High School Football Team in All 50 States — MaxPreps