USA TODAY Sports unveils preseason Super 25 national high school football rankings

Summer break is nearing its end, the school bells are set to ring and players are lining up on the gridiron, prepping for the ever-approaching first high school football games of the season.

As such, USA TODAY Sports' preseason Super 25 national high school football rankings are here — a continuation of a storied tradition. This year, the USA TODAY is resuming its ranking coverage of each individual region, consisting of the East, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West.

These rankings took a variety of factors into account, including key returners, transfers and departed players, their play last season and athlete rankings based off 247Sports and the 247Sports Composite. Within, teams from 11 different states are represented, plus additional teams and states in a watch list as we enter the season.

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Which teams have high expectations? Which teams have opportunities to rise above the odds? And which are not even in national consideration yet, eyeballing a Cinderella run that takes the nation by storm? Without further ado, here are USA TODAY Sports' preseason Super 25 national high school football rankings, along with a question about each team.

1. IMG Academy (FL)

How explosive can the offense actually get this season?

The Ascenders return a talented core of playmakers at the skill positions, led by Georgia quarterback commit Jayden Wade and Texas A&M wide receiver commit Eric McFarland III. With much of that offensive firepower back, IMG has a strong chance to top last season’s average of 43.2 points per game — especially with a 2026 schedule that includes several matchups against overmatched opponents.

2. St. John Bosco (CA)

How will the experience of young offensive players elevate the team?

Quarterback Koa Malau'ulu improved dramatically as a sophomore, passing for 2,361 yards, 33 touchdowns and five interceptions while increasing his completion percentage from 57.9% to 66.2%. Last year's lead back Maliq Allen will have the reins as a senior following the transfer of Corey Hinton and graduation of Ashton Keyes. They'll lead the offensive attack on the opposite side of a highly touted defense.

3. Bishop Gorman (NV)

How will incoming transfer QB Chance Thomas look on the big stage?

Three-star quarterback Chance Thomas transferred to Bishop Gorman from Western High School (Anaheim, CA) — meaning he's familiar with the southern California schools that are Gorman's biggest matchups of the year, No. 2 St. John Bosco and No. 6 Mater Dei. He had an impressive stat line last year, but he'll be put to the test and have big shoes to fill with the graduation of Maika Eugenio. Gorman's Nevada dominance is expected, but victories over out-of-state powers could vault them atop the national rankings.

4. St. Frances Academy (MD)

Could this year's roster one-up last year's?

After the strength of last year’s team, it might sound crazy. And yes, the Panthers did lose a large and impactful group of seniors, including Maryland edge Zion Lee and Alabama safety Jireh Edwards, but don’t count on that to hold them back. High-caliber transfers like 5-star edge Anthony Sweeney and 4-star WR Brandon Jefferson will be fresh on the roster this year, right alongside St. Frances’ returning group of standouts like 4-star edge Jermaine Smith and 4-star cornerback Raylaun Henry. It’ll be quite a lethal collection.

5. Centennial (CA)

Will last year's magic continue?

Last year, Centennial beat its demons with two victories over Mater Dei, fueling its rise as a top-five team in the country. Quarterback Dominick Catalano graduated, but with incoming transfers QB Jaden Jefferson and QR Quentin Hale and return of lead rusher Malaki Davis and All-USA safety Jaden Walk-Green, the Huskies maintain their talent. With early-season games against Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Mater Dei and De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), they'll have a chance to reestablish themselves as the California power early.

6. Mater Dei (CA)

What will the offense look like?

Mater Dei graduated QB Ryan Hopkins, elite receivers Chris Henry Jr. and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, lead running back Justin Lewis, highly recruited tight end Mark Bowman and five-star offensive lineman Kodi Greene. The Monarchs are regrouping with 11 ranked seniors and a trio of ranked juniors, with particular strength in the secondary, so the team will be good. They always are. But the makeup of the offense is unclear following so many key losses.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL)

Can the Raiders get to the Open Division and run the table?

The biggest question surrounding St. Thomas Aquinas entering 2026 is whether the Raiders can earn a spot in the FHSAA’s new Open Division. The eight-team field will feature the state’s highest-ranked teams based on computer rankings — regardless of classification. St. Thomas would have qualified last season after finishing 14-1, with its only loss coming to Mater Dei (CA). The Raiders won’t lack opportunities to build their résumé in 2026, with marquee matchups against DeSoto (TX), Chaminade-Madonna, Archbishop McCarthy and West Broward on the schedule. With five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews returning alongside a loaded roster, can St. Thomas navigate that slate, crack the top eight and make a run against Florida’s best?

8. Basha (AZ)

How good will quarterback Jake Rogers look as full-time starter?

Jake Rogers stepped into the quarterback role as a junior when then-starting senior Brodie Vehrs got injured, and all he did was lead Basha to a championship, winning offensive MVP of the title game in which he threw for 300 yards. He's had good reviews from summer programs like the Elite 11 regionals, and if he shows that growth this season, it'll be hard to stop the talented team that's returning four-star OT Jake Hildebrand and welcoming incoming transfer EDGE T.K. Cunningham from competing for a second consecutive Open Division championship.

9. Thompson (AL)

Will Trent Seaborn cap an iconic high school career with state title No. 4?

Seaborn, an Alabama commitment, will complete an astonishing fifth season as the Warriors' quarterback this fall. He’s cemented himself as one of the state’s all-time great players, already leading Thompson to state titles in 2022 (as an eighth-grader), 2024 and 2025. Playing in the state’s highest classification, Seaborn and the Warriors have the opportunity to complete this next phase of the dynasty winners of six of the last seven Class 7A championships.

10. Waxahachie (TX)

Is this the year the Indians finally overtake Duncanville?

Since Duncanville and Waxahachie resumed playing in 2021, the Panthers have dominated the series, winning five matchups by an average of 26.4 points. Waxahachie took the regular season meeting last year 28-27, but lost in the postseason by eight. Between the return of quarterback Jerry Meyer, 1,000-yard rusher Taylen Strange and five-star safety JayQuan Snell, this year could be the year they take that next step over Duncanville — and potentially Texas as a whole?

11. Buford (GA)

Where does the program go without a Raiola at quarterback?

Over the last few years, Buford's been fortunate to have either Dylan or Dayton Raiola starting under center. With both enrolled at Oregon and set to play for the Ducks, it'll mark the first time since the 2022 season where the Wolves will not have a Raiola at quarterback. The in-house candidate and heir apparent starter looks to be James Madison commit DJ Hunter, who threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns in eight games a season ago. But, there is a quarterback in Texas who happens to be committed to Georgia that's looking for a home. Could we see four-star QB Colton Nussmeier donning green and gold this fall?

12. Grayson (GA)

Can Grayson reclaim Georgia's throne?

Grayson came within one win of another state championship before its season ended with a 34-14 loss to Carrollton in the Class 6A quarterfinals last season. Now under first-year head coach Greg Carswell following Adam Carter’s departure, the Rams enter 2026 with a new leader on the sideline and the task of trying to win the last game of the season. The cupboard is far from bare, however, with plenty of talent still on the roster and another championship-caliber defense expected. The biggest question is whether Grayson can navigate the transition, avenge last season’s disappointment and reclaim its spot atop Georgia high school football.

13. Baylor (TN)

Will David Gabriel Georges have the same success he had in 2026 playing behind a fairly new line?

David Gabriel Georges has been Tennessee's top player for three straight seasons and one of the best running backs in the country since he first stepped onto a varsity field. Baylor is once again favored to win the TSSAA Division III state championship and Gabriel Georges could win his third straight Mr. Football award. However, Baylor's offensive line may be the team's biggest question mark in 2027 as they graduated standouts such as five-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, offensive tackle Charlie Edgeworth and Xavier Wade.

14. Hamilton (AZ)

How many records will Roye Oliver III break?

Four-star wide receiver Roye Oliver III reclassified to 2027 after breaking Arizona reception and receiving yards records. Could his connection with junior QB Jax Sculley improve even further? The electrifying duo could assert themselves as the best QB-WR connection in the country, which would perfectly complement the Hamilton defenders with video game numbers like Mitchell Raner and Derrick LeBlanc.

15. Carrollton (GA)

Will Carrollton finally snap a near three-decade long title drought?

Carrollton appeared poised to end its 27-year state championship drought before Buford rallied for a 28-21 victory in the Class 6A title game, handing the Trojans another heartbreaking finish on the state’s biggest stage. Despite the loss, Carrollton reaffirmed its place among Georgia’s elite and enters 2026 with expectations of another championship run. The Trojans have the talent to once again challenge for the Class 6A crown, but turning consistent contention into a state title is the next hurdle. The biggest question entering the season is whether last year’s run was the foundation for sustained success, and if 2026 will finally be the year Carrollton finishes the job. With sophomore quarterback CJ Cypher back in the fold, that certainly boosts their chances a bit, but he'll have his work cut out for him as 1,500-yard rusher Cameron Wood, 1,100-yard receiver Peyton Zachary, and 900-yard receiver Ryan Mosley have all graduated.

16. DeMatha (MD)

What will it be like without Bill McGregor at the helm?

McGregor, DeMatha’s legendary head football coach of over three combined decades and the winningest active coach in the state of Maryland, recently announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from the position for personal reasons and remain with the team as the director of football operations. Bryce Bevill will be taking the reins as the interim head coach for the 2026 season, a storied alumnus who has previously served as head coach at Bishop McNamara, but operating without the program’s storied leader will be a big adjustment.

17. Duncanville (TX)

Will Maximus 'The Great' Denison lead the Panthers to their first state title since 2023?

Duncanville has been one of Texas’ winningest programs since 2020 winning back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. They came up just three points short of a third last season, losing to North Shore 10-7. Last season, they had a pair of 1,000-yard passers in J'Coryon Rivers and Denson. Now that Rivers has graduated, Denson will run the show and looked to lead the Panthers back to the top.

18. Brentwood Academy (TN)

Can the Eagles end Chattanooga's stranglehold on Division II-AAA?

While the Eagles are Tennessee's winningest private school program in terms of state championships, they have not raised a gold ball since 2018. Since then, Chattanooga powers McCallie and Baylor have traded state title wins in the division, and Baylor appears to be favored once again. Brentwood Academy tested Baylor in last year's championship matchup and with a loaded roster once again, they'll face off with the Red Raiders in the first week of the season to see where they stand.

19. Creekside (GA)

What does Creekside have for an encore in 2026?

Creekside shocked much of Georgia by finishing 15-0, winning the Class 4A state championship and setting a state record with 845 points scored. Now comes the difficult part: proving it wasn’t a one-year breakthrough. The Seminoles return one of the nation’s top running backs in Clemson commit Gary Walker, along with a roster loaded with Power Four talent, but they’ll also face heightened expectations and a national schedule featuring Clay-Chalkville (AL) and St. Joseph Regional (NJ). Can Creekside back up last season’s historic run and establish itself as Georgia’s next powerhouse rather than a one-year champion?

20. Carol City (FL)

Can the dozens of new transfers mesh together right away?

After a 6-5 season, Carol City made a splash by hiring former Chaminade-Madonna offensive coordinator Toro Wallace as its next head coach. The move has sparked an influx of talent, headlined by five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear (Miami Northwestern), four-star defensive back Jailen Hill (St. John Bosco) and sophomore quarterback Malik Leonard, who threw for 2,935 yards and 31 touchdowns with just six interceptions as a freshman at Chaminade-Madonna. Those are only a few of the many transfers now on the roster, raising the biggest question entering 2026: Will all of the new pieces come together quickly enough for Carol City to contend?

21. Southlake Carroll (TX)

How will the Dragons' offense fare following the graduation of long-time quarterback Angelo Renda?

Renda was one of the state’s top quarterbacks over the last two seasons, passing for 3,900 yards as a junior, nearly 4,300 yards as a senior and more than 40 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. Given the success he had, it will be a tall task for rising 2028 quarterback Hudson Tomcheck who is tabbed as Renda’s successor. He’ll have two of the state’s premier talents to throw to in Blake Gunter and Browdy Knowles.

22. Chandler (AZ)

Will QB Will Mencl level up further?

Chandler's team last year was led by a number of sophomores and juniors, none more important than four-star QB Will Mencl. Returning for his senior year alongside the top two running backs and receivers and defenders like safety Austin Reece, linebackers Jayden Arnold and Iona Kupu, and DL Cau're Smith, there's experience and talent. Mencl taking another step forward would help Chandler compete again with a talented state.

23. American Heritage (FL)

To what height can five-star QB Neimann Lawrence elevate his receivers?

For a five-star quarterback, Neimann Lawrence enters 2026 with plenty of uncertainty surrounding his receiving corps. Thousand-yard receiver Jamar Denson graduated, as did Jeffar Jean-Noel and Brandon Bennett, leaving Western Kentucky commit Michael Stringer as the most experienced returning target after totaling 25 receptions for 358 yards and a touchdown last season. Miami Southridge transfer and Kentucky commit Trae Proctor should provide an immediate boost at tight end after catching 30 passes for 604 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. The biggest question is whether Lawrence’s new group of pass catchers can develop quickly enough to keep the offense operating at an elite level.

24. Mount Carmel (IL)

How high can the Caravan push their winning streak?

Since a 24-point loss to Loyola Academy in October of 2024, Mount Carmel has rattled off 19 consecutive wins and back-to-back state championships. With a roster loaded with Power Four talent, just how far will that streak run? They’ll get a test in back-to-back games to start the year traveling to East St. Louis and then hosting New Jersey powerhouse St. Joseph Regional (Montvale). 

25. Anderson (OH)

Is this the year Owen Scalf and the Raptors finally win the program's second state title?

There’s no denying that Anderson was by far one of Ohio’s premier programs in 2025 as the Raptors finished 14-1 and suffered their only loss to Avon in the Division II state championship. With Avon graduating a ton from the championship team and Anderson returning Scalf and other notable Power Four players like four-star Notre Dame cornerback commit Ace Alston, 2026 could be the year they finally get the job done.

Super 25 Watchlist:

• DeSoto (TX)
• Brownsburg (IN)
• Sierra Canyon (CA)
• Bixby (OK)
• Hough (NC)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY Sports unveils preseason Super 25 national high school football rankings