Final Illinois High School Football Rankings 2025: Top 25 Teams - Dec. 8

The 2025 Illinois high school football season in the books after this year’s state champions have either defended their crown or dethroned the previous title holders. As the offseason begins, here’s how Massey ranked the best squads from the Inland Empire State.

The Massey Ratings system, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, the strength of their schedule, and the margin of victory.

1. Mount Carmel Caravan

The Caravan dominated Oswego to claim their fourth consecutive Illinois high school football state championship and first in Class 8A. While the Panthers scored the game’s first three points, Mount Carmel blanked them the rest of the way.

Emmett Dowling opened the scoring with a one-yard rushing touchdown and completed a four-yard passing score to Marshaun Thornton. Gavin Conjar also returned a blocked punt for a TD. On defense, Roman Igbuwieke made an interception, while Cullen Winters had two forced fumbles and blocked the punt that Conjar returned for six points.

This victory completed a perfect 14-0 season for Mount Carmel. In addition to claiming another state crown, the Caravan have extended their winning streak to 19 games, dating back to November 1, 2024.

With their season over, the Caravan will bid farewell to OT Claude Mpouma (Nebraska), DL Braeden Jones (USC), EDGE Joey Quinn, and WR Jamari Brown, who will all begin their college football careers.

2. Brother Rice Crusaders

The Crusaders triumphantly closed their season with a 16-0 shutout victory over St. Rita to capture the Class 7A state championship. Quarterback C.J. Gray had a passing touchdown, a rushing score, and 115 yards from scrimmage (102 rushing). Meanwhile, Kameron McGee finished with four tackles for losses (including two sacks), and Ja’Veyon Lockett led the Brother Rice defense with ten tackles.

Illinois’ second-best team closed its season with a 13-1 record, with their only loss coming against Mount Carmel. The Crusaders won its last eight games, including the title clincher. However, for next season, they will lose DL King Liggins, who will be joining the Illinois Fighting Illini.

3. East St. Louis Flyers

The Flyers remained in the top five despite losing to Fenwick, 38-28, in the Illinois high school football Class 6A state championship. After a 13-7 first-quarter lead in the title game, the Friars outscored them in the next three periods. Despite the loss, Myson Johnson-Cook (183 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and Ahmad Coleman (105 yards, one TD) powered the ground game.

East St. Louis closed the 2025 season with a 9-4 record. However, some of their players like OT Terrell Berryhill (Purdue), WR Kortez Rupert (Indiana), TE Armaad Sharp (Eastern Michigan), LB Leon Howard (Central Michigan), and DL Cornell McIntosh (Northern Illinois) are done with high school football.

4. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

The Griffins’ 48-7 loss to Mount Carmel in the Class 8A playoffs is easily their worst defeat this season. After all, their first two losses were both by one possession. While they still finished with a winning record (9-3), Lincoln-Way East will part ways with some key players like QB Jonas Williams (USC), EDGE Jacob Alexander (Illinois), and WR Blaise La Vista (Washington).

5. Montini Catholic Broncos

The Broncos capped off a perfect 14-0 season after defeating Rochester, 47-33, to capture the Illinois high school football Class 4A state championship. Montini Catholic led the game wire-to-wire, and led by as many as 22 points, 34-12, in the third quarter.

Israel Abrams led the Broncos offense with 418 passing yards and four touchdowns. His big game translated to Damacio Ortegon (167 receiving yards, one touchdown) and Luca Florio (130 yards, two TDs) having stellar performances as well. Charles Flowers added 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Abrams had one score out of 59 yards from the ground.

In addition to completing an unblemished campaign, the Broncos have an active 24-game winning streak dating back to September 27, 2024. However, in keeping that streak alive, WR CJ Harkins won’t be of service to them anymore because he will join the NIU Huskies.

Illinois High School Football Rankings: Nos. 6-25

6. Fenwick
7. Nazareth Academy
8. Loyola Academy
9. St. Rita
10. Maine South

11. Oswego
12. Glenbard West
13. Downers Grove North
14. Byron
15. St. Charles North

16. Fremd
17. Lockport Township
18. Batavia
19. St. Francis
20. Barrington

21. Lyons
22. Providence Catholic
23. Carmel Catholic
24. Carl Sandburg
25. Lincoln-Way Central

How to Follow Illinois High School Football

For Illinois high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Prairie State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Illinois.