Final Ohio High School Football Rankings: 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 Buckeye 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. Avon Eagles

The Eagles captured their second consecutive Ohio high school football Division II state championship after their 37-20 victory over Anderson. This achievement makes Avon the division’s first back-to-back champions since Archbishop Hoban pulled off the feat in 2017 and 2018.

Blake Elder completed 12 passes for 216 yards and four touchdowns, while Quiante Smith added 180 rushing yards and a TD. Avon scored the game’s first 21 points and never looked back against the Raptors.

The Eagles closed the 2025 season with a 14-1 record. They have an active 12-game winning streak which started after their August 28 loss to Spruce Creek. However, they must keep the streak alive without the likes of Elder, Smith, S Jakob Weatherspoon (UNC), DL Lance Dawson (Cincinnati), and LB Ryan Stolarski (Miami, Ohio) because they have exhausted their high school football eligibility.

2. Bishop Watterson Eagles

The Eagles capped off a perfect 14-0 season with a 37-0 shutout victory over Central Catholic in the Division III state championship game. Drew Bellisari finished his final high school football game with 250 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and a touchdown. On defense, Michael Jones had six tackles, three quarterback hits, and a pass deflection.

In addition to winning state titles, the Eagles have extended their winning streak to 30 games due to completing consecutive undefeated campaigns. This year, they’ve allowed only three opponents to score in double digits. However, if Bishop Watterson will keep its undefeated run, they must do it without Bellisari and OT Pete Eglitis who will be joining Miami (Ohio) and Iowa State respectively.

3. Olentangy Orange Pioneers    

The Pioneers finished an unblemished season after defeating St. Xavier in the Ohio high school football Division I state title game. In winning their first-ever state championship, Olentangy Orange relied on Levi Davis (177 passing yards, two touchdowns), Lukas Fickel (133 rushing yards, one TD), and MC Walker (124 receiving yards, one touchdown). On defense, Brennan Kessler led the Pioneers with eight tackles, including two sacks.

Olentangy Orange vastly improved from 9-3 last year to 15-0 this season. However, with their schedule closing, they must bid farewell to some key players like Fickel, Davis (Ohio), CB Treyton Schroeder, WR Ryan Steward, and OT Luke Grover (Cincinnati).

4. St. Edward Eagles

The Eagles entered the top five despite losing to Olentangy Orange in the Division I state semifinals 28-0, marking their worst loss in 2025. Though they suffered an early exit, St. Edward improved its finish from 9-6 the previous season to 11-3 this year. Their standing would have been better if not for one-possession losses to Washington and Archbishop Hoban.

However, in keeping their upward trend, the Eagles will undergo a massive roster rebuild because S Brayden Thomas (Michigan State), IOL Mason Wilhelm (Ohio State), CB Makhi Boone (West Virginia), WR Zach Hackleman (Ohio), CB Brodon Moore (Western Michigan), and DL Dion’dre Taylor (Kent State) will start their college football journey.

5. St. Xavier Bombers

The Bombers came up short against Olentangy Orange, resulting in their fourth runner-up finish in Ohio high school football. Jackson Frey finished with 114 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Jake Britt added 85 yards from scrimmage (45 rushing, 40 receiving) and a touchdown. On defense, Kobe Clapper registered 15 tackles, tied for most in an Ohio state championship game.

After closing the season at 11-3, St. Xavier will part ways with LB Brayden Reilly (Clemson), LB Kobe Clapper (Notre Dame), LB Aden Reeder (Michigan), and Daniel Vollmer (Vanderbilt).

Ohio high school football rankings: Nos. 6-25

6. Walsh Jesuit
7. Archbishop Moeller
8. Anderson
9. Elder
10. Archbishop Hoban

11. Highland
12. Mentor
13. Washington
14. Big Walnut
15. Glenville

16. Central Catholic
17. Wadsworth
18. Ursuline
19. Liberty Center
20. Pickerington North

21. Pickerington Central
22. Upper Arlington
23. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy  
24. Princeton
25. Marion Local

How to Follow Ohio High School Football

For Ohio 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 Buckeye 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 Ohio.