Illinois High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - Sept. 29

The high school football season continued in Illinois last week, as many of the top programs in the Prairie State were in action. Plenty of interesting results followed.

Another jam-packed slate is on deck as teams continue their quests for a state title. Below are the top 25 Illinois high school football teams, according to the Massey Ratings, as of Sept. 29.

1. Lincoln-Way East Griffins  

The best team in Illinois high school football dominated their way to a 5-0 record. Their latest victory is a 44-7 beatdown of Naperville Central, the fourth time this season the Griffins limited their opponents to single-digit scoring. Lincoln-Way East can stay undefeated if they can get a victory against Metea Valley on October 3.

2. Mount Carmel Caravan

The Caravan remained undefeated after a 48-0 shutout victory against Benet Academy. Mount Carmel scored all points in the second half, putting the game out of the Redwings’ reach. Emmett Dowling completed five touchdown passes, three going to Jamari Brown. Meanwhile, the Caravan defense had interception return touchdowns from Brandon Rogers Jr. and Logan Wroughton. Mount Carmel can go to 6-0 if they defeat Brother Rice on October 3.

3. Brother Rice Crusaders

The Crusaders cruised to a 5-0 record after beating St. Patrick. Brother Rice scored a season-high 56 points by generating 21 points each in the first two quarters. Next on their schedule is a showdown against Chicago Mount Carmel.

4. East St. Louis Flyers

In addition to scoring back-to-back victories, the Flyers have put up consecutive 60-point performances. East St. Louis’ latest victory is a 67-0 shutout of Belleville West, in which the Flyers offense generated 428 yards and eight touchdowns on offense. Ahmad Coleman had two rushing touchdowns, while Kortez Rupert added two receiving TDs. East St. Louis’ 2025 Illinois high school football season continues against Edwardsville on October 3.

5. Loyola Academy Ramblers

After losing to Brother Rice, the Ramblers bounced back with a victory against DePaul College Prep. Loyola Academy’s 21-point second quarter was the key to getting their third victory in four games. The Ramblers will proceed to their October 4 home game against St. Ignatius College Prep.

6. Glenbard West Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers escaped with a 24-17 victory over Lyons, improving their record to 5-0. Glenbard West held on to victory despite the Lions’ 14-point fourth quarter. The winners will play Hinsdale South on October 4.

7. St. Charles North North Stars

The North Stars remain undefeated in the 2025 Illinois high school football season after a one-point win against Batavia. It’s their second one-point win this year, the first being their season opener against Minooka. St. Charles North can improve to 6-0 if they can defeat St. Charles East on October 3.

8. Maine South Hawks

The Hawks have clinched four consecutive victories after a 33-0 win against Evanston Township. It’s Maine South’s second shutout victory this season and the third time they’ve limited an opponent to six points or less. The Hawks can extend their winning streak with an October 3 road game victory against New Trier.

9. Nazareth Academy Roadrunners

The Roadrunners have an active winning streak after defeating Joliet Catholic. Nazareth Academy scored 41 of their 48 points in the first half, giving the Hilltoppers a lead that is challenging to overhaul. The Roadrunners can get their fifth victory in six games if they can outclass St. Rita on October 3.

10. Carl Sandburg Eagles

The Eagles entered the Illinois high school football top 10 after a dominating 31-7 victory against Homewood-Flossmoor. They haven’t allowed any of their first five opponents to score in double digits. Carl Sandburg can remain undefeated six games into the 2025 Illinois high school football season if they can defeat Naperville North on October 3.

Illinois High School Football Rankings: Nos. 11-25

sp11. Lincoln Way West
12. Montini Catholic
13. Prairie Ridge
14. Barrington
15. St. Francis

16. Downers Grove North
17. Hinsdale Central
18. Fremd
19. Oswego
20. St. Rita

21. Fenwick
22. Batavia
23. Morris Community
24. Lincoln-Way Central
25. Lyons

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.