Illinois High School Football Top 25 Rankings - Oct. 20

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 Oct. 20.

1. Mount Carmel Caravan

The best team in Illinois high school football is at 8-0 after defeating Fenwick. Limiting the Friars to zero points in the third quarter proved to be the difference. Mount Carmel will close the 2025 regular season against Loyola Academy on October 24.

2. East St. Louis Flyers

The Flyers have dominated in their last five matchups. In addition to building a winning streak, they’ve limited all opponents, including O’Fallon, to seven points or less. Reece Shanklin threw for 337 yards and five touchdowns, while Armaad Sharp finished with 118 receiving yards and a TD. East St. Louis will face Florida’s IMG Academy on the 24th.

3. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

The Griffins remain in the top ten despite their surprising 14-6 loss to Naperville North, their first regular season defeat in four years. Lincoln-Way East will try to bounce back against Carl Sandburg on October 23.

4. Brother Rice Crusaders

The Crusaders have started another winning streak after defeating St. Laurence 48-6. Brother Rice will close out the 2025 Illinois high school football season against St. Ignatius on October 24.

5. Maine South Hawks

The Hawks are on a seven-game winning streak after disposing of Glenbrook South 38-7, the fifth time they’ve limited their opponents to single-digit scoring. For their next game, Maine South will travel to Deerfield on the 24th.

6. Glenbard West Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers suffered their first loss this season, a heartbreaking 21-20 loss against York. While Glenbard West scored a rushing touchdown with three minutes left in regulation, they missed the extra point and never scored again. They can bounce back by defeating Proviso West on October 25.

7. Nazareth Academy Roadrunners

The Roadrunners kept their winning streak alive after defeating Benet Academy 42-14. Next on Nazareth Academy’s 2025 Illinois high school football schedule is an October 24 game against St. Francis. 

8. Montini Catholic Broncos

The Broncos improved to 8-0 following their dominant 49-7 win against St. Ignatius. Montini Catholic will close the regular season against St. Laurence on the 24th.

9. Barrington Broncos

The Broncos are on a four-game winning streak after a 42-0 shutout victory over Schaumburg. Luke Tepas threw for 217 yards and four touchdowns, while Owen Cook and Oliver Rosenzweig each had 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. Barrington will face Hoffman Estates on the 24th.

10. Loyola Academy Ramblers

The Ramblers suffered their first losing streak in the 2025 Illinois high school football season. After their 42-14 defeat to Carmel Catholic, Loyola Academy will close the regular season against Chicago Mt. Carmel on the 24th.

Illinois High School Football Rankings: Nos. 11-25

11. St. Charles North
12. Fenwick
13. Batavia
14. Lincoln-Way Central
15. Downers Grove North

16. Prairie Ridge
17. Morris Community
18. Lyons
19. York
20. Fremd

21. Providence Catholic
22. Lincoln Way West
23. St. Rita
24. Bradley-Bourbonnais
25. Wheaton Warrenville South

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.