Illinois High School Football Top 25 Rankings - Sept. 15

After the third week of the 2025 Illinois high school football season, Chicago Mount Carmel edges Lincoln-Way East for the top spot in the Rivals Composite Team Ranking. Meanwhile, Homewood-Flossmoor closes the top 25. Read through to find out which teams made it in between.

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

1. Mount Carmel Caravan

The best team in Illinois high school football is on an eight-game winning streak after a 42-23 result over Nazareth Academy. Likewise, the reigning Class 7A state champions improved to 3-0 this season. Chicago Mount Carmel can earn win number four against St. Ignatius College Prep on September 19.

2. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

For the first time in three games, the Griffins surrendered points to their opponents. However, the seven points that Neuqua Valley scored are nowhere near the 56 that Lincoln-Way East tallied. The Griffins have dominated early in the season, winning their games by an average margin of 43.3 points. Lincoln-Way East returns to action against Lockport Township on September 19.

3. Loyola Academy Ramblers

The Ramblers improved to 2-0 early in the 2025 Illinois high school football season after a convincing 43-21 victory against St. Francis. Matthew Lee threw for 167 passing yards and three touchdowns. Loyola Academy extends its winning streak to 13 games, and it can go for more against Brother Rice on September 19.

4. Brother Rice Crusaders

The Crusaders are at 3-0 after a 28-10 win over St. Rita. Brother Rice raced to a 21-3 lead early in the third quarter and did not look back. The Crusaders can earn their fourth straight victory early in the 2025 Illinois high school football season by defeating Loyola Academy on September 19.

5. East St. Louis Flyers

The Flyers are still in the top ten despite a 35-10 loss to Bishop Gorman, Nevada’s best team. East St. Louis falls to 0-2 after their season-opening loss to New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic. The Flyers are hoping to get their first win in 2025 against Alton on September 19.

6. Glenbard West Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers remain perfect after three games. Glenbard West defeated Oak Park-River Forest, 26-7, extending their winning streak from last season to five games. More importantly, the Hilltoppers are only one win away from matching their 2024 win total. Glenbard West’s 2025 schedule continues with a home game against Downers Grove North on September 19.

7. Fenwick Friars

The Friars won their first three games to open the 2025 Illinois high school football season. After shutting down Oak Park-River Forest‘s offense, Fenwick completed a 43-26 victory over Joliet Catholic Academy. Fenwick will face Montini Catholic on September 19.

8. Oswego Panthers

The Panthers are 3-for-3 to begin their 2025 campaign after a 42-7 domination of Bolingbrook. Oswego has won 13 of its last 14 games and will look to add more victories, starting in its September 19 game against Plainfield South.

9. Lyons Lions

The Lions are coming off an emphatic 55-0 shutout victory against Berwyn Cicero Morton. Lyons already had 21 points in the first quarter and kept the pressure until the final buzzer. The Lions can get their 16th win in 17 games against Hinsdale Central on September 20.

10. Downers Grove North Trojans

The Trojans scored enough points (9) to defeat Hinsdale Central. Downers Grove North has done well early in the 2025 Illinois high school football season, whether it’s a high-scoring match or a low-scoring grind. The Trojans’ next stop will be a road game against Glenbard West on September 20.

11. St. Charles North
12. Maine South
13. Nazareth Academy
14. Carl Sandburg
15. Lincoln-Way Central
16. Barrington
17. St. Rita
18. Lincoln Way West
19. Batavia
20. Montini Catholic
21. Hinsdale Central
22. Prairie Ridge
23. Morris Community
24. Fremd
25. Homewood-Flossmoor