Prediction: Grimsley (N.C.) repeats as state champions

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in a few short weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way back over to the Tar Heel State and check out the 2021, 2024 state champion Grimsley Whirlies. Armed with one of the country’s top signal callers in quarterback Faizon Brandon, the Whirlies remain firmly in the hunt to repeat as North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Class 4A state champs. Question is, will they face any hiccups along the way in attempting to repeat?

Player Spotlight: QB Faizon Brandon

Is there really any question who makes the team go, especially on the offensive side of things? As Brandon goes, so does Grimsley as the Tennessee Volunteer commitment is coming off a stellar junior campaign. The Class of 2026 5-star quarterback last season was terrific, completing 165 of 214 passes (77 percent) for 2,814 yards, 35 touchdowns and just two picks. Brandon also added 625 yards on the ground and nine scores. There’s not many passers that stack up to what Brandon brings to the Whirlies.

Others to watch: EDGE Andrew Rogers, CB Kosci Barnes, TE DJ Howerton, OL Nick Kashubara, WR Kingston Harris

Season Prediction: 10-0

If you felt confident right after the 2024 season about Grimsley’s chances on repeating as state champions, you’ll feel even better after reading this. The Whirlies bring back one of the most talented rosters, if not the, top collection of players in the Tar Heel State. In looking at having Brandon back along with a solid defense on the other side of the ball, it’s tough to think that another team might knock these guys off their proverbial pedestal. With several Power 4 talents dotted along the roster, we only see Grimsley winning the program’s third state title and notching a repeat of winning a championship.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 22 – at West Charlotte (N.C.) Lions – W
Opening up the season playing at Bank of America Stadium is pretty neat and so is winning. Grimsley starts off 1-0 with a win over West Charlotte.

Aug. 29 – at West Forsyth (N.C.) Titans – W
The Whirlies make it look easy against the Titans in a 44-14 rout.

Sep. 5 – East Forsyth (N.C.) Eagles – W
Up against one of the state’s better program, Grimsley finds a way to come out with a 40-27 victory.

Sept. 19 – at Southwest Guilford (N.C.) Cowboys – W
Winning streak is up to four in a row as the Whirlies cruises to a 42-point win.

Sept. 26 – at Western Guilford (N.C.) Hornets – W
Grimsley continues its winning streak tour as they beat up on Western Guilford, winning 48-6.

Oct. 3 – at Varina (Va.) Blue Devils – W
A North Carolina-Virginia showdown takes place in Greensboro, with the Whirlies coming away with the dominating victory.

Oct. 10 – Lucy Ragsdale (N.C.) Tigers – W
Add another dub to the win column as Grimsley is clicking on all cylinders heading into the final weeks of the season.

Oct. 17 – Page (N.C.) Pirates – W
They say things will get tougher down the stretch, but for Grimsley they seemingly don’t as its another easy win.

Oct. 24 – Dudley (N.C.) Panthers – W
There’s no stopping Grimsley as they bulldoze Dudley ahead of the regular season finale.

Oct. 31 – Ben L. Smith (N.C.) Golden Eagles – W
The Whirlies dominate in the finale as they march into the Class 4A playoffs.