Preseason Alabama High School Football Top 25 Rankings

Alabama lives and breathes football. That’s why it’s unsurprising that three of its top 25 teams are among the nation’s top 100. With another season approaching, the crème of the crop will show their opponents why Alabama high school football is among the country’s best. Here’s how Massey ranked the best squads in The Yellowhammer State before the season begins.

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. Thompson Warriors

The Warriors will enter the new season as Alabama high school football’s top-ranked team after winning the 2024 Class 7A state championship against Central. This outcome avenges Thompson’s loss to the Red Devils during the 2023 state championship game.

Defending the crown will be Thompson’s priority. Their 2025-26 journey begins against Carver on August 21. Eight days later, the Warriors will face Georgia’s Grayson Rams. Leading the charge for the Thompson offense are four-star quarterback Trent Seaborn, three-star wide receiver Darion Moseley, and wideout Pryce Lewis.

On defense, the Warriors will bank on four-star lineman Cam Pritchett (Oregon), three-star lineman Viliami Moala (North Carolina), three-star edge rusher Peter Ramil (USF), and three-star safety Trenton McCorvey.

2. Central Red Devils

After a rough patch wherein they lost two of three games, the Red Devils fought their way to the Alabama high school football Class 7A state championship game. Unfortunately, they fell short against Thompson, the team they defeated for the 2023 state crown.

Regaining the throne will be Central’s mission in the 2025-26 season. Their schedule starts against Pinson Valley on August 22. Quarterback Bobby Coleman, running back Donovan Crow, wide receiver Jamarcus Davis, and four-star interior lineman Jatori Williams will be crucial to the team’s offensive success.

Meanwhile, three-star edge rusher Tristan Lyles and safety Tony Arnett (Liberty) will lead the charge on defense.

3. Auburn Tigers

The Tigers looked good after winning their first ten games last season. However, their campaign ended after suffering their lone loss to Thompson in the Alabama high school football Class 7A quarterfinals.

Auburn will continue the fight as they face Florida’s Booker Tornadoes for their August 22 season opener. Four-star quarterback Cason Myers, three-star defensive lineman Carnell Jackson (Arkansas), three-star offensive lineman Trinton Pritchett (Troy), and linebacker Greg Williams are vital to their success.

4. Hewitt-Trussville Huskies

The Huskies lost to Baker in the Alabama high school football Class 7A state tournament, ending their season at 8-3. Hewitt-Trussville will battle for a better finish this season, and their campaign starts against the Johnson Abernathy Graetz Jaguars on August 22.

Wide receiver Dylan Cope, running back Delvecchio Alston, and running back Chris Davis will lead the Huskies’ offensive charge. On defense, they have playmakers like three-star edge rusher D’Ante Seals, defensive back Will Phillips, and cornerback Ethan Ridley.

5. Hoover Buccaneers

The Buccaneers carried a six-game winning streak heading into their Class 7A state semifinal showdown against Central, which they lost by scoring only seven points.

Hoover will try to erase that bitter defeat by reaching or winning the state championship. Their 2025-26 Alabama high school football season will start against Florida’s IMG Academy on August 22. The Buccaneers’ success will heavily depend on how wide receiver Jonah Winston, wideout Jeremiah Tabb, and defensive lineman Tyson Bacon (Miami) perform in every game.

6. Saraland
7. Vestavia Hills
8. Clay-Chalkville
9. Opelika
10. Enterprise

11. Parker
12. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory
13. Jackson
14. Baker
15. Mountain Brook

16. Oxford
17. Hillcrest
18. Dothan
19. Vigor
20. Carver

21. Spain Park
22. Spanish Fort
23. Central of Clay County
24. Mary G. Montgomery
25. Pike Road