Preseason California High School Football Top 25 Rankings

California high school football is one of the nation’s best, as proven by its top 11 teams within the nation’s top 100. From national powers to upstart challengers, here’s how Massey ranks the elite teams in the country’s most populous state.

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. Mater Dei Monarchs

The Monarchs completed a perfect 13-0 season when they defeated De La Salle High School for the California high school football Open Division state championship. In addition to that victory, Mater Dei extended their winning streak to 19 games.

The nation’s best team will start the 2025 season against Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas on August 23. Mater Dei has two five-star players in tight end Mark Bowman (USC) and wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State). The Monarchs also have quarterback Ryan Hopkins (Wisconsin), wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (Ohio State), offensive tackle Kodi Greene (Washington), wide receiver Gavin Honore (Georgia), running back Justin Lewis (UMass), and quarterback Furian Infererra (Minnesota).

On defense, the Monarchs have cornerback Aaryn Washington, defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui (USC), safety Danny Lang, edge rusher Shaun Scott (USC), safety CJ Lavender, defensive lineman Montana Toilolo, cornerback Patrick Hall, and defensive lineman Matamatagi Uiagalelei. 

2. St. John Bosco Braves

While the Braves lost only two of 13 games, they both came against Mater Dei. St. John Bosco will have a rematch against the Monarchs on October 31. However, before getting to that game, the Braves will open the 2025 California high school football season against Florida’s Manatee on August 22.

The Braves have a talented wide receiver trio in Madden Williams (Texas A&M), Daniel Odom (Oklahoma), Carson Clark (San Jose State) lining up with running back Maliq Allen. On defense, the Braves have elite playmakers like cornerback Jailen Hill, safety Isala Wily-Ava, edge rusher Dutch Horisk (Oregon), cornerback Jacob Whitehead, safety Dillon Davis, linebacker Matthew Muasau (UCLA), defensive lineman Laneselota Olive-Enos (Portland State), and two-way athlete Joshua Holland (USC).

3. Centennial Huskies

The Huskies finished with a 9-3 record, losing twice to Mater Dei and replicating their finish from the previous season. Centennial will open its 2025 California high school football campaign against Servite on August 22.

Leading their charge are linebacker Jonathan McKinley (Cal), defensive lineman Miles Schirmer, safety Jaden Walk-Green, tight end Keawe Browne, cornerback Therman Williams (Sacramento State), and wide receiver Tyler George.

4. Orange Lutheran Lancers

The Lancers closed the 2024 California high school football season with a loss to St. John Bosco. Despite that loss, their 8-4 finish is better than their 5-6 slate in 2023. Orange Lutheran will open the 2025 season against Florida’s Northwestern on August 23. Their key players include interior offensive lineman Samuelu Utu (Alabama), offensive lineman Lucas Rhoa, running back Sean Morris (Northwestern), and wide receiver Nico Bland.

5. Mission Viejo Diablos

The Diablos were looking good after winning their first ten games. Unfortunately, their season ended with a loss to Centennial in the CIF Division 1 quarterfinals. Mission Viejo will start the 2025 California high school football season against Santa Margarita on August 22. Four-star wide receiver Vance Spafford (Miami), four-star cornerback Jeron Jones (Washington), quarterback Luke Fahey (Ohio State), edge rusher JD Hill (Northern Arizona), and wide receiver Markus Kier (Princeton) are their must-watch players. 

6. Santa Margarita Catholic
7. JSerra Catholic
8. Sierra Canyon
9. Folsom
10. De La Salle High School

11. Servite
12. Lincoln
13. Junipero Serra (Gardena)
14. San Clemente
15. Los Alamitos

16. Murrieta Valley
17. Clovis East
18. Edison
19. Oaks Christian
20. Pittsburg

21. Junipero Serra (San Mateo)
22. Central East
23. Cathedral Catholic
24. Rocklin
25. Oakridge