Way-Too-Early Arkansas High School Football Top 25 Rankings

Arkansas high school football is fast approaching. Hundreds of teams will compete for the state championship acros seven classes. From established powerhouses to upstart programs, here are the top 25 teams in the Natural State according to Massey.

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. Bryant Hornets

The Hornets only experienced a scare during the 2024 Arkansas high school football season Class 7A state championship. But even in that game, they defeated Bentonville to complete a 13-0 season and avenge their loss during the 2023 state semifinals. Before that result, all their previous wins were by double digits.

Bryant’s title defense will begin against Benton on August 29. The Hornets will be among the top contenders, thanks to four-star running back TJ Hodges, three-star wide receiver Kamauri Austin, and Caleb Tucker. Meanwhile, they also have defensive playmakers like four-star Oklahoma commit Jakore Smith, three-star edge rusher Matthew Nelson, and Samuel Nelson.

2. Greenwood Bulldogs

The Bulldogs completed a dominant 2024 season by defeating Shiloh Christian for the Class 6A state championship. None of their games were close, as proven by the smallest victory margin of 11 points. Likewise, Greenwood completed four shutout victories.

Those results should have the Bulldogs being the favorites to win it all for the third straight year. However, before reaching the playoffs, they must take care of the regular season first, starting with their August 29 season opener against Bentonville West. Quarterback Kane Archer and interior lineman Cody Taylor are two of their bright spots on offense.

3. Bentonville Tigers

After losing their first three games, the Tigers embarked on a nine-game winning streak, bringing them to the Class 7A state championship game. However, they came up short against Bryant, ending their season at 9-4.

Bentonville hopes to do better in 2025 as they open the Arkansas high school football season against Conway on September 5. Fellow wideouts and Arkansas Razorbacks commits Dequane Prevo and Blair Irvin are crucial to their success.

4. Conway Wampus Cats

The Wampus Cats came up one game short of the Class 7A state championship game after losing to Bentonville. That 36-34 defeat ended a 10-2 campaign wherein both losses came within their last three games.

Conway can make the next leap forward by doing better against Arkansas’ top teams during the postseason. However, before reaching that spot, they must first conquer the regular season, starting with their August 29 game against Jonesboro. Tight end Dawson McFadin is one of their must-watch players.

5. Parkview Magnet Patriots

After losing to Bryant, the Patriots went on an 11-game winning streak, including their 61-21 victory over Farmington for their third straight Arkansas high school football Class 5A state championship.

A four-peat is in Parkview Magnet’s sights, and the journey begins with their 2025 season-opener against Maumelle on September 4. Their success on defense rests on lineman Nygel Farsee’s performance.

6. Pulaski Academy
7. Fayetteville
8. Benton
9. Rogers
10. Shiloh Christian

11. Little Rock Christian Academy
12. Cabot
13. Lake Hamilton
14. Bentonville West
15. Mountain Home

16. Joe T. Robinson
17. Camden Fairview
18. Arkadelphia
19. Lakeside
20. Springdale

21. Greenbrier
22. Farmington
23. Valley View
24. Marion
25. Southside