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

As fans gear up for the 2025 season, expectations are high across the Illinois high school football landscape. The Prairie State is poised to showcase some of the best football talent in the region. From traditional powers to rising stars eager to prove themselves, these are Illinois’ top teams 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. Loyola Academy Ramblers

After losing two of their first three games, the Ramblers embarked on an 11-game winning streak to capture their third consecutive Illinois high school football Class 8A state championship. Likewise, that victory improved their record to 51-4 over the last four seasons.

Loyola Academy’s quest for a four-peat starts with their 2025 season opener against Indiana’s Merrillville on August 29. Their key players include quarterback Matthew Lee, wide receiver Jordan McKinley, placekicker Zak Zeman, and three-star offensive tackle Tommy Fraumann.

2. Mount Carmel Caravan

Mt. Carmel lost to Loyola Academy before the Illinois Class 7A state tournament began. That’s the last loss they suffered before sweeping the playoffs and winning their third consecutive state championship.

The Caravan will be competing for their fourth straight state title, and their 2025 campaign begins against Ohio’s Archbishop Moeller on August 30. Leading their fight are four-star wide receiver Quentin Burrell, offensive tackle Claude Mpouma, defensive lineman Braeden Jones, edge rusher Joey Quinn, linebacker Roman Igwebuike, and safety Tavares Harrington.

3. East St. Louis Flyers

The Flyers would have completed a perfect season if not for their 14-13 loss to IMG Academy. Despite that defeat, East St. Louis claimed their second Illinois high school football Class 6A state championship in the last three years

The Flyers’ title defense starts against New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic on August 28. East St. Louis boasts an elite defensive unit, led by four-star cornerback Raheem Floyd, linebacker Leon Howard, and defensive lineman Cornell McIntosh. Meanwhile, their offense will significantly involve wide receiver Kortez Rupert, offensive tackle Terrell Berryhill, tight end Armaad Sharp, and wideout Ronnie Gomiller.

4. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

The Griffins won their first 12 games last season. However, their promising campaign ended with a loss to Loyola Academy in the Class 8A state semifinals. The Ramblers have been the Griffins’ nemesis, eliminating them in the last four seasons.

While overcoming Loyola Academy will be their priority, Lincoln-Way East must survive the regular season first, starting with their August 29 game against Maine South. Four-star quarterback Jonas Williams will lead an offense featuring wide receiver Blaise LaVista and offensive tackle Mason Halliman. Meanwhile, three-star edge rusher Jacob Alexander will anchor their defense.

5. Brother Rice Crusaders

That the Crusaders finished the season with a 6-4 record is already an achievement, considering they started by losing three of their first four games. Still, Brother Rice checked out in the first round of the Class 7A tournament after losing to Fenwick.

The Crusaders open their season against Indiana’s Valparaiso on August 29. Brother Rice’s defensive line can be disruptive, thanks to defensive linemen Brayden Parks and King Liggins. Running back Jameson Davis and Kameron McGee are also must-see players.

6. Marist
7. Joliet Catholic Academy
8. Batavia
9. St. Rita
10. York Comm

11. Downers Grove North
12. Nazareth Academy
13. Maine South
14. Lyons
15. Naperville Central

16. Fenwick
17. Geneva Community
18. Glenbard West
19. Cary-Grove
20. St. Charles North

21. St. Ignatius
22. Barrington
23. Naperville North
24. Warren Township
25. St. Francis

For even more in-depth coverage of Illinois high school sports, and to chat with other fans, visit EdgyTim.com.