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

As fans gear up for the 2025 season, expectations are high across the Mississippi high school football landscape. The Magnolia 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 Mississippi’s 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. Brandon Bulldogs

The Bulldogs’ ten-game winning streak ended after losing to Tupelo in the Mississippi high school football Class 7A state championship game. Despite that finish, their 12-2 record helped them earn the top spot in the rankings before the 2025-26 season.

Brandon will have an opportunity to avenge that loss in their rematch against Tupelo on August 29. Four-star running back Tyson Robinson will be a major factor in their offense, while cornerback Preston Ashley is their best playmaker on defense. The Bulldogs’ other key players include linebacker Ashton Moore, offensive lineman Aydan Newell, and safety Lahare Bolls.

2. Tupelo Golden Wave

The Golden Wave completed a perfect 14-0 to capture the Class 7A state championship. Tupelo had a dominant run, considering they won all but two of those games by double-digit leads. They also had two shutout victories and limited five opponents to single-digit scores.

Tupelo’s title defense this season starts against Columbus on August 22. The Golden Wave has some elite defenders like four-star lineman JaReylan McCoy, cornerback Iverson McCoy, defensive back Braylen Williams, and linebacker Devontray Brewer. Conversely, their offense features running backs Jaeden Hill and wide receiver Shamar Nichols.

3. Madison Central Jaguars

The Jaguars were looking good toward the end of the 2024-25 season, as proven by their six-game winning streak. However, Tupelo ended their campaign with a 21-3 defeat in the Class 7A state semifinals.

Madison Central will be hoping for a better outcome as they start the 2025-26 Mississippi high school football season against Pearl on August 29. Running back Mikel Stephen and defensive lineman Jonathan Thompson are leading the way for the Jaguars.

4. Starkville Yellowjackets

The Yellowjackets started the 2024-25 season strongly, winning six of their first seven games. Unfortunately, the ending was disastrous, losing four of their last five games, including the heartbreaking one-point loss to Tupelo in the Class 7A quarterfinals. Starkville will start the upcoming season against Oak Grove on August 29. New head coach John Carr hopes for a better finish than their 7-5 record last year.

5. Oak Grove Warriors

The Warriors reached last year’s Mississippi high school football Class 7A quarterfinals but lost to Ocean Springs. That defeat thwarted their title defense and had them finishing the season with an 8-4 record.

Oak Grove hopes to regain the state championship, and their battle starts against Starkville on August 29. Quarterback Kellen Hall will be working with talented players like wide receiver Chavel Williams and offensive linemen Trey Shaw and DJ Dotson. Meanwhile, four-star lineman Deven Robertson is a disruptive force on defense.

6. Ocean Springs
7. Grenada
8. Warren Central
9. Jackson Prep
10. Hartfield Academy

11. Madison-Ridgeland Academy
12. Gulfport
13. Picayune Memorial
14. Louisville
15. Hattiesburg

16. Petal
17. Germantown
18. West Point
19. Clinton
20. Oxford

21. Northwest Rankin
22. South Panola
23. Pearl
24. D’Iberville
25. West Jones