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

As the 2025 high school football season approaches in Pennsylvania, anticipation mounts among players, coaches and fans alike. Following a competitive and compelling campaign last year, the upcoming season promises to deliver impressive feats of athleticism, intense competition and memorable moments. From seasoned powerhouses to rising programs, here are the top 25 teams in Pennsylvania 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. St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks

After suffering their second loss in the 2024 season, the Hawks went on an eight-game winning streak to capture their third consecutive Pennsylvania high school football Class 6A state championship. What’s more impressive is that they surrendered only 20 points to their four state tournament opponents.

St. Joseph’s Prep’s quest for a fourth consecutive state title starts on Aug. 22 against American Heritage. Quarterback Charlie Foulke will be in command of their offense, as he distributes the ball to wide receivers Jett Harrison and Brandon Ross. Meanwhile, the Hawks boast of an elite defensive unit led by four-star linebacker Brandon Lockley, defensive lineman Alex Haskell and cornerback Simaj Hill.

2. La Salle College Explorers

The Explorers suffered only one defeat last year. However, it came against St. Joseph’s Prep, snapping their 10-game winning streak and eliminating them from the state championship tournament. La Salle College can get payback in their rematch with the Hawks on Oct. 4. However, before that game, the Explorers will open their season against Central Catholic on Aug. 22.

Missouri commit Gavin Sidwar will be at the helm of the La Salle offense. It’s his role to get the likes of tight end John-Patrick Oates and running back Desmond Ortiz involved. Meanwhile, linebacker Zykee Scott and four-star safety Joey O’Brien are two of their defensive leaders.

3. Malvern Prep Friars

After losing two of their first three game, the Friars reversed their fortunes by winning their next seven games, including victories over New Jersey’s Morristown and Washington’s Gonzaga High School.

Malvern Prep will begin its 2025 Pennsylvania high school football season on August 29 against La Salle College. Four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford and three-star running back Ezekiel Bates will be key players on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, wide receiver Cade Cooper and pass rusher George Parkinson are two other game-changers on the Friars’ roster.

4. Central Catholic Vikings

The Vikings went on an 11-game winning streak after losing their first two. However, they came up short against St. Joseph’s Prep for the Class 6A state championship. Despite that loss, they will enter 2025 as one of Pennsylvania’s top contenders.

Central Catholic still has a formidable roster, especially in the trenches. Four-star tackle Jimmy Kalis, interior lineman Matt Bowers and junior James Halter provide their might on the offensive line. On defense, the Vikings will heavily rely on edge rusher Ashton Blatt, linebacker Colsen Gatten, cornerback Zachary Gleason and linebacker Roman Thompson.

The Vikings begin their 2025 campaign against La Salle College on August 22.

5. Harrisburg Cougars

The Cougars fell short against Central Catholic in last year’s Class 6A state semifinals, which ended their season at 11-3. Harrisburg can take the lessons from that one-possession loss to reach the title game this year.

Their explosive offense will once again be on display as they start the season against Bishop McDevitt on Aug. 30. Opponents will have a handful in stopping their backfield tandem of four-star Penn State commit Messiah Mickens and three-star Syracuse commit D’Antae Sheffey.

Elias Coke is their top option in the passing game, while four-star lineman Kevin Brown provides protection and push up front.

6. Pine-Richland
7. Bishop McDevitt
8. Roman Catholic
9. Peters Township
10. North Allegheny

11. State College Area
12. Upper Saint Clair
13. Bethel Park
14. Parkland
15. Monsignor Bonner

16. Imhotep Institute
17. Central Bucks South
18. Freedom
19. Manheim Township
20. Downingtown West

21. Thomas Jefferson
22. Haverford School
23. Emmaus
24. Central Bucks West
25. Easton Area