The 2025 high school football season is here, and the competition in California is as fierce as ever. Fans are buzzing to see how the state’s best teams stack up. With powerhouse programs and rising contenders, this year’s rankings are a must-follow for every football enthusiast. Here’s a look at the California High School Football Top 25 Rankings, featuring the teams poised to dominate the gridiron.
The Top Contenders: Mater Dei and St. John Bosco
At the top of the list, it’s no surprise to see the two Southern California titans, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. These rivals have been at the center of the national high school football conversation for years, with a history of epic showdowns and national championships. Mater Dei, the reigning national champion, starts the season at number one. They’re followed closely by St. John Bosco, who is always a threat to claim the top spot. Their battles are a highlight of the season and a major factor in the state and national rankings.
The Power of Southern California
Southern California continues to be a hotbed for elite high school football talent. The Trinity League, in particular, is heavily represented in the top 25, boasting Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita, and Servite. This concentration of talent makes for some of the most competitive and high-stakes games in the country. Other standout teams from the region include Centennial and Mission Viejo, both of which consistently challenge the top-ranked programs.
NorCal’s Top Teams
While Southern California dominates the list, Northern California is home to some formidable programs that can’t be overlooked. The most notable is De La Salle, a legendary program with a history of success that’s recognized nationally. Other Northern California powerhouses like Folsom, Serra, and Oak Ridge are also well-represented, proving that top-tier football is played throughout the entire state.
California High School Football Top 25 Rankings (2025)
| Rank | Team | Location | Key Players/Notes |
| 1 | Mater Dei | Santa Ana | The perennial national powerhouse and a favorite for the state championship. |
| 2 | St. John Bosco | Bellflower | A fierce rival to Mater Dei, loaded with D1 talent. |
| 3 | Centennial | Corona | A consistent contender known for its high-powered offense. |
| 4 | Mission Viejo | Mission Viejo | Always a strong presence in the CIF Southern Section. |
| 5 | Sierra Canyon | Chatsworth | A rising program with significant talent on both sides of the ball. |
| 6 | Orange Lutheran | Orange | Another strong Trinity League team with a challenging schedule. |
| 7 | Santa Margarita | Rancho Santa Margarita | Competing in one of the toughest leagues in the nation. |
| 8 | De La Salle | Concord | A legendary Northern California program with a winning tradition. |
| 9 | Folsom | Folsom | A dominant force in the Sacramento-San Joaquin section. |
| 10 | Lincoln | San Diego | The top-ranked team from the San Diego area. |
| 11 | Serra | Gardena | A top-tier team from the competitive Mission League. |
| 12 | Chaminade | West Hills | A program on the rise with a strong coaching staff. |
| 13 | Servite | Anaheim | Another Trinity League team with a tough schedule and dedicated fanbase. |
| 14 | Murrieta Valley | Murrieta | A consistent playoff team from the Inland Empire. |
| 15 | San Juan Hills | San Juan Capistrano | A solid program with a history of strong playoff runs. |
| 16 | Central East | Fresno | The top team from the Central Valley with a rich history. |
| 17 | Cathedral Catholic | San Diego | A San Diego section powerhouse with a legacy of championships. |
| 18 | Los Alamitos | Los Alamitos | A talented team with a reputation for producing top prospects. |
| 19 | Oaks Christian | Westlake Village | A well-known program with a history of athletic excellence. |
| 20 | Oak Ridge | El Dorado Hills | A perennial top team in the Sac-Joaquin Section. |
| 21 | JSerra Catholic | San Juan Capistrano | A difficult team to face in the competitive Trinity League. |
| 22 | Edison | Huntington Beach | A consistent playoff threat from Orange County. |
| 23 | Yorba Linda | Yorba Linda | A program that’s been on a steady climb in the rankings. |
| 24 | Archbishop Riordan | San Francisco | A rising star from the Bay Area with a loaded roster. |
| 25 | Rocklin | Rocklin | A tough team from the Sacramento-San Joaquin section. |
