News Summary
The CIF Southern Section has released its preseason Top 25 high school football rankings, with Mater Dei leading the pack. The teams are evaluated based on player performance, coaching strategies, and overall growth. St. John Bosco and Orange Lutheran follow closely behind, showcasing strong offensive and defensive setups. The rankings reflect the competitive landscape of high school football in Southern California, with many teams expected to deliver remarkable performances this season.
Los Angeles, CA – The CIF Southern Section has unveiled its preseason Top 25 high school football rankings for 2025, placing Mater Dei at the forefront, indicating a strong chance for an unbeaten season. With a formidable receiver group, robust lines, and top two-way player Tomuhini Topui, a University of Southern California commit, Mater Dei leads the rankings confidently.
Following closely in second place is St. John Bosco, which emphasizes defensive experience and the growth of sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu as crucial elements for their success this season. Orange Lutheran holds the third position, relying on a solid foundation from their offensive and defensive lines to offset a lack of experience at the quarterback position.
Sierra Canyon is ranked fourth, showcasing what is touted as the best defense in Southern California, thanks to impressive depth on both the defensive line and secondary. Corona Centennial comes in at fifth, where Coach Matt Logan has strategically scheduled three consecutive Trinity League opponents to prepare his team for the rigors of the Division 1 playoffs.
Mission Viejo, sitting at sixth, is led by quarterback Luke Fahey, who is committed to Ohio State and brings a diverse set of offensive weapons to the field. Santa Margarita is at seventh place, benefiting from experienced coaching, improved line play, and a healthy Trent Mosley, paving the way for a promising season ahead.
Gardena Serra takes the eighth position, grappling with the perennial challenge of sustaining player health while possessing significant talent depth. Servite, ranked ninth, boasts an exceptional offensive line that is crucial for competitiveness in the demanding Trinity League. Newbury Park rounds out the top ten, needing quarterback Brady Smigiel to build rapport with a newly established receiving crew, despite having strong overall talent.
The eleventh place is held by Cathedral, with aspirations to rise as quarterback Jaden Jefferson aims to lead the team to greater heights. JSerra, in twelfth, introduces new QB Koa Smith-Mayall with expectations for young players to emerge.
Vista Murrieta is ranked thirteenth, relying on quarterback Bryson Beavers, an Oregon commit, as they look to improve upon the previous season’s achievements. Meanwhile, Yorba Linda at fourteenth maintains a focus on turning their underrated team into a formidable contender under Coach Jeff Bailey.
Edison ranks fifteenth, marked by junior QB Sam Thomson gaining invaluable playoff experience during a recent state championship run. San Juan Hills sits in sixteenth with a promising summer’s performance, aided by skill position players led by QB Timmy Herr.
Oaks Christian, in seventeenth, showcases considerable talent, including a speedy running back Deshonne Redeaux, while also focusing on player health management. Inglewood, ranked eighteenth, retains its favorite status within the competitive Bay League despite the loss of several seniors.
Chaparral holds the nineteenth spot, with the progression of QB Dane Weber making the team a more formidable opponent. Corona del Mar is positioned twentieth, benefiting from returning starters in crucial spots that may secure a Bravo League title run.
Damien claims the twenty-first position, building upon last season’s successful campaign led by QB Isaiah Arriaza, who nearly reached 3,000 yards. Palos Verdes holds the twenty-second position as they work to defend their state championship with principal players, including junior QB Ryan Rakowski.
Downey ranks twenty-third, featuring quarterback Oscar Rios, an Arizona commit, noted for his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and runner. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame comes in at twenty-fourth with transfer QB Wyatt Brown teaming with WR Luc Weaver to generate offensive momentum. Finally, Oxnard Pacifica rounds out the list at twenty-fifth, showcasing juniors Isaiah Phelps and Alijah Royster as emerging stars.
Several other teams such as Los Alamitos, Long Beach Poly, Leuzinger, Long Beach Millikan, Tustin, Valencia, and San Clemente are also noteworthy to watch throughout the season. The CIF Southern Section is recognized for hosting some of the nation’s premier high school football teams, players, and coaches.
The rankings will be updated weekly throughout the season, reflecting the evolving landscape of high school football in Southern California.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: CIF Southern Section Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- Los Angeles Times: Preseason Top 25 High School Football Rankings
- High School Football America: Final 2024 CA Top 25 Rankings
- MaxPreps: Preseason Top 100 High School Football Rankings
- USA Today High School Sports: Preseason Super 25 Rankings
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
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