News Summary
Mater Dei High School has claimed the top spot in the Orange County football preseason rankings for the upcoming season, following an undefeated record of 13-0 last year. The team achieved both CIF Southern Section and CIF State championships, showcasing their dominance in high school football. Esteemed for their impressive roster, including standout players and multiple commitments to top universities, Mater Dei is well positioned to continue its legacy of excellence as the new season commences.
Santa Ana, California – Mater Dei High School leads the Orange County football preseason rankings for the 2025 season, having finished last year with an impressive undefeated record of 13-0. The school clinched both the CIF Southern Section and CIF State championships, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in high school football.
Last season, Mater Dei was crowned the No. 1 team in the final MaxPreps national rankings, further underscoring its dominance in the sport. The team also boasts seven of the top 15 players appearing in the Orange County Hot 150 rankings, showcasing its depth of talent.
Highlighting Mater Dei’s outstanding roster is senior defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 320 pounds. Topui has earned a reputation as a nearly unstoppable force on the field. Additionally, the team features senior quarterback Ryan Hopkins, a recent transfer from JSerra, who is viewed as one of the leading quarterbacks in the county. Another key player is senior receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who has committed to Ohio State, serving as a crucial offensive asset for the team.
In the rankings behind Mater Dei, Mission Viejo is placed at No. 2, following a successful 10-1 season last year. The team’s offense is spearheaded by senior quarterback Luke Fahey, who, like Dixon-Wyatt, has also made a commitment to Ohio State. Mission Viejo’s receiving core is further strengthened by senior Vance Spafford, who is committed to the University of Miami. The team is set to kick off its new season on August 22 against Trabuco Hills High School.
In the No. 3 position is Santa Margarita, now under the leadership of head coach Carson Palmer, a former Heisman Trophy winner. Last season, Santa Margarita recorded a 5-7 record. The team is noted for having talented players, including USC-committed senior receiver Trent Mosley and transfer quarterback Trace Johnson, who demonstrated his prowess by passing for over 3,000 yards in Florida.
Orange Lutheran comes in at No. 4, improving from an 8-4 record in the previous season. The team features senior running back Sean Morris II, who is transferring from Loyola after an outstanding season where he rushed for 1,762 yards and is committed to Northwestern University.
Rounding out the top five is Servite, which finished the last season with a 6-5 record. The team is characterized by its speedy offensive players, including junior receiver Benjamin Harris. San Juan Hills is ranked No. 6, with a commendable 10-2 record last season, and is led by senior quarterback Timmy Herr.
Ranking seventh is Edison High School, fresh off winning both CIF Southern Section and CIF State championships last year with a 12-4 record. Tustin follows at No. 8, showcasing athletic prospects, including a two-way lineman who is committed to Texas. Crean Lutheran, sitting at No. 9, has several talented transfers and came off a promising 9-3 record last year. Yorba Linda rounds out the top ten, returning eight starters on defense after last year’s CIF-SS Division 2 semifinalist finish.
Other teams in the top rankings include Capistrano Valley, Dana Hills, and Western, with records of 8-3, 10-3, and 5-6, respectively. Noteworthy teams looking to advance their standings this season also comprise Huntington Beach, Villa Park, Newport Harbor, and Corona del Mar, all eager to demonstrate improvement as the 2025 season unfolds.
The complete list of 25 ranked teams illuminates the widespread talent present throughout Orange County football as anticipation builds for an exciting upcoming season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Long Beach Poly Football Team Faces Narrow Defeat
CIF Southern Section High School Football Season Preview
CIF Southern Section Prepares for Thrilling High School Football Season
Top Defensive Backs to Watch in Orange County
California High School Football Claims Top National Spots
Mater Dei Monarchs Lead California High School Football Rankings
Orange County High School Football Prepares for Season
CIF Southern Section Unveils Preseason High School Football Rankings
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco Gear Up for New Football Season
Orange County Unveils Hot 150 High School Football Talent
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Mater Dei is No. 1 in Preseason Top 25
- Wikipedia: High school football in California
- OC Register: OC Varsity’s Complete Orange County Football Preview 2025
- Google Search: Orange County football 2025
- OC Register: Girls Flag Football – Orange County’s Top 20 Players to Watch in 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- OC Register: Orange County Football Preview 2025 – Lambda League
- Google News: Orange County football preview
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
