For the sixth time since 2017, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) opens the high school football season as the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Preseason Top 25, solidifying its place as the modern dynasty of high school football. After going 13-0 in 2024 and capturing their fifth California Open Division state title in eight years, the Monarchs are once again the team everyone is chasing.

Mater Dei’s Reign Continues

Few programs in any sport have sustained the level of dominance Mater Dei has showcased. The Monarchs have gone 74-3 over the last seven seasons, rarely flinching in the face of elite competition. Last year, they went undefeated and beat eight teams ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25, ending the season as the unanimous national champion.

Now in his second season, head coach Raul Lara is tasked with keeping that tradition alive—and he has the roster to do it. Leading the offense will be Ryan Hopkins, a transfer quarterback who inherits a lethal offensive arsenal. He’ll be throwing to some of the country’s top receivers, including Chris Henry Jr., Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Gavin Honore, and five-star tight end Mark Bowman.

The offensive line, led by Kodi Greene, Lex Mailangi, and Joe Hamby, is physically dominant—often compared to college-level units for its size and discipline. The defense is equally loaded with stars like Tomuhini Topui, Shaun Scott, Aaryn Washington, and Ace Leutele, making Mater Dei dangerous on every snap.

California Dominates the Top 25

California schools continue to set the bar nationally, placing six teams in the MaxPreps Top 25. St. John Bosco (No. 2), the Monarchs’ longtime rival, returns another formidable squad under Jason Negro, hoping to challenge for the national crown after finishing 11-2 last season.

Other Golden State entries include Centennial (No. 12), Mission Viejo (No. 14), Santa Margarita (No. 16), and Sierra Canyon (No. 21), each representing a different corner of the California football landscape and proving the state’s unmatched depth in high school talent.

The National Picture: Top States, Big Names

Beyond California, powerhouse states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas also fill the rankings.

Florida leads all states with five teams in the Top 25:

• IMG Academy (No. 6) continues its tradition of attracting elite talent from across the country.

• Chaminade-Madonna (No. 7), American Heritage (No. 8), St. Thomas Aquinas (No. 10), and Miami Northwestern (No. 11) all return after strong playoff performances. Notably, Northwestern is coached by former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, bringing a fresh and dynamic vision to the program.

Georgia’s top squad, Grayson (No. 4), headlines a trio that includes Buford (No. 13) and Milton (No. 22). Milton is coming off a perfect 15-0 campaign, finishing No. 2 nationally in 2024 and seeking to dethrone Mater Dei.

In Texas, the spotlight is on Duncanville (No. 9), North Crowley (No. 18), and North Shore (No. 25)—each boasting deep rosters and a physical brand of football that keeps them in national conversations year after year.

Other Standouts Across the Country

Beyond the usual suspects, several other teams make strong cases as dark horses or rising powers:

• Bishop Gorman (No. 3) of Las Vegas, Nevada, is a national mainstay and returns after another dominant 11-1 season.

• St. Frances Academy (No. 5) in Baltimore continues to punch above its weight with one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

• Corner Canyon (No. 19) brings Utah into the fold, with a 13-1 record and a dynamic offense.

• Bergen Catholic (No. 20) represents New Jersey, coming off an impressive 11-1 season in the rugged Northeast landscape.

Meanwhile, Cass Tech (No. 23) keeps Detroit on the map, and Thompson (No. 24) gives Alabama its lone Top 25 team—but with a history of success and national exposure, they’re always a threat to rise fast.

What to Expect in 2025

As the new season kicks off, all eyes will be on Mater Dei. The Monarchs are battle-tested, balanced, and brimming with talent, but the gap is narrowing. Teams like St. John Bosco, Bishop Gorman, Grayson, and IMG Academy are hungry and more than capable of pulling off an upset.

The beauty of high school football is its unpredictability. Injuries, development, and coaching adjustments all play massive roles in shaping the season’s outcome. One thing is certain, though: Mater Dei starts as the team to beat, and the road to No. 1 runs through Santa Ana.

Quick Look: Top 5 MaxPreps Preseason Teams

1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) – Undefeated champions with elite talent on both sides.

2. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) – Perennial power looking for revenge.

3. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) – Loaded squad with a national pedigree.

4. Grayson (Loganville, GA) – Physical and deep Georgia contender.

5. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD) – A brutal schedule makes them battle-ready.

As fans gear up for another thrilling season of high school football, the MaxPreps Top 25 sets the stage for the most competitive year yet. From California to Florida and everywhere in between, the race for the 2025 national championship is officially on.