High school football in Massachusetts is kicking off, and excitement is building across the state. As teams hit the field for practices, fans, players, and coaches are already eyeing the potential standout programs for the 2025 season. The Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings provide a snapshot of the elite teams poised to make an impact, highlighting standout players, returning stars, and programs with rich traditions of success.
Understanding the Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings
The Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings are compiled using the Massey Ratings, a respected system that evaluates teams based on game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. Historically used during the BCS era, the Massey Ratings offer a quantitative view of how teams stack up against each other across the state. These rankings are especially important in Massachusetts, where football programs like Catholic Memorial and Xaverian Brothers have a storied history of success.
For high school football enthusiasts, keeping up with these rankings provides insight into the teams to watch, potential state championship contenders, and emerging talent that may soon make waves at the collegiate level.
Top Contenders in the 2025 Massachusetts High School Football Season
1. The Williston Northampton School
The Wildcats of Williston Northampton are a premier program in New England. Coming off an 8-1 season where their only loss was to Connecticut’s Brunswick School, the Wildcats are loaded with talent. Key players include:
- Dean Ruksnaitis: 2026 offensive lineman with a Boston College commitment.
- Crew Colon: 2026 quarterback standing 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with offers from Bucknell, Fordham, and Stony Brook.
2. Catholic Memorial
The Knights are consistently among the top teams in the MIAA’s Division 2. Catholic Memorial boasts a roster rich with future college talent, particularly heading to Boston College. Notable players include:
- 2026 linemen Marcelino Antunes and Mac Fitzgerald
- 2027 safety Jackson Tucker
- 2028 athlete Ramar Thomas
Last year, their only defeat came against New York powerhouse Cardinal Hayes.
3. St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Prep has one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country: sophomore Christopher Vargas. His freshman campaign included 1,311 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. The Eagles aim to bounce back from a state semifinal loss to Needham and contend for the Division 1 state championship this year.
4. Deerfield Academy
Although Deerfield Academy posted a 1-8 record in 2024, that number does not reflect their competitiveness. They faced top programs such as Williston Northampton, Cheshire Academy, Brunswick School, and Loomis Chaffee. The Big Green regularly challenge some of the region’s best teams, making them a squad to watch this season.
5. Xaverian Brothers
The Hawks are chasing their 13th state championship and return 2027 quarterback Will Wood, a highly sought-after player with Division I offers from Harvard, Syracuse, UConn, and UMass. With experience and talent on their roster, Xaverian Brothers remain a dominant force in Massachusetts football.
Other Top Programs in the Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings
The rankings include a mix of powerhouse programs and rising teams. Positions 6–25 feature a variety of competitive squads:
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 6 | King Philip Regional |
| 7 | Buckingham Browne & Nichols School |
| 8 | Scituate |
| 9 | Springfield Central |
| 10 | Tabor Academy |
| 11 | Boston College High School |
| 12 | Marshfield |
| 13 | Needham |
| 14 | North Attleboro |
| 15 | St. Sebastian’s School |
| 16 | Duxbury |
| 17 | Grafton Memorial Senior |
| 18 | Mansfield |
| 19 | Phillips Academy |
| 20 | Belmont Hill School |
| 21 | Foxborough |
| 22 | Walpole |
| 23 | Central Catholic |
| 24 | Methuen |
| 25 | Natick |
Each of these programs brings a unique style and competitive edge, ensuring an exciting season for Massachusetts high school football fans.
Why Rankings Matter
Rankings like the Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings help fans and scouts track which teams are likely to contend for state titles. They also highlight players who may soon compete at the collegiate level. For parents and athletes, these rankings provide insight into program strengths and potential matchups for the season.
FAQs About Massachusetts High School Football Rankings
Q1: How are the Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings determined?
The rankings use the Massey Ratings system, which evaluates game outcomes, margin of victory, and strength of schedule to rank teams fairly across the state.
Q2: Which teams are consistently at the top of the rankings?
Programs like The Williston Northampton School, Catholic Memorial, and Xaverian Brothers often dominate Massachusetts high school football, thanks to strong rosters and rich traditions.
Q3: Do rankings affect playoff seeding?
While rankings reflect team strength, official playoff seedings are determined by state athletic associations. Rankings can, however, indicate potential favorites for the postseason.
Q4: Where can I find Massachusetts high school football schedules and game news?
For full schedules and news, visit Massachusetts High School Football Events and for specific state events, check out Find Your School.
The Massachusetts Top 25 Rankings set the stage for an exciting high school football season. With established programs like Catholic Memorial and Xaverian Brothers, rising talents like Christopher Vargas, and competitive teams throughout the state, 2025 promises to deliver thrilling matchups and memorable moments. Fans, scouts, and athletes alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds, keeping an eye on which programs rise to the top and which players emerge as future stars.
