The midpoint of July signals the final countdown for high school football programs across the Midwest, as teams finalize rosters and coaches fine‑tune strategies for the upcoming campaign.
USA TODAY Sports has rolled out its regional Super 25 preseason rankings, spotlighting the elite programs from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Midwest Powerhouses
At the pinnacle of the Illinois contingent stands Mount Carmel of Chicago, entering the season with a flawless 14‑0 record from 2025 and claiming the top spot in the regional hierarchy.
Not far behind, the Cincinnati program Anderson also posted a perfect 14‑0 mark last year, securing the second position, while Indiana’s Brownsburg completes the top three with an identical unbeaten record.
Further down the list, Omaha’s Millard South finished the previous season at 12‑1, and East St. Louis from Illinois rounded out the top five with a 9‑4 record, underscoring the depth of competition across the region.
The rankings also feature storied Ohio programs such as Bishop Watterson and Massillon Washington, both carrying unbeaten streaks that keep fans eager for the first snap of the season.
A secondary watch list includes Brother Rice, Archbishop Moeller, Elder, Westfield and Warren Central, teams that could break into the upper echelon as the schedule unfolds.
With the national Super 25 rankings slated for release on Tuesday, July 21, enthusiasts are advised to stay tuned for the next wave of predictions that will shape championship expectations.
Sports reporter Joe Spears can be followed on X and via email for real‑time updates and analysis throughout the season.