East Region's Elite High School Football Landscape
USA TODAY Sports has rolled out its preseason Super 15 regional rankings, spotlighting the most dominant high school football programs across the East. The list spans a dozen states, from Connecticut down to Virginia, and sets the stage for a competitive 2025 season.
At the top of the East standings sits St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, Maryland, holding the No. 1 spot with a 9‑1 record heading into the new campaign. The Panthers rely on standout talents such as Edge Jermaine Smith Jr. and defensive back Raylaun Henry, who have drawn early attention from college recruiters.
Close behind, DeMatha Catholic from Hyattsville, Maryland, enters undefeated at 11‑0. The squad’s key contributors include cornerback Langston Pridgeon and quarterback Tristan Sabb, both of whom are expected to anchor the team’s offense and defense.
North Carolina contributes two of the top three teams. Hough in Cornelius arrives with a perfect 14‑0 mark, led by quarterback Ethan Royal and defensive back Joshua Dobson. Another North Carolina powerhouse, Grimmesly in Greensboro, also stands at 14‑0 and brings back offensive tackle Gavin Milton and quarterback Brody Lowe.
New Jersey’s Don Bosco Prep rounds out the top five with an 11‑1 record. The Eagles are powered by quarterback Carson Schoen and linebacker Mikhali Allen, who have helped the program maintain a strong regional presence.
Watch List and National Outlook
Beyond the top five, the rankings feature a watch list that includes West Charlotte from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Maury from Norfolk, Virginia. These programs are poised to make noise and could climb the charts as the season progresses.
USA TODAY Sports will unveil its preseason Super 25 national rankings on Tuesday, July 21, offering a broader view of how these regional leaders stack up against teams from across the country.
The early buzz surrounding these East region teams underscores a growing national prominence, as elite talent from states like Maryland, North Carolina and New Jersey begins to shape the conversation about the upcoming high school football season.
Key players such as Edge Anthony Sweeney and safety Kynair Crumb from DeMatha Catholic, along with a host of other standouts including James Pace III, Davion Jones, and Andrew Rogers, are expected to influence matchups throughout the year.
With the preseason rankings set and the national list on the horizon, coaches, players and fans alike are gearing up for a season that promises high‑stakes matchups and breakout performances.