The Detroit News has unveiled its preseason Top 25 high school football rankings for the upcoming Michigan season, a list that crowns Detroit Catholic Central as the No. 1 team in Division 1 after its recent state championship.
The rankings spotlight a blend of seasoned contenders and rising programs, with each squad’s strengths dissected in detail. From the explosive rushing attack of Davison’s senior back Ty Lewis, who amassed over 1,100 yards last year, to the balanced offense of Northville, the preview offers a snapshot of what to expect on the gridiron.
Key Storylines
Among the storylines, Rochester Adams must replace a large senior class but remains competitive under head coach Tony Patritto, while Grand Blanc will retool its offense after scoring more than 500 points a season ago. Meanwhile, teams such as Belleville and Brighton are expected to make deep runs despite recent setbacks.
The preseason list also highlights standout prospects like Drew Meussner of Northville, a junior who contributed nearly 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, and Elijah Goins of Dakota, a senior defensive back who has committed to Boston College. Other notable names include Cam Noe of Portage Central, already bound for Michigan, and Liam Samborski of Oxford, who pledged to Central Michigan.
Coaches and quarterbacks also feature prominently. Grayson Harris, a senior quarterback for Northville, is expected to lead a deep KLAA West field, while Alex Waszczenko returns as Clarkston’s experienced signal‑caller. Warren De La Salle’s junior quarterback Grayson Thurston has drawn scholarship offers from Michigan State, Iowa and Minnesota, underscoring his rising profile.
The season officially begins on Thursday, with additional games slated for Friday and Saturday, setting the stage for early tests that will shape the early rankings. Defending champions often face tough regional finals, as seen when Catholic Central edged Clarkston in a regional final last year, while Grand Blanc was eliminated by the same opponent in a district final.
Overall, the preseason Top 25 provides a compelling narrative of expectations, rivalries and emerging talent that will unfold over the coming weeks, promising a competitive and exciting campaign for Michigan high school football fans.