The California high school football landscape is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 preseason Top 25 rankings were released this week. Compiled by the Massey Ratings model, the list evaluates teams on game outcomes, strength of schedule and margin of victory, offering a data‑driven snapshot of which programs are poised to dominate the upcoming campaign.
Top Teams in the Preseason Poll
Mater Dei Monarchs sit at the pinnacle of the rankings, carrying the momentum of an 8‑3 campaign from the previous year. Their ascent is anchored by a stout defensive front and a balanced offensive attack that has drawn praise from analysts and coaches alike.
Close behind, the St. John Bosco Braves hold the fourth spot after finishing the last season with a 9‑2 record. The Braves' high‑powered offense, featuring a deep receiving corps, positions them as a formidable challenger to the top tier.
Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles, who finished the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the final California High School Football Massey Rankings, enter the preseason as the second‑seeded squad. Their recent surge, highlighted by a dominant defensive scheme, makes them a team to watch.
Centennial Huskies, the No. 2 team in the state, finished the 2025 season as the second‑ranked squad. Their consistent performance across all phases of the game, combined with a rigorous schedule, has cemented their reputation as a perennial contender.
Sierra Canyon Trailblazers round out the top tier with an 11‑1 record from the previous season, earning the sixth overall ranking. Their explosive playmaking ability and recent transfer activity have added depth to a roster that is eager to climb higher.
Players to Watch
Key figures such as Russell Sekona and Furian Inferrera are expected to anchor Mater Dei's defensive line, while Jason Negro and Jailen Hill will spearhead St. John Bosco's offensive schemes. Santa Margarita will rely on Isala Wily‑Ava and Koa Malau’ulu to maintain their defensive pressure, whereas Centennial's attack will be fueled by Carson Palmer and Matthew Smith. Sierra Canyon's dynamic playmakers, including Jaden Walk‑Green, Cooper Cook and Marcus Fakatou, are poised to make significant impacts.
The preseason rankings also reflect a wave of transfers that could reshape team dynamics. As programs adjust to new rosters, the interplay between established stars and incoming talent will be a central narrative throughout the early weeks of the season.
With the Massey Ratings providing a transparent framework, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these rankings translate into on‑field results. The upcoming season promises intense competition, surprise breakout performances and, inevitably, shifts in the power hierarchy that defines California high school football.