The 2025 high school football season is kicking off with a bang, as USA TODAY’s expert team has identified a handful of marquee games that will be streamed live across the country. These contests pit the nation’s elite programs against one another, offering early clues about which squads might dominate the rankings.
Rematches That Could Rewrite Early Narratives
One of the most anticipated contests pits No. 2 St. John Bosco of Bellflower, California, against No. 3 Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. The two teams met twice last season, with Bishop Gorman emerging victorious both times, setting the stage for a potential turnaround for Bosco’s junior quarterback Koa Malau'ulu. Across the country, Alabama’s No. 9 Thompson will host Central of Phenix City, a rematch of last year’s playoff thriller that ended 35‑34 in Thompson’s favor, featuring senior quarterbacks Trent Seaborn and Bobby Coleman, each of whom threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns a season ago.
Championship Rematches and Coaching Returns
In Georgia, Gainesville will welcome back head coach Santavious Bryant, who previously led Buford to a title in 2022, for a showdown against No. 11 Buford. The game marks a full‑circle moment for Bryant and adds a layer of intrigue to a rivalry that has produced multiple championship meetings. Meanwhile, Baylor of Chattanooga will face Brentwood Academy in a repeat of the 2025 Division II‑AAA title game, which Baylor won 28‑24, and West Boca Raton will battle American Heritage in a bid for a three‑peat in Class 6A.
Players to Watch
The spotlight will also fall on standout athletes such as Hayden Stepp, a four‑star cornerback committed to Oregon, and Ethan Royal and Xavier Means, who anchor the backfields of Hough and Northwestern respectively. In Indiana, Brownsburg will attempt to extend its 19‑game winning streak against Lawrence North, while Mount Carmel of Chicago looks to add another chapter to its four‑year run of Illinois Class 8A titles.
Expert Predictions
Analysts from the USA TODAY High School Sports Team have already weighed in, forecasting tight contests and upsets alike. They note that the early schedule could reshuffle the top spots, especially as teams like St. John Bosco and Thompson bring high‑powered offenses that have averaged more than 40 points per game in recent seasons.