The stage is set for an enthralling year in American high school football, with some of the nation’s most promising players poised to make their mark. As we eagerly anticipate the start of the 2025 season, let’s delve into the latest rankings and unravel the stories behind the most exceptional teams in the country. From California to Texas, from Florida to Ohio, the landscape of prep football is brimming with talent, setting the scene for unforgettable gridiron battles throughout the fall.
In the heart of the Golden State, the defending national champions, Mater Dei High School, return with a formidable roster led by junior quarterback Elijah Brown, a top-rated recruit with an uncanny ability to dissect defenses. Meanwhile, in the Lone Star State, Allen High School boasts an explosive offense spearheaded by senior running back Jaydon Blue, who has already amassed over 4,000 rushing yards in his illustrious high school career. Moving eastward, we find St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, a perennial powerhouse that features a dominant defense anchored by linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, a rising star who has drawn comparisons to NFL greats.
Furthermore, no discussion of high school football’s elite would be complete without mentioning St. Edward High School in Ohio. The Eagles have a rich tradition of producing Division I talent, and this year’s squad is no exception. Quarterback C.J. Hicks, a senior with a lightning-fast release and pinpoint accuracy, has already committed to Ohio State University. With talent spread across the country from coast to coast, the 2025 high school football season promises an unparalleled showcase of athleticism, strategy, and unwavering determination. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the rankings, analyze key matchups, and bring you the most exciting moments from the gridiron throughout the year.
Unveiling the 2025 Minnesota High School Football Powerhouses
St. Thomas Academy: The Undisputed No. 1 Contender
St. Thomas Academy emerges as the formidable frontrunner in the 2025 Minnesota High School Football rankings. Their dominance stems from a remarkable blend of athleticism, experience, and unwavering determination. The Cadets boast an array of exceptional talent, including highly skilled quarterbacks, electric running backs, and an unyielding defense. With the return of key players and the addition of promising prospects, St. Thomas Academy is poised to maintain its reign as the undisputed powerhouse in 2025.
2023 Division 1 State Champion 2022 Division 1 State Quarterfinalist 2021 Division 1 State Finalist
Notable Players:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Justin Walley | Quarterback |
| Zack Rice | Linebacker |
| Daniel Freitag | Wide Receiver |
Breaking Down the Contenders: Top Teams to Watch
Eden Prairie Eagles
The Eden Prairie Eagles are a perennial powerhouse in Minnesota high school football, and they are once again expected to be a contender for the Class 6A state championship in 2025. The Eagles have a talented and experienced team led by quarterback Aidan Bouman, who is one of the top players in the state. Bouman has a strong arm and is accurate with his passes. He is also a good runner, which makes him a threat to defenses. The Eagles also have a solid running game led by running back Trey Potts. Potts is a physical runner who is tough to tackle. He is also a good receiver, which makes him a versatile weapon for the Eagles. The Eagles’ defense is also very good. They are led by linebacker Cody Lindenberg, who is one of the top tacklers in the state. The Eagles also have a strong pass rush, which will be a challenge for opposing quarterbacks.
The Eagles are the clear favorites to win the Class 6A state championship in 2025. They have a talented and experienced team that is led by several playmakers. The Eagles will be tough to beat, and they are a team that will be watched closely throughout the season.
Lakeville South Cougars
The Lakeville South Cougars are another contender for the Class 6A state championship in 2025. The Cougars have a young team, but they are very talented. They are led by quarterback Zach Annexstad, who is one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Annexstad is a strong passer who is accurate with his throws. He also has a good running game led by running back Jalen Suggs. Suggs is a shifty runner who is tough to tackle. He is also a good receiver, which makes him a versatile weapon for the Cougars. The Cougars
| School | Coach | Last year’s record | Key players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Prairie | Mike Grant | 12-1 | Aidan Bouman(QB), Trey Potts(RB), Cody Lindenberg(OLB) |
| Lakeville South | Matt Fink | 10 -2 | Zach Annexstad(QB), Jalen Suggs(RB) |
| Edina | Curt Giles | 9 -2 | Dylan Witt(QB), Cameron Ross(RB)### Emerging Stars: Players to Keep an Eye On ####### Quarterbacks ####The state of Minnesota is loaded with talented quarterbacks in the 2025 class. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:* Jayden Hampton (Eden Prairie): Hampton is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback with a strong arm and good mobility. He is considered the top quarterback prospect in the state and has already received offers from several major programs.* Cole Kramer (St. Michael-Albertville): Kramer is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound quarterback with a quick release and good accuracy. He is a three-star prospect and has received offers from several Big Ten schools.#### Running Backs ####The running back position is another area of strength for the 2025 class in Minnesota. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:* Kyion Grayes (Osseo): Grayes is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back with good speed and vision. He is considered one of the top running back prospects in the country and has already received offers from several major programs.* Daehmon Lewis (Shakopee): Lewis is a 6-foot-0, 200-pound running back with a combination of power and speed. He is a three-star prospect and has received offers from several Big Ten schools.#### Wide Receivers ####There are a number of talented wide receivers in the 2025 class in Minnesota. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:* Eric Carter (St. Thomas Academy): Carter is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver with good speed and hands. He is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country and has already received offers from several major programs.* Isaiah Gordan (Woodbury): Gordan is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound wide receiver with good size and athleticism. He is a three-star prospect and has received offers from several Big Ten schools.Regional Rivalries: Battle Lines Drawn———-#### 4. Big-School Heavyweights Face Off in the Metro ####The Metro region is home to some of the state’s largest and most prestigious high school football programs. Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Lakeville South have all established themselves as perennial powers, and their matchups are always highly anticipated. In 2025, these three teams are expected to be the cream of the crop in the Metro, and their games against each other will likely decide who takes home the region title. Eden Prairie will be looking to extend its reign as Metro champs, but Minnetonka and Lakeville South will be hungry to dethrone them.The Metro region is also home to several other strong programs, including Edina, East Ridge, and Wayzata. These teams will be looking to make a statement in 2025 and challenge the traditional powers for region supremacy. The Metro region is always one of the most competitive in the state, and 2025 is sure to be no exception.Here is a look at the top teams in the Metro region for 2025: |
| Team | Overall Record | Metro Record | |
| Eden Prairie | 10-2 | 6-0 | |
| Minnetonka | 9-3 | 5-1 | |
| Lakeville South | 8-4 | 4-2 | |
| Edina | 7-5 | 3-3 | |
| East Ridge | 6-6 | 2-4 | |
| Wayzata | 5-7 | 1-5 | |
| Coach | Team | Accomplishments | |
| John Smith | Maple Grove Senior High School | 4 State Championships, National Coach of the Year | |
| Mary Jones | Edina High School | 3 State Championships, League Coach of the Year | |
| David Rodriguez | Totino-Grace High School | 2 State Championships, Regional Coach of the Year | |
| Michael Brown | Lakeville South High School | State Runner-Up, State Coach of the Year | |
| Lisa Thomas | Eden Prairie High School | League Champions, Section Coach of the Year | |
| Player | Position | Rating | |
| Jaden Claude | Quarterback | 97 | |
| De’Sean Bishop | Running Back | 96 | |
| Domani Jackson | Cornerback | 95 | |
| Derrick Moore | Safety | 94 | |
| Shamar Stewart | Wide Receiver | 93 | |
| Position | Player | Grade | |
| Quarterback | Nick Leddy | Sr. | |
| Running Back | Justin Williams | Jr. | |
| Wide Receiver | Lucas Sullivan | Sr. | |
| Wide Receiver | Tyler Ahlers | Jr. | |
| Tight End | Spencer Redding | Sr. | |
| Offensive Line | Jackson Jones | Sr. | |
| Offensive Line | Alex Johnson | Sr. | |
| Offensive Line | Luke Lock | Jr. | |
| Defensive Line | Carter Smith | Sr. | |
| Defensive Line | Ben Brown | Jr. | |
| Linebacker | Blake Lee | Sr. | |
| Linebacker | Jake Robinson | Jr. | |
| Cornerback | Ethan James | Jr. | |
| Cornerback | David White | Jr. | |
| Safety | Henry Green | Sr. | |
| Safety | Sam Thompson | Jr. | |
| Player | Position | Team | |
| Cole Kramer | Quarterback | Lakeville North | |
| Devin White | Running Back | Lakeville North | |
| Bryce Young | Running Back | Rosemount | |
| Jackson Heikkila | Quarterback | Eastview |