August 12, 2025

Top High School Sports Teams in CIF Southern Section Rankings

News Summary

The CIF Southern Section has unveiled its preseason Top 25 high school football rankings, showcasing Mater Dei as the leading team. They are followed closely by St. John Bosco and Orange Lutheran, both establishing themselves as contenders for the upcoming season. Other notable teams include Sierra Canyon, Corona Centennial, and Mission Viejo, each demonstrating strengths in key player positions and team dynamics. This announcement sets the stage for a competitive season, with several teams strategizing to improve their standings and achieve playoff success.

Los Angeles, CA – The CIF Southern Section has released its 2025 preseason Top 25 high school football rankings, highlighting strong contenders for the upcoming season. At the top of the list is Mater Dei, who aims to continue their unbeaten streak bolstered by an exceptional receiver group and formidable defensive and offensive lines. Among their standout players is Tomuhini Topui, a two-way athlete and commit to USC, who is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance.

Following in the second position is St. John Bosco, whose strength lies in their experienced defense and the development of sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu. Historically, they have had a competitive edge against Mater Dei, only losing five times since 2016, positioning them as a significant threat this season.

In third place, Orange Lutheran is looking to mitigate inexperience at quarterback with solid offensive and defensive lines. Their depth in both areas will be crucial as they navigate the season. Close behind, in fourth place, is Sierra Canyon, recognized for having the best defense in Southern California, supported by depth in their defensive line and secondary.

Completing the top five, Corona Centennial prepares for a challenging schedule under Head Coach Matt Logan, which includes three consecutive opponents from the Trinity League, allowing them important playoff preparation.

The rankings continue with Mission Viejo in sixth place, where quarterback Luke Fahey, a commit to Ohio State, is equipped with various skilled position players. In seventh, Santa Margarita benefits from improved line performance and a healthy roster, especially with key players like Trent Mosley back in action. Eighth on the list is Gardena Serra, who faces the ongoing challenge of keeping their highly talented roster healthy throughout the season.

Servite ranks ninth, buoyed by a strong offensive line intended to help them compete within the tough Trinity League, while Newbury Park sits in tenth place with quarterback Brady Smigiel focusing on developing chemistry with new receivers.

As the list progresses, Cathedral leads the next tier at 11th place, with aspirations for prominence under quarterback Jaden Jefferson. JSerra follows in 12th, looking for contributions from newcomer Koa Smith-Mayall, as young players are set to step up this season.

In 13th place, Vista Murrieta has faith in Oregon commit quarterback Bryson Beavers, while Yorba Linda stands at 14th, benefiting from Coach Jeff Bailey’s consistent success despite being historically underappreciated.

Edison comes in at 15th, with junior quarterback Sam Thomson bringing playoff experience from the previous season’s championship run. San Juan Hills ranks sixteenth, showing strong performance during summer training with quarterback Timmy Herr leading the skill position players. Positioned 17th, Oaks Christian spreads talent across their lineup, focusing on maintaining the health of key players like running back Deshonne Redeaux.

Inglewood follows in 18th, with hopes to seize the Bay League title after a successful Division 1 playoff run last season. Chaparral is 19th, with quarterback Dane Weber’s progress making them a competitive force.

Corona Del Mar hopes to leverage key returning players for a Bravo League title, holding the 20th spot, while Damien at 21st features quarterback Isaiah Arriaza, who nearly passed for 3,000 yards the previous season as a junior.

In 22nd place, Palos Verdes returns as defending state champions facing a challenging schedule with crucial returning players. Downey stands at 23rd, with quarterback Oscar Rios, an Arizona commit able to lead through effective passing and running.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame ranks 24th, with transfer quarterback Wyatt Brown and wide receiver Luc Weaver expected to bolster offensive success. Lastly, Oxnard Pacifica rounds out the top 25, with juniors Isaiah Phelps and Alijah Royster poised for breakout seasons ahead.

Several other teams are also noteworthy, including Los Alamitos, Long Beach Poly, Leuzinger, Long Beach Millikan, Tustin, Valencia, and San Clemente, all of whom are anticipated to contribute to a competitive high school football season in Southern California.