2025 North Carolina Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings

Behind five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, Grimsley seeks state championship repeat.

Highlights of No. 23 Grimsley's (Greensboro, NC) 35-23 win over Rolesville (NC) in the 4A state championship game.

HIGHLIGHTS: 5-star QB Faizon Brandon leads Grimsley to 35-23 win over Rolesville in 4A state championship 130,008 views 2:31

The high school football season in North Carolina kicks off this month and we have your look at the state's top teams. Defending Class 4A state champion Grimsley (Greensboro) owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

The Whirlies begin the season ranked No. 17 nationally after going 16-0 and capturing the school's third state championship in 2024.

Seniors Faizon Brandon (6-4, 200, QB, Tennessee commitment), Andrew Rogers (6-6, 240, DE, Uncommitted), Kosci Barnes (6-2, 190, CB, South Carolina), D.J. Howerton (6-4, 220, TE, Rutgers) and Nick Kashubara (6-4, 285, OT, Appalachian State) lead the charge for Grimsley.

Brandon is regarded as the top overall prospect in the Class of 2026 nationally. He was named 2024 North Carolina Player of the Year after passing for 2,814 yards and 35 touchdowns while completing 77.1 percent of his passes. He added 625 yards and nine scores on the ground.

In addition to Grimsley, defending state champions include West Charlotte (Charlotte) in Class 3A, Monroe in Class 2A and Tarboro in Class 1A.

The Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 is a composite of our Preseason Top 100 and computer rankings factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical data when available. Click here for complete state rankings.