High school football rankings: For the third time in past decade, California power St. John Bosco starts at No. 1 in Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Top-ranked Braves go on the road to face No. 2 Bishop Gorman in a little under six weeks.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
By
Jul 13, 2026, 11:00am
For the third time since 2018, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) starts at No. 1 in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings. Head coach Jason Negro enters his 17th season on the sideline and will have plenty of key returners.

Junior Koa Malau'ulu is back under center after throwing for 4,173 yards and 52 touchdowns over the last two seasons. 

Three-star junior D.J. Tubbs and Class of 2029 standout Kuika Moaalii headline a talented group of pass-catchers for Malau'ulu while Bosco's leading rusher from a year ago Maliq Allen is also back.

Three starters are back on the offensive line in Kaden Franco, Gabe Villalobos and Samson Aiava. The Braves will welcome to that group transfer Elisha Mueller, one of the nation's top 10 juniors at his interior position.

Kekoa Peko and Richard Orosco are both back on the defensive line. Elijah Tuua is another highly-touted transfer expected to make in impact on the edge. 

Josiah Poyer is joined by twin brothers Ethan and Justin Coach to solidify the linebacker positions.

Bosco is loaded in the secondary. Isala Wily-Ava (Washington commit), Dillon Davis (Vanderbilt), Brandon Nash and Darnell Lacy Jr. will hold down the safety spots with Jashaun Shaffer, Prentice Jones and Dorian Franklin at cornerback. 

The Braves will be tested early and often as they begin the season on the road against No. 2 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). Bosco also has non-league matchups against Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.), Pittsburg (Calif.), Kahuku (Hawaii) and at Saint Louis (Honolulu, Hawaii). 

In addition to those potential pitfalls, Negro's team has league showdowns against No. 6 Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) and No. 9 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) on Oct. 16 and Oct. 30, respectively.
 

Head coach: Jason Negro
2025 record: 9-2 | Final ranking: No. 18

Head coach: Brent Browner
2025 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: No. 3

Head coach: Roger Harriott
2025 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 10

Head coach: Messay Hailemariam
2025 record: 9-1 | Final ranking: No. 2

Head coach: Greg Studrawa 
2025 record: 9-0 | Final ranking: No. 7

Head coach: Carson Palmer
2025 record: 11-3 | Final ranking: No. 4

Head coach: Bryant Appling
2025 record: 15-0 | Final ranking: No. 1

Head coach: Matt Logan
2025 record: 11-2 | Final ranking: No. 8

Head coach: Raul Lara
2025 record: 8-3 | Final ranking: No. 9

Head coach: Reginald Samples
2025 record: 12-2 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Toro Wallace
2025 record: 6-5 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Erik Kimrey
2025 record: 12-0 | Final ranking: No. 16

Head coach: Greg Carswell
2025 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 13

Head coach: Paul Wade
2025 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Chris McDonald
2025 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 24

Head coach: Mike Smith
2025 record: 9-5 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Jon Ellinghouse
2025 record: 10-1 | Final ranking: No. 17

Head coach: Lee Wiginton
2025 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Travis Dixon
2025 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Joey King
2025 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 5

Head coach: DeShawn Baker
2025 record: 14-0 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: Maurice Dixon
2025 record: 15-0 | Final ranking: No. 19

Head coach: Ty Wisdom
2025 record: 10-3 | Final ranking: NR

Head coach: John Hart
2025 record: 14-0 | Final ranking: No. 22

Head coach: Mark Freeman
2025 record: 11-3 | Final ranking: NR

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