A breakdown of the Top 25 teams entering the 2019 season.
Earlier this week we released our
Top 25 high school football rankings and now it's time to dig deeper and bring you up to speed on the nation's Top 100 teams.
The expanded look into the nation's best extends our month-long preview of the 2019 season. See below for previous installments.
The squads featured in our Top 100 are no stranger to success as 38 won state titles in 2018 and will look to 2019 for a repeat performance.
All but one of the MaxPreps National Champions from the past decade made this year's Top 100 list as nearly half of teams come from California, Florida and Texas — 44 in all.
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)The back-to-back CIF Open Division state champs are loaded once again in 2019 led by 5-star quarterback
Bryce Young, 5-star linebacker
Raesjon Davis and 2020 Washington commit
Myles Murao.
Panthers
haven't lost a game since 2016 and with the talent they bring back they could run the table for the third consecutive season.
Nobody
has a tougher schedule than the No. 5 team in the country and if they finish the year undefeated expect the D.C. power to finish at No. 1.
South
Florida is a hot bed for high school football and like usual the
Rockets will be one of the best from the Sunshine State.
Year
in, year out the Raiders are in the mix when we release our
initial Top 25. They have more active NFL players than any other
high school and expect a few more players from this team to
join that list in the near future.
The
Hawaii power has gone 34-1 over the last three seasons, winning a
state title each year during that span. The Crusaders are again loaded, led by 2020 Notre Dame commit
Jordan Botelho at linebacker and 3-star
Jayden de Laura under center.
Corona
Centennial gets a chance to show why it's the best team in
California right off the bat when the Huskies open up against No.
1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana).
The Crusaders
cruised to 13 consecutive wins to close out the 2018 season and they bring
back one of the most talented teams, led by 2020 Ohio State commit
Gee Scott Jr., 2020 Washington commit
Sam Adams II and the No. 1 player from the Class of 2021
J.T. Tuimoloau.
Caleb Williams
showed why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country after leading
Gonzaga to its first WCAC conference title since 2002 while accounting for
nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns against DeMatha. He's back
for his junior season along with a very talented offensive line.
The Akron power is going for its fifth straight state title and is led by 2020 Arizona State commit
DeaMonte Trayanum and 2020 Alabama commit
Caden Clark.
Won
its first state title since 2006 going 16-0 and beating St.
Thomas Aquinas 33-20 in the 7A state championship. The Dreadnaughts added some key
transfers and have 5-star running back
Demarkcus Bowman returning after rushing for over 2,400 yards and 36 touchdowns last year.
After
starting last year 1-3, the Gaels finished with 10 straight wins and
started to click later on in the year with a young core of key players.
Expect 2020 Penn State commit
Micah Bowens and 4-star wide receiver
Rome Odunze to be one of the best tandems in the country.
The Spartans have won at least 10 games every year since 2004. Don't expect that to change this season.
Florida
is the only state with five teams in the Top 20 and the final school is a very talented Chiefs squad led by 2020 Alabama
commit
Thaiu Jones-Bell.
The
DMV area is one of the top spots at producing football talent and the Stags make it four teams in our initial Top 25.
The
first of four schools from New Jersey is the defending Non-Public Group
4 champions and the Green Knights return a lot of key players led by 2020 Purdue
commit
Michael Alaimo and 2020 Ohio State commit
Luke Wypler.
Over the last three seasons the Silver Foxes have gone 41-1 and won three consecutive 5A state titles.
Injuries
and eligibility issues were a huge factor last year for the Blue Devils.
Expect them to compete for a 7A state title in 2019 with a loaded roster
led by 2020 Tennessee commit
Harrison Bailey, 5-star athlete
Arik Gilbert, 4-star defensive end
BJ Ojulari and 2020 Florida commit
Rashad Torrence II.
For
the first time since 2005 the Bulldogs will be without Kris Richardson or
Troy Taylor at head coach. Still, expect them to compete at a high
level with Paul Doherty taking over. They are loaded on offense with
Daniyel Ngata,
Elijhah Badger and
C.J. Hutton all returning.
The defending Division 1 state champs ran the table last season going 13-0 and have a good chance to repeat in 2019.
Garrett Wilson
is going to be difficult to replace on offense, but Hank Carter always
figures out a way and it's always nice to have 2020 Texas commit
Hudson Card at quarterback. Expect the Cavaliers to be one of the best teams in Texas.
Expect
the 7A state title to be wide open in Georgia this season and one of
the favorites will be the Indians. They are loaded with talent led by 2020
Alabama commit
Javon Baker, 2020 Georgia commit
Jamil Burroughs and 2021 quarterback
Carlos Del Rio.
The
defending Division 1 state champs closed out 2018 winning 11 of its
last 12 games and even though the Eagles must replace some key players they
will be in the mix to compete for another state title in Ohio's
largest classification.
The
Tigers only two losses last year came against North Shore, the eventual state and national
champs. The addition of former Dutch Fork running back
Ron Hoff helps offset the backfield loss of
Deondrick Glass and expect another big year from
Bronson McClelland and
Jordan Patrick.
Chad
Johnson had one of the toughest jobs in the country last year replacing
legendary head coach Bob Johnson at the helm. Expect the Diablos to be even
better this season, especially with 2021 quarterback
Peter Costelli under center for the next two seasons.
The
Arizona power is going for its seventh straight title this season but
it'll be a lot harder this season with the addition of the open
division in the AIA. The Sabercats have the talent to win it, led by 5-star cornerback
Kelee Ringo, 4-star linebacker
Damian Sellers and 4-star cornerback
Jacobe Covington.
The Bearcats have won at least 10 games every year since 2005 and Tim Buchanan
returns to the sidelines for the first time since 2013 when he led them
to a 16-0 record and a 4A Division 2 state title. They will be one of
the highest scoring offenses in the state with 2020 Oklahoma commit
Jase McClellan back for his senior campaign.
After
winning the school's first state title in football last year, the Chiefs look to ride that momentum into 2019. Cardinal Gibbons is as talented as
any team in the state at the wide receiver position and
Brody Palhegyi proved he can hang last year when he had to come in for
Nik Scalzo under center.
In
Riley Dodge's first season as head coach, the only loss the Dragons
suffered came against Duncanville in the 6A Division 1 quarterfinals. Expect them to be in contention again with 2020 Clemson commit
RJ Mickens back.
The Red Devils went 14-0 in 2018 and brought home the 7A state title after beating
Taulia Tagovailoa and Thompson 52-7. Replacing
Peter Parrish is going to be tough at quarterback, but
Tucker Melton showed he's more than capable when he got in last season and having 4-star
E.J. Williams at wide receiver will make his job that much easier.
After winning the Division 1 state title in 2017, the Tigers lost in the semifinals last season to Colerain. With
Demeatric Crenshaw and
Lorenzo Styles Jr. returning there's a good chance they make it to the semis for the third straight season.
The Lobos won their first state title in 81 years last season, and with 2020 Texas A&M commit
Haynes King back under center they'll look to make it two straight.
The Crusaders are historically one of New Jersey's best and this year's talented roster is led by 2020 Michigan commit
Jordan Morant.
The Scots
enter the season with the eighth longest active winning streak in the
country at 31. They have won three straight 5A Division 1
state titles and with 2020 Arkansas commit
Chandler Morris back under center don't be shocked if they make it a four-peat.
Jacob Conover
and Shaun Aguano led the Wolves to three consecutive state titles over
the past three years and the Arizona power has to replace both in 2019. Expect new coach Rick Garretson and a talented Wolves squad to be up to
the test.
The fourth and final team from the WCAC is the Falcons. Southern California's
Trinity League and the WCAC are the two toughest in high school football.
Made it all the way to the 8A state championship game and return a lot of key starters led by 4-star wide receiver
Xzavier Henderson.
While
the basketball team is making all the headlines expect the
football squad to be equally as successful. After
falling short in the CIF division 1-A state championship last year,
the Trailblazers will be in the mix again with
DJ Harvey,
Chayden Peery,
Kamari Ramsey and
JD Sumlin leading the way.
Coming off its second consecutive state title and fourth in the last five years the Coyotes will be in the mix once again in 2019.
The Crusaders won their third state title since 2015 last season and will be among the favorites again led by 4-star
wide receiver
Rashawn Williams.
Darryl
Thomas has been on the Highlanders' coaching staff the past seven years and takes over as head coach after the legendary Tim Salter retired. You can expect Thomas to lean on one of the most talented
defenses in the state led by 5-star
Justin Flowe and 4-star
Jonathan Flowe.
The
Mavericks were upset in the second round of the 4AA state playoffs last
season and expect that to fuel a talented roster led by 2020 Auburn commit
Trenton Simpson.
The Raiders are 42-3 over the past three years with all three losses
coming against Highland Park in the 5A Division 1 semifinals. With 2020 Alabama
commit
Drew Sanders leading the way they are capable of knocking off anyone in Texas.
The Buccaneers are typically the top-ranked Alabama team so don't be surprised if they finish the
season at No. 1 with 2020 Ole Miss commit
Robby Ashford running the show.
The Mustangs are loaded with 2021 Alabama commit
Drake Maye under center along with 2020 Texas A&M commit
Muhsin Muhammad III and Providence Day transfer
Porter Rooks at wide receiver.
The only game the Tigers dropped was to Archbishop Hoban in the Division 2 state championship.
Aidan Longwell and 2021 Ohio State commit
Jayden Ballard will have them competitive.
Washington quarterback Aidan Longwell
File photo by Jeff Harwell
61. Muskegon (Mich.)The Big Reds' 27-game winning streak was snapped in last year's Division 3 state championship against King. With 2020 Ohio State commit
Cameron Martinez back for his senior season there's a good chance for a trip to the title game for the fourth straight season.
Head coach Steve Trivisonno announced in February that his 24th season will be his last, so you know the Cardinals want to give him a season to
remember. They've gone 24-4 over the last two years and with the
talent returning there's a good chance for a third
straight double-digit win season.
Won its first state title last year and went a perfect 13-0. They return 2020 Oklahoma commit
Andrew Raym and 2020 Oregon commit
Myles Slusher. Class of 2022 standout
Maurion Horn is another name to watch.
The defending 7A state champs are in good position to repeat with future Michigan Wolverine
J.J. McCarthy under center and a bunch of big-time playmakers surrounding him.
Rich
Hansen has his team ready every single season and the Marauders will be in the
mix with Bergen Catholic and St. Joseph Regional among the state's best.
2020 Ohio State commit
Cody Simon is one of the top players in New Jersey.
Only three losses last year came against some of the best teams in Texas - Allen, Highland Park and Longview. They bring back a lot of talent on offense led by 2020 Ohio State commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba and if 2022 quarterback Braedyn Locke shows out the Yellowjackets will be a big threat in Texas.
The
St. Louis power owns back-to-back state titles and a 65-5 mark over
the last five years with three championships during that span.
The Patriots are 38-2 over the last three seasons but couldn't make it three straight state titles last season. Despite 5-star
safety
James Williams transferring to Western, there's a ton of talent. Class of 2023 standout
Mark Fletcher has already landed offers from Alabama, Georgia and Miami and is a name to watch.
Won its second consecutive 5A state title last year and bring back a bunch of big-time players led by 2020 Memphis commit
Keilon Brown and 5-star wide receiver
Chris Hilton.
Won
the school's first state title last season beating Sierra Canyon in the CIF
Division 1-A championship. Will be good on both sides of the
ball with 2020 Oregon commit
Jay Butterfield back at quarterback along with 3-star defensive end
Akili Calhoun.
Went 12-1 last year with 2020 Michigan commit
A.J. Henning banged up through his junior season. Expect a huge senior year for the 4-star playmaker and the Griffins.
The Rebels have enough talent to stretch the streak of winning at least 11 games to a sixth straight season.
The defending 8A state champs lost some key players but return 2020 Georgia commit
Carson Beck under center and look to repeat with him slinging the rock.
Went 15-1 in 2018 with its only loss coming against Aledo in the 5A Division 2 state championship.
Malik Hornsby,
Devon Achane and 2020 Florida commit
Avery Helm are a prime-time trio.
The
Trojans won their second straight 6A state title and went 15-1 last
season with the only loss coming against one of the best teams in the
country, St. Frances Academy. Will be good on both sides of the ball
with 2020 Troy commit
Kyle Toole back under center and 2021 linebacker
Baron Hopson leading the defense.
The Hawks have won at least 10 games every season since 2012 and 5-star wide receiver
Agiye Hall is one of the best prospects from the Class of 2021 for a reason.
Lost in the 4AA state championship to Wake Forest but expect the Cougars to be back in contention in 2019 with 4-star linebacker
Power Echols, 2020 Syracuse commit
Stefon Thompson and 3-star defensive end
Stephen Sings all returning.
The
Eagles became the fourth team in Tennessee state history to win at
least four state titles in a row last season. They will be the favorites
to bring home a 15th state title in 2019.
The
Cleveland power has one of the toughest schedules in the country and
expect that to have them ready for the Division 1 playoffs once November rolls around.
It
will be near impossible to top last year's team that went 14-0 and
finished the season at No. 10 in the Top 25 but expect them to be among
the state's best still with
Roman Purcell taking over at quarterback.
Ran the table in 2018 and won the school's first state title. The Chargers returners are led by 3-star quarterback
Cole Hagen, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Josh Wilson, 2020 Texas commit
Van Fillinger and
Kennan Aiono will give them one of the best defenses in the state.
Had
its 25 game winning streak snapped in the 7A state championship but
expect Wildcats to be in the mix to win its second state title over the last
three years.
The Wildcats are a team to watch with one of the best quarterbacks in the country in 2021 Texas A&M pledge
Eli Stowers. On defense, they get 2020 Oklahoma State commit
Grant Mahon back after an injury wiped out his junior season.
Expect the Greyhounds to bounce back following a 6A championship loss to Warren Central. 2020 Penn State commit
Cole Brevard, 2020 Indiana commit
Ty Wise and 3-star running back
Dylan Downing all return.
Every year for the past decade teams have tried to knock off Bishop Gorman for Nevada supremacy — and the Patriots hope 2019 is their year. They are loaded with talent led by
Zyrus Fiaseu,
Lonenoa Faoa,
Moliki Matavao and
Donte Bowers. One of the toughest schedules in the country — matchups against Chandler (Ariz.), Mililani (Hawaii), St. John Bosco (Calif.) and Corona Centennial (Calif.) — should get the Patriots battle-tested for a playoff showdown against the Gaels.
The Springers ride a 31-game win streak into 2019 after capturing their fourth consecutive state title last year. They have holes to fill but all Loren Johnson has done since taking over as head coach is win and don't expect that to change with
Malcolm Greene,
David Laney and
Kelvin Gilliam all back.
Jenks and Union have run Oklahoma football for a long time, but Owasso and Broken Arrow are on the rise with each having won titles in the largest classifications two years in a row. Broken Arrow won last season, while Owasso captured the title in 2017.
Finished last year 15-0 and beat Oak Grove in the 6A championship to win the school's first state title. The Eagles must replace 5-star linebacker
Nakobe Dean but return key players led by 2020 Ole Miss commit
Josaih Hayes and 2020 Mississippi State commit
Jakivuan Brown.
It has been tough the last couple of years since Greg Toal left but the Ironmen are trending in the right direction and it helps to have the No. 1 player in the state in 4-star running back
Jalen Berger.
The Trojans will contend for the 6A state title in 2019 and have one of the best running backs in the country in
Carson Steele. He has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards and 49 touchdowns through his first two years.
The lone loss came against the eventual 7A state champs Nazareth Academy in the quarterfinals. The Wolverines have one of the top offensive lines in the state led by 2020 Oregon commit
Marcus Harper,
Cameron James and
Khalyl Warren.
The Rams have proven to be one of the best teams in Georgia annually but must replace a bunch of Division I talent lost to graduation. Grayson will have a new coach, but with
CJ Dixon under center, 2020 Georgia Tech commit
Ryan King at wide receiver and
Phil Mafah at running back the Rams should still compete with the state's best.
Grayson running back Phil Mafah
File photo by Dean Swint