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The Sporting News 2025 High School Football Top 25 -- Week 9: October 7 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 14:52 GMT by Sporting News
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US High‑School Football Top‑25: Week 9, 2025 (October 7)
By The Sporting News

As the fall season of 2025 inches toward its final, the U.S. High‑School Football Top‑25 list – the definitive ranking of the country’s elite programs – has just been updated for Week 9. The panel of analysts and coaches that compiles the poll has once again reflected how quickly fortunes can swing in a nation‑wide competition that is both deeply regional and fiercely national. This week’s revisions highlight the power of a single game, the weight of undefeated streaks, and a few surprise movements that underscore how dynamic high‑school football truly is.

A Shift at the Top

St. Augustine Academy in Orlando, Florida, has held the #1 spot for six straight weeks, but a win against a top‑ranked opponent last weekend (they shut out Westbrook 34‑0) only cemented its position. The Falcons entered Week 9 with a perfect 5‑0 record, and their offense—led by senior quarterback Jalen “J‑J” Carter—was the most prolific in the country. Carter’s 3,200 passing yards and 35 touchdowns over the first five weeks earned him the preseason “Nation’s Most Outstanding QB” award and a spot in the US High‑School Football Hall of Fame’s Rising Stars.

At the other end of the top tier, San Diego St. John (California) moved up to #2 after a 28‑7 blowout of its rival, Ventura‑North. The Cougars’ defense, which posted an average of 8.3 points allowed per game, forced six interceptions, and knocked down a total of 15 sacks. Running back Michael “Mickey” Martinez added a 4‑carry 65‑yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

A Surprise Drop: Tarrant (Texas)

Tarrant High (Tarrant, Texas) slipped from #6 to #10 after a 21‑20 loss to a lower‑ranked Northland (TX). The game was a back‑and‑forth affair that highlighted Tarrant’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against the run. The loss removed 12.5 points from Tarrant’s rating, and the panel noted that the team’s defensive line has struggled to generate pressure in high‑pressure games. Coach Mike Rodriguez expressed disappointment, “We had the talent, but the defense couldn’t hold the line. That loss cost us a spot.”

Middle‑Tier Movements

In the middle of the pack, McCamey High (Texas) climbed from #16 to #12 after a 35‑17 win over an undefeated Brazos Valley (TX). The Tigers’ spread offense was relentless, moving the ball at an average of 8.9 yards per play. Their star running back Khalil “K-Man” Jones rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the Week 9 “Player of the Week” honor.

On the other side of the spectrum, East Lansing (Michigan) fell from #14 to #18 after losing to a conference rival. The Tigers’ loss, a 27‑24 shootout, exposed a thin offensive line that allowed an alarming 4.2 sacks per game. Coaches across the league cited the game as a cautionary tale about the importance of a solid offensive line even for high‑powered teams.

National Spotlight on Emerging Talent

The Week 9 list also spotlights two emerging national prospects. Sierra Hills (Arizona) is the nation’s leading receiver, recording 95 yards and four touchdowns in his 5‑game stretch. He’s now on the radar of several Division I programs, with the University of Arizona and Arizona State already scouting him in person. Meanwhile, Lorenzo “Loren” Ramirez from Cedar Valley (California) has shown defensive prowess, with 15 tackles and 5 sacks in the past two games. He’s a candidate for the upcoming National High‑School Defensive Player of the Year award.

How the Rankings Are Calculated

The Sporting News’ ranking methodology blends win‑loss records, strength of schedule, margin of victory, and statistical performance across offense, defense, and special teams. Analysts also factor in recent performance trends: a program’s ability to sustain an undefeated streak, for instance, weighs heavily in its national standing. As the ranking panel notes, “In a national landscape where teams rarely play each other, the strength of schedule is a critical variable.”

The updated list can be found on the official US‑High‑School Football Top‑25 page, where each team’s record, conference affiliation, and ranking history is displayed. Analysts can also access deeper statistical breakdowns by clicking on the “Stats” tab for each school—an invaluable resource for recruiting directors, sports agents, and the national media.

Upcoming Week‑10 Matchups

Looking ahead, Week 10 promises a number of “must‑watch” games. St. Augustine is set to play the top‑ranked Birmingham (AL) for the Alabama State Title, while San Diego St. John will host Los Angeles (CA), a team that has been an undefeated threat this season. Tarrant’s next opponent, Lakeview (TX), will provide an early opportunity for the Texans to rebound. Meanwhile, the #25 team, Harrisburg (PA), will travel to face the #1 seed for the first time in their season, a matchup that could redefine the lower half of the rankings.

Final Thoughts

The Week 9 US High‑School Football Top‑25 showcases how the national conversation is constantly evolving. While stalwarts like St. Augustine continue to dominate, new contenders such as San Diego St. John and McCamey High are closing the gap. The fluctuations underline a broader theme: in high‑school football, every game matters. With a national audience that watches each pass, tackle, and touchdown, the stakes are high—and the rankings are the pulse of a nation’s athletic future.

To stay updated on the rankings, analysts recommend subscribing to the Sporting News US High‑School Football Alerts, which deliver instant notifications when a new ranking or significant game result is posted. The rankings, available on the official page, will be updated again on Thursday, October 9, after the weekend’s games. The final top‑25 list of 2025 will be released once the national championships conclude in December, and the data from this season will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of college football’s elite talent pipeline.