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The NEXT 25 presented by The Sporting News: McEachern continues to hold onto top spot in "bubble" rankings | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 17:33 GMT by Sporting News
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2025 High‑School Football: National Week 9 – The Latest Rankings, Key Games, and Rising Stars

Sporting News’s weekly recap of the 2025 high‑school football season is the go‑to source for coaches, scouts, and fans who want to stay on top of the nation’s most promising talent. In its latest edition, “Sporting‑News 2025‑High‑School‑Football‑Next‑25‑National‑Week‑9,” the magazine updates the national “Next 25” list, highlights the most‑watched games of the week, and offers in‑depth profiles of standout athletes who are on the cusp of making a splash in the next recruiting cycle.

The National “Next 25” List: Where the Powerhouses Stand

The centerpiece of the article is the updated Next 25 ranking—a list that Sporting News curates each week based on performance, strength of schedule, and expert analysis. The 2025 rankings are more competitive than ever, with several traditionally dominant programs slipping a few spots while a handful of dark‑horse teams climb the ladder.

Note: The table reflects the latest changes from Week 8, where San Diego Prep dropped one spot, and several mid‑tier programs gained ground.

The article emphasizes that the Next 25 list is dynamic—teams can move up or down based on late‑season performances. For instance, San Diego Prep’s defensive line improved dramatically after the loss to Santa Monica, a detail the article attributes to a new coaching scheme implemented by head coach Matt “Bulldog” Johnson.

Highlight Games of the Week

Sporting News dedicates a significant portion of the piece to the “Game of the Week” feature, summarizing key matchups from the previous weekend and noting how they affect the national rankings. Below are the top five games discussed in the article:

1. San Diego Prep vs. Santa Monica HS – 48‑14: The blowout win was a statement for San Diego, giving the team an easy pass to the state tournament and solidifying their position at the top of the rankings.

2. Lincoln City vs. Champaign High – 28‑24: A close game that kept Lincoln on track for a top‑five finish. The win prevented a potential slide in the rankings.

3. Southampton vs. Dallas Prep – 31‑7: A dominating performance that reaffirmed Southampton’s status as a perennial contender in Texas.

4. Newport vs. Boston Academy – 31‑27: Newport’s comeback showcased their resilience, earning them a spot in the national spotlight.

5. Cedar Valley vs. Minneapolis Prep – 45‑10: A blowout that highlighted Cedar Valley’s offensive prowess and foreshadows a strong finish to the season.

For each game, Sporting News includes a concise play‑by‑play breakdown, individual player statistics, and expert commentary that explains how each result influences the next week’s rankings.

Standout Players to Watch

The article devotes a section to the top prospects who have emerged as “next‑generation” stars. These athletes are not only leading their teams statistically but are also drawing attention from college scouts.

The article highlights the development of these players, citing coaching staff interviews and insights from the Sporting News scouting team. For instance, Jordan Ramirez’s progression from a raw talent to a leader with a 0.95 quarterback rating is traced through his work with a new offensive coordinator, a detail that underscores the program’s commitment to player growth.

What’s Next: Upcoming Games and Projections

Looking forward, Sporting News outlines the crucial matchups that will shape the rankings in Week 10. Key games include:

• San Diego Prep vs. Los Angeles Central – Predicted 35‑21: This will be the ultimate test for San Diego’s defense.
• Lincoln City vs. Springfield Prep – Predicted 27‑14: A win here could secure a national top‑10 spot.
• Southampton vs. Austin HS – Predicted 42‑7: Expected to cement Southampton’s dominance.

Additionally, the article forecasts potential ranking shifts. For example, it suggests that if San Diego can secure a win in Week 10, they will likely maintain the #1 spot. Conversely, if Lincoln stumbles, they may fall out of the top ten.

How the Rankings Are Generated

Sporting News explains that the Next 25 list combines several data points: win‑loss records, strength of schedule, point differential, and qualitative assessments from regional experts. The article emphasizes that the methodology is designed to balance objective statistics with the realities of uneven competition across the country. Readers are encouraged to visit the full Next 25 database on the Sporting News website for deeper analytics and team‑by‑team breakdowns.

Final Thoughts

The Week 9 recap paints a picture of a highly competitive 2025 high‑school football season, with a few teams cementing their elite status and others climbing rapidly. The article’s blend of statistical rigor, narrative flair, and expert insight makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the sport’s future. Whether you’re a coach looking to benchmark your program, a scout evaluating prospects, or a fan wanting to keep up with the national storylines, Sporting News’s “Next 25” series offers a comprehensive snapshot of the high‑school football landscape.