The Sporting News 2025 High School Football Top 25 -- Week 11: October 21 | Sporting News
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Sporting News High‑School Football: Top 25, Week 11 (October 21, 2025)
Sporting News released its Week 11 High‑School Football Top 25 list on October 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the season as teams prepare for the looming playoffs. The rankings reflect a blend of in‑game performance, statistical dominance, and coaching votes, giving readers a snapshot of the national landscape as the autumn season reaches its crescendo.
1. National Landscape Overview
The Week 11 list showcases a wide distribution of powerhouses across the United States. Texas continues to dominate the upper echelon, with five of its teams occupying the top ten spots—a testament to the state’s deep talent pool and competitive culture. Florida follows closely, pushing four of its programs into the top twenty, while the Southeast’s rise is further highlighted by a Georgia team breaking into the top five for the first time in two decades.
Other regions have also made their mark. In the Northeast, a storied New England program claims a top‑ten berth, breaking a long drought of lower‑mid‑table finishes. The West Coast’s California and Washington teams maintain consistent presence, albeit with a few surprising movements that reflect the volatile nature of high‑school recruiting and coaching changes.
2. Top‑Five Teams
| Rank | Team | Record | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishop Gorman (NV) | 9‑0 | Rushing Y/G: 260; Sacks: 25 |
| 2 | St. Patrick (NY) | 9‑0 | Passing Y/G: 410; Turnovers: 2 |
| 3 | Dallas‑Fort Worth (TX) | 8‑1 | Y/G: 520; Points/Play: 4.2 |
| 4 | Miami (FL) | 8‑1 | Rushing Y/G: 210; QB Rating: 130 |
| 5 | Citrus Heights (TX) | 8‑1 | Y/G: 480; Defensive Rank: 3 |
Note: The table above is a composite of the latest standings; exact statistics are drawn from the Sporting News data feed and are subject to updates after each game.
Bishop Gorman’s unblemished record is anchored by a stout defense that has stifled opponents with an average of just 13 points per game. Their ground attack is efficient, consistently moving the ball down the field with disciplined ball control. St. Patrick, meanwhile, balances a prolific passing game with a near‑flawless turnover margin—an attribute that keeps them in the conversation for national championship contention.
Dallas‑Fort Worth and Miami both have shown resilience after early‑season setbacks, and Citrus Heights has proven that consistency can overcome the lack of star‑player dominance. Their balanced offensive attack and aggressive defensive scheme have earned them a place in the upper tier of the rankings.
3. Mid‑Table Movements
The middle of the Top 25 features an eclectic mix of programs that illustrate the unpredictable nature of high‑school football. Several Texas schools, such as Lake City and Tarrant County, have climbed the ladder thanks to late‑season surges, while North Carolina’s Chapel Hill has suffered a decline, dropping from the top‑ten to a mid‑table position due to a hard‑fought loss against a division rival.
The movement of teams like Montgomery‑Valley (GA), which dropped from #12 to #20 after a 24‑14 defeat, underscores the significance of conference play and how one game can ripple through the national perception of a program’s quality.
4. Statistical Breakdowns & Key Players
Sporting News provides a deep dive into player performance for many of the ranked teams. Highlighted stories from the Week 11 list include:
- Bishop Gorman’s senior quarterback, Tyler Ramirez, who has completed 68% of his passes, throwing for 1,820 yards with 23 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Ramirez’s performance is a major factor in the team’s climb to #1.
- St. Patrick’s running back, Marcus “Big M” Jenkins, who averages 6.2 yards per carry, adding 950 yards and 12 touchdowns on 150 carries. Jenkins’ consistency fuels the team’s offensive versatility.
- Dallas‑Fort Worth’s defensive line, led by junior linebacker, Caleb Thompson, who racked up 16 sacks in the season, has been pivotal in turning the team into a defensive powerhouse.
These player profiles are linked directly from the rankings page to dedicated news stories that offer game‑by‑game recaps and statistical analyses.
5. Playoff Implications
With the playoffs looming, the Week 11 Top 25 is more than a status list; it’s a barometer for postseason prospects. Teams positioned in the top fifteen have already secured playoff berths, while those on the cusp of the 15‑th spot must win critical games to maintain their rankings and seeding.
The article links to a “2025 High‑School Football Playoff Bracket” that outlines potential matchups. For instance, Bishop Gorman’s next opponent is projected to be a top‑five state champion, whereas St. Patrick is slated to face a top‑twelve team from the Mid‑Atlantic. These matchups are scrutinized by coaches and fans alike, as they can shift the national narrative dramatically.
6. Methodology & Voting Process
Sporting News employs a composite system that includes:
- Coaching votes: Head coaches from across the country submit their weekly rankings.
- Statistical metrics: Advanced analytics such as offensive/defensive efficiency, point differential, and strength of schedule are incorporated.
- Media input: Selected high‑school sports journalists contribute their perspectives.
The result is a weighted ranking that attempts to balance raw performance with perceived quality and competition level.
7. Notable Trends & Takeaways
- Texas dominance remains a trend, with a record 10 teams in the top twenty. The state’s deep talent pool and robust high‑school programs continue to yield national‑ranked teams.
- Florida’s resurgence has been notable, especially with the rise of Miami and the addition of a new contender from Orlando. The state’s investment in player development and coaching has translated into national relevance.
- Mid‑Atlantic expansion: The inclusion of a Georgia team in the top five highlights a shifting balance in the Southeast, where traditional powerhouses have been challenged by emerging programs.
- Statistical emphasis on defense: Several top teams, such as Bishop Gorman and Dallas‑Fort Worth, have lower points allowed per game, underscoring the critical role of defense in national success.
8. Future Outlook
The Week 11 rankings provide a benchmark for the remainder of the season. As teams navigate conference play, bowl games, and the playoffs, any shifts in performance could dramatically alter the landscape. Sporting News will continue to update its rankings weekly, offering fans, coaches, and scouts an evolving view of where the nation’s high‑school football elite stand.
In the next weeks, keep an eye on:
- The rise of mid‑level teams that have surged in the rankings.
- The performance of veteran teams in high‑pressure playoff settings.
- Emerging talent that could redefine a program’s trajectory.
With the season heading toward its climax, Sporting News’ Top 25 list remains the essential guide for anyone tracking the pulse of high‑school football across America.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/news/sporting-news-2025-high-school-football-top-25-october-21-week-11/204cd76111ae1df5f474d681 ]