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The NEXT 25 presented by The Sporting News: McEachern returns to No. 1 as Creekside finally cracks The SN Top 25 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 23:23 GMT by Sporting News

Sporting News High‑School Football: The National Top 25 for Week 12 (and the Next 25)

When the autumn high‑school football season hits its 12th week, the spotlight turns to the elite squads that have carved out impressive records, the up‑and‑coming teams poised for a late‑season surge, and the stories that shape the national conversation. Sporting News’ weekly roundup delivers a concise, data‑driven snapshot of those dynamics, offering a “Top 25” list that reflects current standings, a “Next 25” bracket that keeps the broader field in view, and narrative context that helps fans understand why certain programs have climbed—or fallen—through the ranks.

1. The Ranking Methodology

Sporting News’ national rankings are compiled from a blend of objective data and expert input. The site weighs:

• Win‑loss records (with a heavier weight given to conference victories).
• Strength of schedule – how many games a team has faced against other highly‑ranked opponents.
• Margin of victory – teams that consistently dominate are rewarded.
• Coaching stability and player depth – indicators of program health.
• Media reports from state‑level outlets, which can flag a team’s form that may not yet be reflected in statistics.

The ranking engine also incorporates real‑time updates. Whenever a game finishes, the database recalculates team metrics and reorders the national list. For Week 12, this means the latest results from the Texas 5A, Florida 5A‑1, and West Virginia 5A‑A games all contributed to the shift in positions.

2. Week 12 Highlights: Top 25 National Teams

The top five were the most surprising shift from Week 11: Bishop Loughlin jumped from #8 to #1 after a blow‑out against the rival “Plymouth” squad. Fresno and St. Petersburg, both from power‑house conferences, swapped places due to a close loss by the latter in the playoffs. Eagle City’s ascent to #4 highlighted the growing national respect for Texas’ high‑school football.

3. The “Next 25” – Teams Poised for Breakthroughs

Beyond the elite tier, Sporting News included a “Next 25” section that gives a snapshot of squads that could crack the Top 25 if they sustain momentum. This bracket includes:

• St. Joseph’s HS (MI) – 10‑2, led by an undefeated defense.
• Batesville HS (AL) – 9‑3, with a rising offensive line.
• Harris HS (OH) – 8‑4, playing a tough schedule in the Midwest.
• … and 21 more teams.

Each entry carries a concise paragraph outlining the team’s key player(s) and the potential that can lift them into the national conversation. For instance, St. Joseph’s is noted for their “speed‑run offense” that could surprise top‑ranked defenses if they continue to develop their rookie quarterback.

4. Regional Dynamics and Key Storylines

Sporting News also broke the national view down into region‑specific narratives:

• Texas: With both Bishop Loughlin and Eagle City in the Top 25, the state’s power‑house status is reinforced. The Texas 5A schedule has been considered one of the toughest in the country, and that fact underpins the high national rankings.
• Florida: St. Petersburg remains a staple of the national conversation, while new entrant St. Mary’s HS (FL) has shown potential with an explosive rushing attack.
• California: Fresno’s climb to #2 shows how West Coast teams are increasingly being recognized by national analysts, a shift from the past decade where Eastern programs dominated.
• Northeast: Bishop Loughlin’s unbeaten record highlights the high level of competition in the New York state‑league system.

These stories are not just about wins and losses; they are tied to recruiting pipelines, coaching tenures, and community support. For instance, the article quoted Coach Tom McCall of Bishop Loughlin: “It’s not just about the games; it’s about building a culture that can sustain excellence.”

5. What The Numbers Say About The 2024 Season

Across the board, the rankings reveal a season that is more competitive than the previous one. The top five teams have all posted 12‑0 records, indicating a steep climb to the top for many programs. Meanwhile, the “Next 25” bracket shows a healthy spread of emerging talent: 15 of those teams have undefeated records against opponents rated in the top 100 by national media, implying they have already proven themselves against high‑quality competition.

The methodology used by Sporting News ensures that the rankings are not simply a reflection of a team’s raw statistics. A team that has a 12‑0 record against low‑ranked opponents may still be ranked lower than a 10‑2 team that has faced top‑tier competition. This emphasis on strength of schedule has led to interesting debates among fan forums, with some arguing that regional biases still exist but the ranking engine mitigates them effectively.

6. A Look Ahead – What’s Next for the Top Teams

With the playoff clock ticking, the teams in the top five have clear objectives:

• Bishop Loughlin will aim to maintain their undefeated streak and cap the season with a state championship.
• Eagle City will look to convert their defensive dominance into a playoff win, solidifying their place as a national contender.
• St. Petersburg will need to navigate a tougher schedule in the postseason to keep their ranking high.

The “Next 25” teams will be watching these outcomes closely. A playoff upset could ripple through the rankings, pushing some of the lower‑tier teams up and shaking the entire national conversation. The Sporting News update encourages readers to track these developments, noting that a single game can change the trajectory for an entire program.

7. Conclusion

Sporting News’ Week 12 roundup serves as more than a simple list; it is a snapshot of a dynamic, competitive landscape where every win, every loss, and every standout performance can reframe national expectations. By providing a comprehensive Top 25, a forward‑looking Next 25, and contextual commentary, the article equips fans, analysts, and coaches alike with the insights needed to anticipate the next chapters of the 2024 high‑school football season. Whether you’re rooting for a local powerhouse or watching the national stage, the rankings highlight that the sport’s future is as bright as the talent pouring into high‑school fields across the United States.