High school football rankings: Preseason MaxPreps Top 100

Texas leads the way with 18 teams, headlined by defending state champ No. 4 Austin Westlake.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Jun 29, 2021, 10:00am
The Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings were released last week. Now it's time to dig even deeper by expanding the list to 100. The "Power Four" states — California, Georgia, Florida and Texas — represent over half the field with 54 teams included.

Texas leads the way with 18 and also has the most in the MaxPreps Top 25 with six teams.

California and Florida have the second most with 13 each while Georgia has 10 teams headlined by defending AAAAAAA state champ Grayson (Loganville) at No. 8.

In total, 28 different states along with the District of Columbia are represented.

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia and Washington D.C. all have multiple schools selected.
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
The Monarchs begin the season ranked No. 1 for the third time in five years.

Went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the country last season and have 20 players rated as four-star recruits or higher.

The Braves have the longest active streak of finishing ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 at seven consecutive seasons. 

Currently riding a 24-game win streak, the Chaparrals have a good shot to win their third consecutive state title with Cade Klubnik and Jaden Greathouse back.

The back-to-back 7A state champs are favored to three-peat. 

Won the school's 13th state championship last year and will be in contention to win their third consecutive 7A state title.

The top-rated player in the country — Quinn Ewers — leads a very talented roster that features three-star performers Landon Samson (receiver), R.J. Maryland (tight end) and Avyonne Jones (defensive back), along with junior running back Owen Allen.

Adam Carter has led the Rams to a 25-2 record since being named head coach in 2019.

Head coach Patrick Surtain has led the Patriots to three state championships during his tenure and with a talented bunch led by Mark Fletcher, Brandon Inniss, Marvin Jones Jr., Earl Little Jr. and Jacolby Spells, a fourth crown is highly possible.

After not playing last fall because of the pandemic the Panthers will be back in the mix to compete for the No. 1 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25.

Quarterback Sam Horn and wide receiver Travis Hunter are one of the top pass-catch duos in the country.

While Notre Dame-bound quarterback Steve Angeli and 2022 Princeton commit Ryan Butler headline a very talented offense, the defense is one of the very best in the country with the emergence of four-star cornerback Jaeden Gould (USC commit), three-star cornerback Jayden Bellamy, four-star defensive lineman Sydir Mitchell and three-star edge rusher D.J. Samuels. 

The Gaels begin the 2021 season with 15 players rated as a three-star recruit or higher, according to 247Sports.

Replacing Dematrius Davis and Shadrach Banks is going to be tough but the Houston power will have one of the best defenses in Texas headlined by five-star cornerback Denver Harris, 2022 Texas commit Kristopher Ross, three-star defensive lineman Tai Leonard and four-star cornerback Jacoby Davis.

Head coach Reginald Samples will have the Panthers in the mix to win their first state title since 1998 after coming close the last three years.

The Rockets have been mainstays in the MaxPreps Top 25 for much of the last decade.

No program has finished ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 more than the Spartans, missing out just once (2016) over the last decade.

The defending 6A state champs are led by by four-star defensive lineman Caden Curry and 2022 Tennessee commit Tayven Jackson at quarterback.
Center Grove quarterback Tayven Jackson
Center Grove quarterback Tayven Jackson
File photo by Tyler Hart
19. Chandler (Ariz.)
The Wolves are seeking their sixth consecutive state championship.

Head coach Gary Joseph has led the Tigers to a 227-22 record during his 17 years while winning at least 10 games every season.

The Friars feature one of the nation's most dynamic trios on offense with 2022 Arizona quarterback commit Noah Fifita, four-star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and 2022 USC commit Keyan Burnett.

Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. all graduated but with four-star cornerback Keenan Nelson Jr., four-star linebacker Josiah Trotter and 2022 Temple commit Reese Clark returning, the Hawks will be in contention to win a fourth consecutive 6A state title.

The defending Division 1 state champs are the first of five teams from Ohio featured in the MaxPreps Top 100.

The Chargers have gone 51-1 since Eric Kjar became head coach and have won 40 consecutive games heading into the 2021 season.

Won the school's first state title since 2002 last season and will have a very talented team this year headlined by five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and four-star defensive back Austin Jordan.

Went 5-0 last spring, outscoring opponents 223-14. Will face a couple of huge in-state tests against Centennial (Corona) on Aug. 27 and No. 17 De La Salle (Concord) on Sept. 17.

The Spartans have won 36 consecutive games and three straight 6A-II state titles.

Nearly knocked off Chandler in the Open Division championship last season.

The Huskies have been one of the best programs in Southern California since coach Matt Logan took over 25 years ago.

The Aloha State missed out on football in 2020 so look for the Crusaders to be fully recharged in quest of a fifth straight state title. They haven't lost to an in-state opponent since 2016.

Went 5-0 in the spring and had notable wins against WCAC rivals DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) and St. John's (Washington, D.C.).

The Chad Morris era begins so expect the Eagles to continue their winning ways as he returns to high school after coaching college football the past 11 years.

Even with four-star quarterback Cameron Edge transferring back home to Smyrna (Del.) the Stags have a lot of talent that includes five-star defensive lineman Jason Moore, three-star offensive lineman Michael Crounse, three-star athlete Kevin Winston and senior quarterback Zach Crounse.

Became the first team in South Carolina to win a fifth consecutive state title last season. Coach Tom Knotts has gone 128-21-1 in 11 seasons.

Four-star wide receiver Johntay Cook, 2022 Oregon commit Stephon Johnson, three-star defensive back Devyn Bobby and Class of 2024 standout Caleb Mitchell are just a few of the talented players the Eagles have heading into 2021.  

Head coach Chris Scott led the Tigers to their first state championship since 2011 last spring going 9-0.

The DMV power has been one of the best programs in the country over the last five years and will be in contention to win their first WCAC title since 2017.

Head coach Max Edwards has led the Bulls to three state titles since 2017 and will have a strong chance at a fourth with junior quarterback Taron Dickens, four-star wide receiver Andy Jean, three-star wide receiver Daverrick Jenkins and junior running back Jamari Ford.
Northwestern quarterback Taron Dickens
Northwestern quarterback Taron Dickens
File photo by Mike Janes
39. Catholic (Baton Rouge, La.)
The Bears recently had two state titles (2017, 2020) revoked by the LHSAA but ruled there will be no postseason ban or more sanctions for 2021.

The fourth school from the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference to be featured in the MaxPreps Top 100 will look to defend their WCAC title.

Coach Hank Carter has gone 130-16 and led the Cavaliers to three state titles (2010, 2011, 2016) during his tenure and will have one of the most explosive offensives in Texas with Bo Edmundson under center and five-star wide receiver Caleb Burton transferring over from Del Valle (Texas).

After losing to St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) to open the spring season, the Trailblazers went 5-0 outscoring the opposition 228-2.

The Sabercats have had some very talented teams under coach Jason Mohns and this one might be his deepest yet.

Jay Cobb was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Bob Beatty retired. Expect a big year from three-star running back Armon Tucker.

Coach Jamey DuBose went 10-2 in his first season and with 2022 Miami commit Jacurri Brown back under center they will be in contention to win a AAAAAAA state title.

The defending Class 6A Division 1 state champs will have a good chance at winning their third state title in four years with 2022 Georgia commit Jordan James, four-star wide receiver Isaiah Horton and three-star running back Antonio Patterson all returning.

Adam Clack led Milton to its first state title in 2018 and this squad might be even more talented headlined by the top-rated recruit in the Class of 2023 Lebbeus Overton.

The Bulldogs went 6-0 last spring and bring back many big-time players headlined by four-star wide receiver Rico Flores Jr., four-star tight end Walker Lyons, three-star linebacker Justin Eklund and starting quarterback Tyler Tremain.

Finished last year ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 after winning a second consecutive Division II state title. Even with a lot of key players graduated, the Cougars will be in the mix to three-peat with five-star quarterback Walker Howard.  

Coach Casey Clausen already had a very talented roster and it got even deeper when 2022 Arizona State commit Larry Turner-Gooden and three-star running back Jaylen Thompson transferred over from St. Bernard (Playa del Ray, Calif.).

The Huskies return 14 starters headlined by four-star defensive lineman Justice Finkley, four-star offensive lineman Riley Quick and three-star athlete Omari Kelly.

Coach Matt DuBuc led the Chiefs to their second state title in three years last season and had one of the biggest wins in school history by beating St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) during the regular season.

The Diablos will have one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in California with Kadin Semonza and Mikey Matthews back.

Tom Bolden is one of the best coaches in Ohio. He brings back a lot of talent from a team that's only loss in 2020 was against eventual Division 1 champ St. Xavier (Cincinnati) 10-7 in the state quarterfinals.

Only two losses last season came against Denton Ryan and Southlake Carroll. Martin returns many key players led by four-star cornerback Javien Toviano, four-star defensive lineman Ernest Cooper IV and 2022 Texas commit Trevell Johnson.

Five-star standouts Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon lead the way for one of the most talented teams in Southern California.
Los Alamitos receiver/cornerback Makai Lemon
Los Alamitos receiver/cornerback Makai Lemon
File photo by Rich Lawce
57. Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)
Went 14-1 in 2020 and the lone loss came against American Heritage (Plantation) in the 5A state semifinals.

Rich Hansen III takes over as head coach, replacing his father who stepped down after 33 years.

The 6A-2 runner-up last season has big shoes to fill with the graduation of quarterback Kaidon Salter. The Longhorns still have plenty of talent with three-star cornerback Jalon Peoples, three-star defensive lineman Syncere Massey and junior quarterback Cedric Harden Jr..

Coach Josh Niblett always has the Buccaneers in the mix to compete for state titles. They open against North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) on Aug. 21, becoming the first non-Georgia team to play in the Corky Kell Classic.

The Bearcats became the first Texas football team to win 10 state titles last season and will have a good chance at No. 11 with 2022 Texas commit Bryan Allen Jr., 2022 Oklahoma commit Jason Llewellyn, all-district offensive lineman Maddox Epperson and starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi all back.

Coach Jay Sharrett will have one of the best defenses in the state with five-star safety Sonny Styles, and two 2022 Cincinnati commits  — CJ Doggette Jr. and Tyler Gillison — returning.

All Bryant Appling has done is win state championships since becoming head coach in 2019. A talented Wolves' squad gives him a shot at a three-peat. 

The Packers are always in the mix to compete for the AAAAAAA state crown and expect them to get better and better as the season goes with a very young but talented squad.

The Fighting Irish won their first state title since 2014 last season and while they lost some key players on offense expect the defense to lead the way early in the season with Kendrick Gilbert, Bryce Llewellyn, Hudson Miler and Jeffrey Utzinger all back. 

John Adams takes over as head coach and will have the Saints in position to win their third AAA state title in four years.

The runner-up in 5A is headlined by 2022 Oklahoma commit Gavin Sawchuk, the second-rated running back in the country according to 247Sports.

Coach Elijah Williams has led the Tigers to a 22-3 record over the last two seasons.

Sophomore quarterback Robert "Pops" Battle showed why he is one of the best from his class in the spring. Expect a big year from him and five-star wide receiver Luther Burden.

After a heart-breaking 34-31 overtime loss against Buford in the AAAAAA state championship expect the Trojans to be in the mix to win their third state title in five years with 2022 Georgia Tech commit Jaron Willis, four-star offensive tackle Qae'Shon Sapp, 2022 Michigan State commit Quavian Carter and Class of 2024 standout Omar White.

Future Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon went for more than 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns during his junior season and will have the ball in his hands even more as he switches to quarterback in a run-heavy offense.

The Lancers will get tested this season with matchups lined up against four Top 100 teams — No. 2 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), No. 23 St. Xavier (Cincinnati), No. 45 Trinity (Louisville), and No. 65 Cathedral (Indianapolis).

The defending AAAAA state champs have big shoes to fill with Jalen Addie graduated, but return big talent led by five-star defensive lineman Vic Burley, along with Malcolm Brown, Jay Carter and Daveon Walker.

Buck James has led the Hornets to a 56-6 record during his five years as head coach and they enter the 2021 season winners of 30 straight and three consecutive 7A state titles.

The fourth Top 100 team from Maryland features four-star defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton, 2022 Boston College commit Kwan Williams, 2022 Maryland commit Preston Howard, four-star offensive lineman Antonio Tripp and three-star quarterback Kaden Martin, the son of Tee Martin.

The Yellowjackets return leading passer (Braedyn Locke), rusher (Zach Hernandez) and receiver (Caden Marshall) from a 10-2 squad last year.

Won their second consecutive 4AA state title last spring and return junior running back Daylan Smothers, who rushed for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Had streak of consecutive state titles end at four last year but return LSU commits in four-star wide receiver Aaron Anderson and four-star defensive lineman Tygee Hill. 

Jermain Crowell has led the Tigers to a 33-3 record over the last three years with their only loss last season in double overtime against eventual Division 1 champ West Bloomfield.

Daniel Marangi took over as head coach before last season and led the Green Knights to a 6-2 record with the only two losses coming against Bergen Catholic (Oradell) and St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City).

After a runner-up finish in 2019, the Wildcats made it to the 6A Division 2 semifinals in 2020. Even with Eli Stowers graduated, they bring back a lot talent led by Grayson O'Bara, B.J. Phillips and Jace Wilson.
Guyer receiver Jace Wilson
Guyer receiver Jace Wilson
File photo by Tommy Hays
82. Acadiana (Lafayette, La.)
The back-to-back 5A state champs will be in contention to three-peat with a talented roster that is headlined by 2022 LSU commit Laterrance Welch.

Finished last season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 after winning the Division II state title.

Kam Dewberry, Jamari Green, Gavin Session and Keith Wheeler are just a few of the top players in the Houston area who will lead the way for a very talented squad.

Malachi Singleton is one of the best quarterbacks in the Peach State and adding 2022 Georgia commit De'Nylon Morrissette — a transfer from Brookwood (Snellville) — will make for one of the best duos in the country.

Eric Lodge led Seminole to a 12-0 record and 8A state title during his first year as head coach.

Head coach Dave Logan led the Bruins to their second consecutive 5A state title last year.

Has won 15 consecutive games heading into the season and will have a good chance to extend that streak with T.J. Capers, Denim Edwards, Fernando Mendoza, Ken Moore Jr. and Cornelius Wright all back.

The Falcons have won at least 10 games in each of the last three years and snapped Katy's 75-game district win streak in 2020.

Legendary head coach Verlon Dorminey has won 296 games during his tenure and last year led the Conquerors to their eighth state championship. Headlining the 2021 squad is five-star running back Treyaun Webb.

Zach Evans, Jay Fair, Josh Hoover and Jordan Nabors are all back after an 11-win season and a quarterfinal appearance in the 6A Division 2 playoffs in 2020.

Went 5-0 last spring winning by an average margin of over 28 points per game. The program that produced Tom Brady returns many key players, including quarterback Dominique Lampkin and versatile athlete Hassan Mahasin.

The Lions had their streak of consecutive state titles end at three last year after a 25-22 loss against Trinity Christian Academy in the 3A championship in 2020.

Went 9-1 last spring and lost in overtime against Stone Bridge (Ashburn) in the Class 5 state championship. Will be in the mix to win its fifth state title since 2015 with the talent it returns.

The Lakers won their first state title last season, winning the Division 1 championship. Losing Donovan Edwards to graduation will be tough to replace, but they return four-star offensive lineman Amir Herring, four-star athlete Dillon Tatum and four-star linebacker Michael Williams.

Has gone 15-2 over the last two seasons and will be in the mix to win its first state title since 2001 when Sean Taylor spearheaded a 2A championship.

Completed the school's first ever 13-0 season in 2020 and with key players like Jaylen Aborom, Kabe Barnett and Tyrell Pollard returning, another 6A title is highly possible.

The Eagles have won 16 of their last 17 games after coming off a 5-0 spring season. Curtis Hill, Hunter Hill, Vega Ioane, Julian Mason and Joshua Wood all are back in the fall.

Anthony Lucas takes over as head coach after Kevin Kelley took the same position at Presbyterian College. With the 2020 MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year Joseph Himon back, expect the Bruins to keep lighting up scoreboards.

Fresh off a 4-0 spring season and three consecutive shutouts, the Jackrabbits are back to being one of the top programs in Southern California.

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