As the 2024 high school football season approaches, anticipation is building for the teams and players expected to dominate the field. High school football has long been a critical stepping stone for future stars.
Among these elite teams, Mater Dei High School in California has solidified its position as a powerhouse, regularly ranking among the nation's best. With an impressive 12-1 record from the previous season, Mater Dei remains a formidable force.
Top 10 national high school teams:
#10. Bixby (Oklahoma)
Bixby has been controlling Oklahoma high school football, achieving a winning streak of six state championships. The Spartans, having been promoted to Division I in 2022, are the sole Oklahoma team in the top 100. Auburn's four-star offensive tackle commit Broderick Shull leads the way for Bixby this season.
#9. IMG Academy (Florida)
IMG Academy has 17 blue-chippers in its junior and senior classes, including Alabama's four-star interior offensive lineman Michael Carroll, Missouri's four-star wide receiver Donovan Olugbode and SMU's four-star quarterback Ty Hawkins.
#8. Atascocita (Texas)
This season the Eagles project to have the best defense in the nation, after their 11-win campaign last year. The Eagles, led by Oklahoma's four-star running back commit Tory Blaylock, are set to compete against North Shore for the 6A-Region III crown, with the two teams facing off on October 25.
#7. Bishop Gorman (Nevada)
Bishop Gorman remains the top-rated football program in the state of Nevada, and recently, the Gaels will play their first game on the road against Mater Dei. A solid roster including LSU's four-star wide receiver recruit Derek Meadows, who is the No. 41 player in the nation, and a strong offensive line are Bishop Gorman's main attributes.
#6. North Shore (Texas)
North Shore, a dominant force in Houston, has twice fallen short in the state title game against Duncanville. The Mustangs are still in pursuit of their first championship since 2021 and will be led by Ohio State's Five-Star Plus+ cornerback commit Devin Sanchez, the No. 4 prospect in the 2025 cycle.
#5. Southlake Carroll (Texas)
After falling short in the 6A Division II playoff semifinals last season, the Dragons' offense will be spearheaded by Tennessee's four-star tight end commit Jack Van Dorselaer, USC's three-star running back commit Riley Wormley, and TCU's 2026 four-star wide receiver pledge Brock Boyd. Carroll is one of only three schools ranked in the top five for offensive and defensive power.
#4. St. John Bosco (California)
St. John Bosco, a perennial contender, notched 11 wins last season. The Braves lineup is bolstered with players such as 2026 four-star athlete Madden Williams, Joshua Holland, and Arkansas' 2026 three-star safety commit Tay Lockett. St. John Bosco's annual high school clash with Mater Dei on Oct. 25 is one of the most anticipated games of the season.
#3. DeSoto (Texas)
DeSoto High School, another Texas powerhouse, is coming off a flawless 16-0 season in 2023, capturing back-to-back state titles. The Eagles are powered by six seniors committed to Power Four programs, including Deondrae Riden, and Daylon Singleton.
#2. Duncanville (Texas)
Duncanville is fresh off winning back-to-back state titles for the first time in school history. The Panthers are favorites to secure a third consecutive championship. Oregon Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Dakorien Moore will receive passes from Alabama five-star quarterback commit Keelon Russell, who enters the season as the No. 26 prospect and No. 5 quarterback in the nation.
#1. Mater Dei (California)
Mater Dei High School stands at the top of the rankings, following its state championship win in 2023. The Monarchs boast over 10 blue-chip prospects, including Alabama's four-star cornerback commit Chuck McDonald, Oregon's four-star running back commit Jordon Davison, and Chris Henry Jr., a 2026 Ohio State Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver commit who is the top recruit in the junior class.