Top 25 high school football players in California

Although California high school football might not stand as tall as it did a few decades ago, the state still produces high-level prospects at an eye-popping pace.

The 2025 and 2026 classes again look to be stacked with talent, including multiple five-star recruits and top-100 national prospects in both age groups.

Below are the top 25 football players in the state of California, based on the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

1) Chris Henry Jr. (2026) – 98.79

School: Mater Dei

As a sophomore in 2023 at Cincinnati Withrow, Henry was an all-state selection after racking up 1,127 yards and 10 touchdowns on 71 receptions in 14 games. He transferred to California powerhouse Mater Dei in February, and should be a massive piece for the Monarchs who will look to compete with the nation’s best.

2) Dijon Lee – 96.51

School: Mission Viejo

Lee, an Alabama commit, finished his junior year at Mission Viejo with 55 tackles, 22 of them solo. He also chipped in with two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. Lee also excels on the track, winning a league championship in the triple jump and competing in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles.

3) Husan Longstreet – 96.12

School: Centennial

As a sophomore in 2022, Longstreet threw for nearly 4,000 yards and helped Inglewood finish as the Southern Section Division 2 runner-up. Longstreet led Centennial to the CIF Southern Section D1 semifinals by throwing for 3,013 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2023. The Texas A&M commit ranks as the country’s No. 26 overall recruit and No. 5 quarterback in the senior class.

4) Ryder Lyons (2026) – 95.72

School: Folsom

Lyons, the top uncommitted quarterback in the Class of 2026, is one of the nation’s most wanted junior prospects. As a junior, he led Folsom to a 13-2 record as a first-year starter. He completed 259 of 381 passes (68%) for 3,578 yards with 38 TD and 8 INT. Also carried the ball 226 times for 929 yards (4.1 YPC) and 23 TD.

5) Brandon Arrington (2026) – 94.25

School: Mount Miguel

Arrington claimed the 150-meter title and finished fourth in the 60-meter dash as a freshman at the California Winter Outdoor Championships. After playing his first two seasons at Helix, Arrington transferred to Mount Miguel ahead of his junior season. While at Helix, he caught six touchdown passes over two seasons and added a 65-yard punt return for a score as a sophomore. Arrington ranks as the No. 7 prospect nationally and No. 1 athlete in 2026, according to On3.

6) Adonyss Currie – 93.80

School: Quartz Hill

As a junior, Currie caught 47 passes for 865 yards and 9 TDs and 18.4 yards per reception, while rushing 10 times for 89 yards and 1 TD. He also recorded 35 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 INTs (1 TD), 1 FF, 2 FR, and 6 pass breakups. In addition to his prowess on the football field, Currie had personal best times of 10.52 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.71 in the 200 meters as a sophomore. As a freshman, he ran anchor on a state champion 4X400m relay team.

7) Chuck McDonald – 93.62

School: Mater Dei

As a sophomore, McDonald was credited with 28 tackles, 6 PBU and a FF for a Mater Dei program that went 12-1 and made the CIF Division title game. He followed that up with 34 tackles, 7 passes defended and an interception as a junior. He also stands out on the track, running a 10.84 100-meter dash in the spring of his junior year.

8) Matai Tagoa’i – 93.56

School: San Clemente

Tagoa’i was credited with 73 tackles, including six for a loss, in 10 games as a sophomore. As a junior in 2023, he totaled 59 tackles, 8 TFL, seven sacks and an interception.

9) RJ Sermons (2026) – 93.53

School: Rancho Cucamonga

Sermons excels both on the track and the football field, with personal bests of 10.48 (100m) and 21.34 (200m) during junior track season. On the gridiron, he amassed 46 total tackles, five passes defended, and one interception as a sophomore in 2023.

10) Kodi Greene (2026) – 93.43

School: Mater Dei

Greene is one of the nation’s top offensive linemen, regardless of class, checking in as top-40 recruit in the 2026 cycle. The nearly 6-foot-6, 290-pounder boasts a 6’8 wingspan and will be a bookend offensive lineman for Mater Dei over the next two years.

11. Jackson Lloyd – 93.40 (Carmel)
12. Madden Faraimo – 93.35 (J Serra Catholic)
13. Brandon Lockhart (2026) – 93.35 (Loyola)
14. Noah Mikhail – 93.27 (Bonita)
15. Brady Smigiel (2026) – 93.01 (Newbury Park)

16. Talanoa Ili (2026) – 93.01 (Lutheran-Orange County)
17. Davon Benjamin (2026) – 92.80 (Oaks Christian)
18. Deshonne Redeaux (2026) – 92.57 (Oaks Christian)
19. Jaden O’Neal (2026) – 92.40 (Narbonne)
20. Troy Huhn (2026) – 92.37 (Mission Hills)

21. Jordon Davison – 92.30 (Mater Dei)
22. Kaleb Edwards – 92.26 (Oak Ridge)
23. Madden Iamaleava – 92.23 (Warren)
24. Marco Jones – 92.13 (San Ramon Valley)
25. Daryus Dixson – 91.94 (Mater Dei)