Way-Too-Early New Mexico High School Football Top 25 Rankings

With the 2025 New Mexico high school football season on the horizon, excitement is mounting across the Land of Enchantment as the state’s 154 teams prepare to compete across the seven classes of competition. From powerhouse programs with storied histories to rising contenders eager to prove themselves, these are the top teams in the New Mexico football rankings according to Massey.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule and margin of victory.

1. Cleveland Storm

Cleveland rattled off 12-straight victories last season, including a convincing win over La Cueva in the title game, to earn its fourth state championship in the last five seasons.

There’s no arguing the Storm powerhouse status, but they will need to replace several key contributors if they are to win another state crown. The team’s top two rushers, leading tackler and four key contributors in the secondary have all graduated, leaving big holes to fill – especially on defense. The return of three-star Moses Sparks will at least help settle the offensive line.

2. La Cueva Bears

The Bears entered last season’s state title game riding a dominant 22-game winning streak. But their dreams of back-to-back championships were upended by Cleveland, 26-8. Now the team will look to regroup as it chases the top spot in the New Mexico football rankings.

La Cueva was hit hard by graduation. The team’s starting quarterback, leading receiver, top running back and several key defenders will all need to be replaced this fall. While those players emerge, the Bears will rely on key returners like offensive linemen Skylar Sargent and Maurice Williams, wide receiver Tanner Montano and defensive back Jhett Kinghorn.

3. Centennial Hawks

Like La Cueva, Centennial saw its undefeated season ended by Cleveland last season, falling to the eventual champs in the Class 6A semifinals. While an 11-1 record is still an impressive accomplishment for the Hawks, coming up just short of the program’s first-ever state title was surely a bitter way to end to the season.

Centennial will have an early chance to seize momentum, and jump up the New Mexico football rankings, in its season-opener against Cleveland on Aug. 23.

4. Las Cruces Bulldawgs

Las Cruces has been good but not quite good enough since winning its last state title in 2012. The Bulldawgs posted their best season in a while last year, winning nine games before falling to La Cueva in the state semifinals.

The good news for Las Cruces is that the team should be one of the most experienced in the state. Quarterback Gunnar Guardiola, running back Daniel Amaro and edge rusher Collin Bannister are among the key pieces returning for the Bulldawgs.

5. Volcano Vista Hawks

Volcano Vista’s quest for its first New Mexico high school football state championship continues after losing to Las Cruces in last season’s Class 6A quarterfinals. The defeat ended the Hawks’ campaign at 8-3, with their other losses coming against state finalists La Cueva and Cleveland.

Defensive end Alvin Gomez, an all-state selection in 2024, will anchor Volcano Vista’s defense this fall.

6. Artesia Bulldogs

Artesia is one of the most successful high school football programs in the country, winning 610 games and 32 state championships since 1950. However, the Bulldogs’ 2024 campaign represented a bit of a step back with three regular season defeats and a loss to Roswell in the Class 5A state championship game.

If Artesia is to reload and win its 33rd title, the team will need big performances from returners like all-state defensive lineman Chris Aguilar.

7. Rio Rancho Rams

Rio Rancho has been a consistent winner over the last decade, but the program hasn’t quite been able to get over the hump in the postseason. That has to sting when archrival Cleveland has emerged as a state power over that same timeframe.

The Rams will be looking to build off of a 2024 campaign that ended in the Class 6A quarterfinals. If they are to build on that and climb higher in the New Mexico football rankings, they will need a big effort from quarterback Micah Takahash.

8. Roswell Coyotes

Coach Jeff Lynn has it rolling at Roswell. The Coyotes have won 23 of their last 25 games and will enter the season looking to repeat as Class 5A state champions.

It will be difficult to replace quarterback Jacob Palomino, but returning offensive linemen Daniel Chavez and Ethan Lopez should keep the pocket clean for his replacement. Look for tight end Noah Estrada to be featured in the passing game.

9. Hobbs Eagles

Hobbs was unceremoniously booted from the playoffs last season in a 57-6 mercy-rule loss to La Cueva. The Eagles will need to replace quarterback Brock Beaty, but their new signal caller will be aided by the return of all-state receiver Justice French.

10. Farmington Scorpions

Farmington enters the fall looking to bounce back from last year’s 4-6 mark, its first losing campaign since 2018. The Scorpions will likely lean on their defense early thanks to the return of all-state linebacker Danny Hagstrom.

11. Los Lunas
12. Carlsbad
13. Piedra Vista
14. Sandia
15. Lovington

16. Melrose
17. Bloomfield
17. Eldorado
19. Mayfield
20. Alamogordo

21. Deming
22. West Mesa
23. St. Michaels
24. Organ Mountain
25. Gadsden

For even more in-depth coverage of New Mexico high school sports, and to chat with other Land of Enchantment fans, visit NMPreps.com.