Way-Too-Early North Carolina High School Football Top 25 Rankings

North Carolina high school football will undergo a significant transformation as it realigns from four to eight classes starting with the 2025 season. Even though it will be organized differently, the gridiron action in the Tar Heel State this fall will be just as fierce and competitive as always. From seasoned powerhouses to rising programs, here are the top 25 teams in North Carolina according to Massey.

The 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. William Amos Hough Huskies

While the Huskies collected 12 victories last season, they fell short of the North Carolina high school football Class 4A state championship after Grimsley eliminated them in the fourth round.

William Amos Hough will get another chance at the championship when they open their 2025 season against South Carolina’s Northwestern, one of only two teams to defeat them last season. Miami commit Tyran Evans will be the Huskies’ primary option in the passing game.

Meanwhile, Hough’s defense is filled with playmakers like lineman Chris Hilliard, linebacker Ryan Peterson, four-star cornerback Samari Matthews, safety LJ Porter, and defensive back Micah Bright.

2. Grimsley Whirlies

The Whirlies completed an undefeated season, capped off by a 35-23 victory over Rolesville to capture the Class 4A state championship. That’s their second undefeated season in the last three years, and they’ve lost only two games since 2020-21.

Grimsley will be the favorites to win it all again in 2025. However, before reaching that phase, they must do well in their preliminary games, starting with their August 22 game against West Charlotte.

Five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon will play his final high school football season before joining the Tennessee Volunteers. He will play with tight end DJ Howerton, wide receiver Kingston Harris, and interior lineman Nick Kashubara on offense. Meanwhile, cornerback Kosci Barnes is a must-watch player on Grimsley’s defense.

MORE FROM NCPREPS: Grimsley Whirlies season preview

3. Weddington Warriors

The Warriors carried a 13-game winning streak heading into their Class 4A state semifinal showdown against Grimsley. Unfortunately, they came up short, leading to their elimination in their only loss last season.

Weddington has a defensive unit that can carry them to a state championship. Four-star prospects Aiden Harris, Andrew Harris, and Thomas Davis Jr. will be playing their final high school football seasons before starting their college football careers with South Carolina and Notre Dame. This defensive front will be put to the test when their North Carolina high school football season starts against Mooresville on August 22.

4. Mallard Creek Mavericks

The Mavericks had winning streaks of four and five games during their 2024 campaign. However, they checked out of the competition after a shutout loss to Hough in the third round of the Class 4A state tournament. Mallard Creek will start their season on August 22 against Rolesville. Offensive tackle Austin Ballou is one of their key players.

MORE FROM NCPREPS: Mallard Creek Mavericks season preview

5. Rolesville Rams

The Rams lost only two of 16 games last season. However, both were against the same team. Rolesville lost to Grimsley on Aug. 30 and, after a 13-game winning streak, the Whirlies defeated them again in the state championship game.

While the Rams had an impressive 14-2 record, being the kings of North Carolina high school football will be their primary goal. For that to happen, they will need solid contributions from running back Amir Brown, wide receiver Anthony Roberts, tight end Davis Brown, and wideout Gavin Waddell.

Likewise, Rolesville has an elite defensive unit, led by edge rushers Jayden Broadie and Zavion Griffin-Haynes. Marquis Bryant and Jayden Griffin-Haynes are additional playmakers who can shut down opponents.

6. West Charlotte
7. East Forsyth
8. Providence Day School
9. Cardinal Gibbons
10. Independence

11. Mooresville
12. Butler
13. Chambers
14. Charlotte Christian
15. Seventy-First

16. Monroe
17. Charlotte Catholic
18. Dudley
19. Milbrook
20. John T. Hoggard

21. Mount Tabor
22. Cleveland
23. Richmond Senior
24. Crest
25. West Forsyth

For even more in-depth coverage of North Carolina high school football, and to chat with other fans, visit NCPreps.com.