Top High School Football Teams in 2023: State-by-State Guide

Prepare to experience the ultimate pre-season excitement as we at MaxPreps.com present an in-depth analysis of the top high school football teams from each state, ready to dominate the gridiron in the 2023 season. From the sun-drenched fields of California to the frosty turf in Alaska, these schools have honed their skills, strategies, and team spirit to deliver jaw-dropping performances.

Get a front-row seat to the intense rivalry, upcoming talent, and legendary sportsmanship that is high school football. This comprehensive report not only covers powerhouse schools but also spotlights potential underdogs. Stay tuned to discover who’s leading the field, state by state, in the thrilling world of high school football.

Top High School Football Teams in 2023 from Every State

1. Alabama: Thompson, Alabaster – The reigning champs for the last four years, they’ve shown exceptional performance with a 50-5 record since 2019.
2. Alaska: Colony, Palmer – Led by Jack Nash, the 2022 Alaska Player of the Year, they clinched the Division 1 title last season.
3. Arizona: Basha, Chandler – Fresh from their first-ever state championship, they rank 18th in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
4. Arkansas: Bryant – With new coach Quad Sanders, this five-time state champion team has an impressive 61-3 record since 2018.
5. California: Mater Dei, Santa Ana – A powerhouse with talent on par with their top-performing 2017 and 2021 teams.
6. Colorado: Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village – Four-time state champs who’ve garnered a 47-4 record since 2019.
7. Connecticut: Cheshire Academy, Cheshire – Boasting five of the state’s top seven recruits, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
8. Delaware: Smyrna – Despite having to replace key players, they still have all-state stars like Cole Moyer and Brandon West.
9. DC: St. John’s – A win in their opening game could propel them into the MaxPreps Top 25.
10. Florida: IMG Academy, Bradenton – As talented as the 2020 team that consistently topped the MaxPreps Top 25.
11. Georgia: Buford – Their line-up became even more formidable with the transfer of Dylan Raiola, the top recruit from the Class of 2024.
12. Hawaii: Kahuku – With two consecutive state championships, they haven’t faced a local loss since 2019.
13. Idaho: Rigby – The reigning 5A state champions are buoyed by the return of all-state quarterback Luke Flowers.
14. Illinois: East St. Louis – Several talented players return to defend their Class 6A state championship.
15. Indiana: Center Grove, Greenwood – Three-time state champs, they’ve shown a 40-2 record since 2020.
16. Iowa: Southeast Polk, Pleasant Hill – Returning all-state selections are poised to continue their championship streak.
17. Kansas: Mill Valley, Shawnee – Four-time state champions with key players returning.
18. Kentucky: Frederick Douglass, Lexington – After a 15-0 championship-winning season, they’re looking forward to another successful year.
19. Louisiana: John Curtis Christian, River Ridge – With 615 career wins, coach J.T. Curtis is on the verge of breaking records.
20. Maine: Leavitt, Turner – Coming off an undefeated season with all-state quarterback Noah Carpenter returning.
21. Maryland: St. Frances Academy, Baltimore – This talent-packed team is 6th in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
22. Massachusetts: Catholic Memorial, West Roxbury – Riding a 26-game winning streak into 2023 after consecutive state titles.
23. Michigan: Belleville – Holding back-to-back state titles and the top-rated QB from the Class of 2025.
24. Minnesota: Mankato West, Mankato – Last year’s runner-up boasts key returners, including Minnesota commit Jalen Smith.
25. Mississippi: Starkville – A formidable duo, Trey Petty and Braylon Burnside, leads this defending 6A state champion.
26. Missouri: Christian Brothers, St. Louis – They haven’t lost a state game since 2020 and are reigning champions.
27. Montana: Florence-Carlton, Florence – Two-time state champions with a 23-2 record over the past two years.
28. Nebraska: Omaha Westside, Omaha – Returning talent includes 2024 Notre Dame commit Teddy Rezac.
29. Nevada: Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas – They enter the season at No. 2 in MaxPreps Top 25.
30. New Hampshire: Pelham – Riding a 31-game winning streak after winning the Division II title last year.
31. New Jersey: Bergen Catholic, Oradell – The only New Jersey team in the MaxPreps Top 25.
32. New Mexico: Cleveland, Rio Rancho – Even after losing some key players, this team boasts all-state linebacker Stratton Shufelt.
33. New York: St. Anthony’s, Melville – After an undefeated season, they return with Rutgers commit Korey Duff Jr.
34. North Carolina: Providence Day, Charlotte – Back-to-back champs return with top-rated prospects.
35. North Dakota: Shanley, Fargo – The 11AA state champs return with all-state stars in receiver and linebacker positions.
36. Ohio: St. Edward, Lakewood – Starting at No. 16 in MaxPreps Top 25, they are reigning back-to-back champs.
37. Oklahoma: Bixby – An incredible 61-2 record since 2018 and they’ve won the state championship five times in a row.
38. Oregon: West Linn – Reigning 6A state champs return with a well-talented lineup.
39. Pennsylvania: St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia – They aim for their 8th state title since 2013, starting at No. 11 in MaxPreps Top 25.
40. Rhode Island: La Salle Academy, Providence – The top team from last year returns with all-state players.
41. South Carolina: Dutch Fork, Irmo – Led by Tom Knotts, they have a 154-23-1 record and seven state titles.
42. South Dakota: Jefferson, Sioux Falls – The reigning champs return with 2024 Wisconsin commit Thomas Heiberger.
43. Tennessee: Lipscomb Academy, Nashville – With a new coach and a 21-game win streak, they’re No. 19 in MaxPreps Top 25.
44. Texas: Duncanville – Led by five-star players, this team is a defending state champion.
45. Utah: Corner Canyon, Draper – With a 74-6 record, they’ve won three state titles since 2017.
46. Vermont: Champlain Valley Union, Hinesburg – They return with 2022’s Vermont Player of the Year Jackson Sumner.
47. Virginia: Highland Springs – Coach Loren Johnson has led them to five state titles since 2015.
48. Washington: Yelm – They return with last year’s Washington Player of the Year Brayden Platt.
49. West Virginia: Huntington – The reigning AAA state champs return with all-state selections.
50. Wisconsin: Kimberly – After winning the state title last year, they have six state titles since 2013.
51. Wyoming: Star Valley, Afton – Last year’s champions hold 13 state titles in their school’s history.

Final Words

In anticipation of a thrilling 2023 season, let’s shine a spotlight on the top high school football teams from across the nation. With seasoned champions showing their might and underdogs surprising us all, the stage is set for a year of remarkable gridiron action. No matter the final scoreboards, the true victory lies in the spirit of teamwork, competition, and resilience that these young athletes exhibit.

Let’s join together in celebrating the game and the rising stars who make each moment on the field extraordinary in high school football.