The road to The Caesars Superdome begins now.
The start of the 2025 Louisiana high school football season comes this week with some teams playing Thursday and Saturday, while the majority will play Friday.
Each week, The Sporting News will conduct a composite Top 25 list of teams in Louisiana with all five classes and eight divisions being considered.
Here is the Week 1 version of the The Sporting News' Louisiana high school football Top 25 rankings.
1. Edna Karr
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select champions
- 2024 Record: 13-0, 7-0 District 9-5A
- No. 20 in The Sporting News’ National Top 25
Next Game: Sept. 5, No. 18 Archbishop Shaw
Last Game: Edna Karr 53, Alexandria 8
Current Streak: 13 wins
The Cougars won by an average of 30.2 points per game in 2024 and that was on full display with their 53-8 win over Alexandria to claim their first title since 2019. As good as Karr was last year, it could be even better in 2025. The Cougars have seven FBS commitments, including 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle Richard Anderson (LSU).
2. Catholic (Baton Rouge)
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select semifinalist
- 2024 Record: 11-1, 5-0 District 4-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, No. 8 Destrehan
Last Game: Edna Karr 21, Catholic (Baton Rouge) 19
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Bears gave Karr their best competition in last year’s semifinals and figure to be in the championship mix once again this year. Catholic is talented on both sides of the ball with Baylor Graves starting at quarterback, Stanford commit Blaise Thomassie at left tackle and Ohio State commit Blaine Bradford leading the defense in the secondary.
3. Ruston
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Non-Select finalist
- 2024 Record: 11-3, 3-2 District 2-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at No. 11 Acadiana
Last Game: Central (Baton Rouge) 42, Ruston 0
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Bearcats have been on a generational run with one championship and two runners-up over the last three seasons. But can they keep it going? Ahmad Hudson is the nation’s top tight end with 39 receptions for 754 yards and six touchdowns and will be a big target for new quarterback Sam Hartwell. The defense remains strong with Keilan Davis and Jayden Anding leading the way.
4. Neville
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Non-Select semifinalist
- 2024 Record: 11-2, 4-1 District 2-5A
Next Game: Sept. 4, No. 23 Evangel
Last Game: Central (Baton Rouge) 17, Neville 13
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Tigers fared well in their return to Class 5A and were a game from winning District 2-5A – making the Division I non-select semifinals. Neville has a pair of standout safeties in North Carolina commit Julian “JuJu” Burns and UL Lafayette commit Jayden Reed. Junior quarterback Parker Robinson looked poised in his first year with the Tigers with 2,225 yards and 18 touchdowns.
5. St. Augustine
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Select regional round
- 2024 Record: 7-5, 4-3 District 9-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, McDonogh #35
Last Game: St. Thomas More 28, St. Augustine 27
Current Streak: 1 loss
Many people are high on the Purple Knights in coach Robert Valdez’s second season. Vashaun Coulon is a 3,000-yard passer and he has a pair of dependable receivers in Miguel Whitley and Ray’Quan Williams, who are both Power 4 targets. Defensive back Syre Gilmore can impact a game defensively as well.
6. John Curtis
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select semifinalists
- 2024 Record: 7-6, 3-4 District 9-5A
Next Game: at Cathedral (Calif.)
Last Game: Alexandria 24, John Curtis 13
Current Streak: 1 loss
Entering last year’s playoffs, the Patriots did not look like a team that would make a deep run after a three-game losing streak. However, they managed to make the semifinals after upsetting Brother Martin, Acadiana and Teurlings Catholic. Defense will be the Patriots’ calling card with senior linebacker Jeffrey Curtis leading the way after recording 116 tackles.
7. St. Thomas More
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select quarterfinalists
- 2024 Record: 8-4, 6-0 District 4-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, Carencro
Last Game: Edna Karr 42, St. Thomas More 14
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Cougars held their own after playing up to Division I before a loss to Edna Karr in the quarterfinals ended things. Virginia Tech commit Cole Bergeron gives STM a steady hand as it looks to navigate early matchups against Catholic (Baton Rouge), Acadiana and Neville.
8. Destrehan
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Non-Select semifinals
- 2024 Record: 10-4, 5-1 District 8-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at No. 2 Catholic (Baton Rouge)
Last Game: Ruston 44, Destrehan 7
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Wildcats hit their stride in the second half of last season and the playoffs once everyone got healthy and was a game from The Dome. With skill players Jackson Fields, Malachi Dabney, Jabari Mack and Rummel transfer Jaylan Ash, Destrehan can score points in bunches at full capacity.
9. Central (Baton Rouge)
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Non-Select champions
- 2024 Record: 13-1, 4-1 District 4-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, De La Salle
Last Game: Central (Baton Rouge) 42, Ruston 0
Current Streak: 7 wins
The Wildcats earned their first state championship since 1966 in dominating fashion – shutting out defending champion Ruston in the title game. Central lost 21 seniors but still have a bunch of talent on defense with Houston commit Scott Smith, Jake Jarreau and transfer JaMichael Garrett.
10. Alexandria
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select finalists
- 2024 Record: 13-1, 5-0 District 2-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, West Feliciana
Last Game: Edna Karr 53, Alexandria 8
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Trojans’ dream season had a nightmarish ending against Edna Karr in the Division I select championship game, but it was still a dream season, nevertheless. Losing LSU signee J.T. Lindsey stings, but junior Karsen Sellers should settle in as the starting quarterback. Senior linebacker Xzavier White had 186 tackles and is always swarming to the ball.
11. Acadiana
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Select regional round
- 2024 Record: 9-2, 7-0 District 3-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, No. 3 Ruston
Last Game: John Curtis 28, Acadiana 27
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Rams had all the makings of a deep run, but a regional round upset to John Curtis scrapped those plans. Acadiana not only lost all but two starters from 2024, but it lost its coach Matt McCullough. The Veer should still be feared though under Doug Dotson with Colin DiBetta and Darryus McKinley leading both sides of the ball.
12. Zachary
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Non-Select regional round
- 2024 Record: 7-4, 3-2 District 4-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, Plaquemine
Last Game: Ruston 42, Zachary 21
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Broncos were flying high at 6-1 but stumbled to close 2024 with losses to Central (Baton Rouge), Catholic (Baton Rouge) and Ruston. Zachary does have the horses to compete in District 4-5A, thanks to a big, experienced offensive line and UL Lafayette commit Kristion Brooks at receiver.
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
13. Lafayette Christian
- 2024 LHSAA Division III Select quarterfinalists
- 2024 Record: 6-7, 3-1 District 6-2A
Next Game: Sept. 5, No. 16 Archbishop Rummel
Last Game: Dunham 34, Lafayette Christian 30
Current Streak: 1 loss
Last year’s 6-7 season was uncharacteristic for the Knights, but the retooling phase paid off in the second half. That experience gained sets up for this year where LCA is deep with talent. Braylon Walker, Brayden Allen and Luke Green are all in-state Group of 6 commits.
14. Teurlings Catholic
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select quarterfinalists
- 2024 Record: 10-2, 5-1 District 4-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, Opelousas
Last Game: John Curtis 31, Teurlings Catholic 10
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Rebels are an intriguing pick, thanks to new coach Michael Courville and some key departures. Andrew Fruge and Andrew Viator lead their respective sides of the ball, while Cason Evans and Nick Celestine aim to recover from ACL injuries.
15. Southside
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select quarterfinalist
- 2024 Record: 9-3, 6-1 District 3-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, Notre Dame
Last Game: Ruston 49, Southside 7
Current Streak: 1 loss
Year 1 was a success for coach Jess Curtis and his Sharks. Relying on the run paid off as Southside reached the quarters with the tandem of Parker Dies and Justin Williams. Both players return and have some offensive line experience up front to help offset any holes on defense.
16. Archbishop Rummel
- 2024 LHSAA Division I Select quarterfinals
- 2024 Record: 9-3, 5-2 District 9-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at No. 13 Lafayette Christian
Last Game: Catholic (Baton Rouge) 14, Archbishop Rummel 7
Current Streak: 1 loss
After hovering around .500 recently, the Raiders were the Catholic League runners-up and made a run to the quarterfinals against a tough Catholic (Baton Rouge) squad. Whatever Rummel may lack in star power, it makes up for in experience, especially on defense.
17. Brother Martin
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Select first round
- 2024 Record: 6-5, 3-4 District 9-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at East Ascension
Last Game: John Curtis 21, Brother Martin 13
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Crusaders felt the sting of John Curtis in the regular season and the playoffs – the latter being a first round upset. Expect the pass game to be a strength for Brother Martin as speedy receiver Easton Royal is one of four wideouts on the team with college offers.
18. Archbishop Shaw
- 2024 LHSAA Division II Select champions
- 2024 Record: 12-2, 3-0 District 9-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at No. 1 Edna Karr
Last Game: Archbishop Shaw 28, E.D. White 25
Current Streak: 11 wins
Hank Tierney returning to Shaw and leading it to a title 37 years after leading it to its first one felt like a heartwarming movie script. So, what will the Eagles do for an encore? Shaw lost Michigan signees Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington, but junior defensive back Rontre Carter leads an experienced defense that has nine starters back.
19. North DeSoto
- 2024 LHSAA Division II Non-Select quarterfinalists
- 2024 Record: 10-3, 7-0 District 1-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at Union Parish
Last Game: Cecilia 57, North DeSoto 40
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Griffins continue to knock on the door of an elusive state title and this year will be another chance to reach that pedestal. Northwestern State commit Luke Delafield leads North DeSoto’s experience and he has an opportunity to join the 10,000-yard club as a quarterback.
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
20. E.D. White
- 2024 LHSAA Division II Select finalists
- 2024 Record: 11-3, 6-1 District 8-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at Holy Cross
Last Game: Archbishop Shaw 28, E.D. White 25
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Cardinals reached the LHSAA Prep Classic for the second time in four seasons last year but came up just short against Shaw in the title game. E.D. White does bring back a lot of experience and at the top of that is senior quarterback Grant Barbera. Barbera accounted for 1,718 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024.
21. Jesuit
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Select regional round
- 2024 Record: 7-5, 4-3 District 9-5A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at Jesuit Dallas (Texas)
Last Game: Teurlings Catholic 31, Jesuit 23
Current Streak: 1 loss
The last Catholic League team to make this list, the Blue Jays are fresh off a run to the regional round and had impressive road wins at E.D. White and John Curtis last season. Senior receiver Roman Larre is a go-to receiver for Jesuit – catching 47 passes for 1,098 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Princeton commit Will Berry not only has the physical tools, but he also has the mental ones with a perfect 36 on the ACT.
22. Cecilia
- 2024 LHSAA Division II Non-Select champions
- 2024 Record: 12-3, 3-1 District 5-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, at St. Martinville
Last Game: Cecilia 35, Franklinton 32
Current Streak: 7 wins
The Bulldogs were “road warriors” in the playoffs last year, eventually winning the Division II non-select title as an No. 18 seed. There were a lot of changes for Cecilia during the offseason, including do-it-all quarterback Diesel Solari graduating and coach Dennis Skains taking the East Ascension job. Junior running back Braylon Calais is the new leader for the Bulldogs as a returning 1,000-yard rusher.
23. Evangel
- Lost in 2024 LHSAA Division I Select regional round
- 2024 Record: 6-6, 4-4 District 1-5A
Next Game: Sept. 4, at No. 4 Neville
Last Game: Alexandria 49, Evangel 6
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Eagles started slowly last season but caught their stride in the second half with a five-game winning streak before losing to Alexandria in the playoffs. Junior quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston is in his second season as a starter and returns most of his top receivers. Houston passed for 4,480 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2024 and should reach those numbers this year.
24. University Lab
- Not Eligible for 2024 playoffs
- 2024 Record: 1-9, 1-5 District 6-3A (9-1, 5-1 on the field)
Next Game: Sept. 5, Woodlawn (Baton Rouge)
Last Game: University Lab 49, Port Allen 14
Current Streak: 1 win
The Cubs forfeited eight games last year due to an ineligible player but are out for revenge in 2025. LSU commit Lamar Brown is a top defensive lineman prospect and will be the anchor of an experienced defense. Brown is also tough on the offensive line and is the front line of attack for running backs Sage Ingram and Corbin Odell.
25. Franklin Parish
- 2024 LHSAA Division II Non-Select quarterfinalists
- 2024 Record: 10-2, 5-0 District 2-4A
Next Game: Sept. 5, West Jefferson
Last Game: Iowa 42, Franklin Parish 28
Current Streak: 1 loss
The Patriots made history last year with their trip to the quarterfinals and now aim to make more with a deeper run this year. LSU commit Dezyrian “Pook” Ellis returns after accounting for 3,016 yards and 41 touchdowns. Michigan State commit Chris Addison leads the defense after recording 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
FIRST FIVE OUT
No. 26 Dunham; No. 27 St. James, No. 28 Holy Cross, No. 29 Catholic (New Iberia), No. 30 Vermilion Catholic
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