In way-too-early NC high school football rankings, six 2025 champs open at No. 1

Six teams that won 2025 state championships are ranked No. 1 in the “way-too-early” N.C. high school football rankings.

Many N.C. teams began spring workouts this week, and The Observer has been featuring high school football content all week, including Sweet 16 regional rankings, top 25 player rankings, Hough’s talented returning team and a look into (lack of) pay for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ coaches.

The statewide rankings, which consist of nine different polls, are compiled by longtime N.C. high school football expert Chris Hughes, a regular on The Observer’s Talking Preps streaming show.

NCISAA champ Providence Day, NCHSAA 8A champion Hough and four other public school champions — Grimsley (7A), Reidsville (4A) and Wilson Prep (1A) — are all No. 1 in their respective rankings.

Wilson’s JB Hunt High, which was the 5A state runner-up, starts at No. 1 in our way-too-early poll.

The official preseason rankings will debut in August.

Way too early NC statewide football polls

NCISAA

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Providence Day (13-0)

2. Charlotte Christian (7-6)

3. High Point Christian (12-0)

4. Asheville School (7-3-1)

5. Cannon School (7-5)

6. Charlotte Latin (7-4)

7. Harrell’s Christian (9-3)

8. Charlotte Country Day (6-4)

NCHSAA 8A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Hough (14-0)

2. Millbrook (13-1)

3. Hoggard (12-1)

4. Myers Park (9-3)

5. West Charlotte (10-3)

6. Mallard Creek (7-4)

7. Palisades (8-4)

8. Providence (8-4)

NCHSAA 7A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Grimsley (15-0)

2. Weddington (12-2)

3. Lake Norman (8-4)

4. Garner (9-4)

5. Clayton (12-3)

6. Southeast Raleigh (9-4)

7. Reagan (10-3)

8. Cardinal Gibbons (12-2)

NCHSAA 6A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Jacksonville (12-1)

2. Scotland (8-4)

3. Union Pines (11-2)

4. Northern Nash (11-2)

5. Watauga (15-0)

6. Charlotte Catholic (7-5)

7. Statesville (8-4)

8. Middle Creek (12-3)

NCHSAA 5A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. J.B. Hunt (12-3)

2. Crest (13-2)

3. J.M. Robinson (11-2)

4. Hickory (12-2)

5. Franklin (9-3)

6. Monroe (7-4)

7. Oak Grove (9-4)

8. Northside-Jax (11-3)

NCHSAA 4A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Reidsville (13-2)

2. Hibriten (11-2)

3. Burns (7-5)

4. Stuart Cramer (9-3)

5. East Duplin (9-3)

6. Pisgah (9-4)

7. Maiden (9-5)

8. SouthWest Edgecombe (9-5)

NCHSAA 3A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Lincolnton (11-3)

2. Hendersonville (9-3)

3. Shelby (12-3)

4. Eastern Randolph (10-3)

5. Kinston (11-4)

6. James Kenan (12-2)

7. Northeastern (9-4)

8. Walkertown (9-2)

NCHSAA 2A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Tarboro (15-0)

2. Murphy (12-3)

3. Starmount (11-3)

4. Corvian Community (10-2)

5. East Wilkes (8-4)

6. Warren County (11-3)

7. Mitchell (9-5)

8. John A. Holmes (8-5)

NCHSAA 1A

Rk, School, 2025 record

1. Wilson Prep (9-5)

2. Robbinsville (10-4)

3. Northside (12-1)

4. South Davidson (11-2)

5. Thomas Jefferson (5-7)

6. Southeast Halifax (6-5)

7. North Stokes (4-7)

8. KIPP Pride (11-1)