News Summary
The highly anticipated 2025 Mississippi high school football season is nearly here, with Tupelo Golden Wave, Brandon Bulldogs, and Madison Central Jaguars leading the preseason rankings. Strong performances last season and talented rosters make these teams the ones to watch. Fans are eager to see the season kick off, starting with camp practices next week and exciting matchups scheduled soon. With dear rivalries and fresh challenges, this season promises to deliver a thrilling football experience across the state.
Tupelo, Brandon, and Madison Central Lead the Pack for 2025 Mississippi High School Football Preseason Rankings
As the summer days start to wind down, it’s that thrilling time of year again in Mississippi! The 2025 high school football season is just around the corner, with teams in both the Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools gearing up for action. Fall camps are set to kick off next Monday, marking the beginning of a brand-new adventure for coaches and players alike.
Top Three Teams to Watch
The excitement is palpable as the 2025 High School on SI Mississippi High School Football Preseason Top 25 rankings have been unveiled, and it shows some fierce competition ahead. Leading the charge this season are the formidable Tupelo Golden Wave, Brandon Bulldogs, and Madison Central Jaguars, who occupy the top three spots in the rankings.
Tupelo Golden Wave
The Tupelo Golden Wave had a phenomenal season last year, finishing with a stellar record of 14-0 and bringing home their first state championship since 1992. With an eye on defending their Class 7A title, the Golden Wave has some serious talent on their roster, including standout players like JaReylan McCoy, Iverson McCoy, Braylen Williams, Devontray Brewer, and the dynamic running back Jaeden Hill. Fans of Tupelo should feel pretty confident as they look forward to another exciting season.
Brandon Bulldogs
Hot on their heels, the Brandon Bulldogs finished last season with a record of 12-2, falling just short to Tupelo in the championship game. The Bulldogs are gearing up for a high-octane season with a strong offense led by Tyson Robinson, who is being touted as one of the finest running backs in the class of 2027. The upcoming tilt against Tupelo on August 29 is shaping up to be one for the ages!
Madison Central Jaguars
Don’t count out the Madison Central Jaguars, who had an impressive season with a record of 10-3. They’ll be relying on their three-star running back Mikel Stephen, the number 16 recruit in the state for the class of 2027, to lead the charge as they aim to go deeper into the playoffs this year. Fans will be keeping a close watch on how they stack up against both old rivals and new challengers.
Other Notable Teams
The Hattiesburg Tigers are another team to keep an eye on, boasting a record of 13-1 from last season. All eyes will be on star player Tristen Keys, who is recognized as the top wide receiver in the country, as the Tigers gear up to face Petal on August 30. Meanwhile, the Oak Grove Warriors are looking to bounce back from last season’s playoff elimination and will kick off their season against Starkville in week 1.
The Starkville Yellow Jackets wrapped up last season with a record of 7-5 and are excited for new beginnings under head coach John Carr, who has proven his mettle in improving team performance. This season should be an interesting one for the team as they look to grow stronger and healthier. The Hartfield Academy, finishing with a record of 13-2 last season, also has their share of talent, especially with Bralan Womack, who made significant contributions on both sides of the ball.
The Road Ahead
The South Panola Tigers are eager to reclaim their title and are hungry for their first district title since 2023, starting their season against DeSoto Central on August 29. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season packed with potential game-changers as many schools face off in key matchups like Tupelo vs. Brandon and Oak Grove vs. Starkville, not to mention Madison Central squaring off against formidable teams.
Get Involved!
And here’s a fun tidbit for fans: you can vote on who you think should be Mississippi’s top player as we head into the 2025 season! The poll features nominees from the Clarion Ledger’s top senior watch list, and it closes at noon on Friday. Some familiar names like Jaeden Hill, Tristen Keys, and Bralan Womack are in the running, all while a few players have already committed to big college programs like Mississippi State, LSU, Nebraska, and Auburn.
With the season rapidly approaching, anticipation is building across the state. From passionate fans to dedicated players, Mississippians are ready to rally behind their teams. Get your popcorn ready and prepare for some unforgettable Friday night lights as the high school football scene heats up!
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Additional Resources
- SI: 2025 Mississippi High School Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- High School Football America: Key Mississippi High School Football Dates for 2025
- Clarion Ledger: Vote for Mississippi’s Top Seniors 2025
- Sun Herald: Hattiesburg High School Football Preview
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
