News Summary
The anticipation for the upcoming high school football season in Mississippi grows as the preseason top 25 rankings are announced, featuring Tupelo, Brandon, and Madison Central in the top three. Notable teams, standout players, and coaching changes promise an exciting season ahead, with community support playing a crucial role in the sustainability of these programs.
Jackson, Mississippi – The anticipation for the upcoming 2025 high school football season in Mississippi is heightening as the High School on SI Mississippi has released its preseason top 25 rankings. The top three teams, Tupelo, Brandon, and Madison Central, are poised to make an impact as the season kicks off in late August.
Tupelo, last year’s Class 7A state champion, enters the season as the number one ranked team, boasting an impressive record of 14-0 from the previous season. Key players for Tupelo include standout athletes like JaReylan McCoy, Iverson McCoy, Braylen Williams, and defensive ace Devontray Brewer. In addition, running back Jaeden Hill is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success this season.
Brandon holds the second position after concluding the prior season with a record of 12-2. The team is spearheaded by Tyson Robinson, a fourth-ranked running back from the class of 2027. The much-anticipated opener against top-ranked Tupelo is scheduled for August 29, 2025.
Madison Central is not far behind, ranking third in the preseason standings after finishing last year with a record of 10-3. Their key player, Mikel Stephen, is a three-star running back expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance this season.
Other notable teams include Hattiesburg, which ranks at six with a record of 13-1 from last season. They will open their campaign against Petal on August 30. The Hartfield Academy Chargers, reigning Class 6A state champions with a record of 13-1, will begin their season against Pine Bluff (AR) on the same day.
Starkville, now ranked at ten, has seen a coaching change that has benefited the team’s strategy and potential. New head coach John Carr aims to make a strong impression this season. Meanwhile, Oak Grove looks to improve from their last season’s standing of 8-4 that placed them at 22, with returning player Kellen Hall being pivotal in their strategy to contend for the title.
The competitive landscape of high school football in Mississippi is further complemented by rising coaching salaries and an increase in the quality of coaching. Numerous head coaches are now earning six-figure salaries, with Toby Collums at Madison Central leading the pack at $129,000. However, a comparison with Alabama highlights a disparity in coaching compensation between the two states, with many Alabama coaches earning higher salaries.
High school football in Mississippi not only covers public but also private institutions, reflecting a broader community support perspective. Many programs operate in a self-sustaining manner, receiving vital support from booster clubs. Additionally, it is common for coaches to undertake multiple roles, ensuring the sustainability and growth of their football programs.
As Mississippi gears up for a thrilling football season, fans can look forward to intense matchups and the development of emerging talent on the field. With the groundwork laid and key players set to shine, the upcoming season holds the promise of excitement and community spirit around high school football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lafayette County Grand Jury Convicts Two for Fatal Crash
Austin Simmons Set to Lead Ole Miss Football This Season
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Ole Miss Football Player
Ole Miss Football Prepares for New Era with Revenue Sharing
Four Ole Miss Football Players Named to Preseason All-SEC Team
Four-Star Safety Craig Tutt Commits to Ole Miss Football
Rhea Tannehill Elected President of The Mississippi Bar
Ole Miss Football Faces Key Staff Departures Before Season
Keith Carter’s Contract Extended Until 2029
Tragic Flooding Claims Life of Young Camp Mystic Camper
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi High School Football Top Athletes 2025
- SI: 2025 Mississippi High School Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- Hattiesburg American: Mississippi High School Football Top Tight Ends 2025
- Sun Herald: Mississippi High School Football Updates
- High School Football America: Key Mississippi High School Football Dates for 2025
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette 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 Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
