McCallie School has stormed to the top spot in the tennessee high school football rankings after an impressive 25-14 victory over California’s Mission Viejo High School. This upset win against a team that was ranked No. 8 in the national rankings has catapulted the Blue Tornado to No. 31 in the national standings.
Meanwhile, Oakland, previously holding the No. 1 position in our tennessee football rankings, drops to second place despite maintaining an undefeated 5-0 record. The Patriots still command respect nationally at No. 36. Additionally, Baylor School Red Raiders have made a compelling case for recognition with five consecutive victories to start the 2025 season, including a dominant 48-7 win over Christ Presbyterian Academy. With 168 games scheduled across the state this Friday, we expect further shakeups in the tennessee high school football rankings 2025 as teams continue to prove themselves on the field.
In this article, we’ll examine September’s biggest ranking movements, identify surprise teams making statements, and analyze the key matchups that have reshaped the tennessee state high school football rankings this month.
Biggest Movers in the Top 10 Rankings
The September rankings have witnessed significant shifts following some unexpected game outcomes. The most notable climb belongs to Ensworth, who soared nine spots after defeating McCallie in Week 4. This victory, coupled with their dominant 56-8 thrashing of Lipscomb Academy, has established the Tigers as a formidable force in the tennessee high school football rankings.
McCallie’s story has been particularly dramatic. After their loss to Ensworth, they rebounded with an impressive 25-14 victory over nationally-ranked Mission Viejo. Senior quarterback Elliott Drapeau was instrumental in this win, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another. This performance, along with running back Kris Lloyd’s 99-yard rushing effort, helped the Blue Tornado control the clock against the California powerhouse. The defense equally impressed, sacking Mission Viejo’s quarterback (an Ohio State commit) three times.
Elsewhere in the top 10, Montgomery Bell Academy made a remarkable six-spot jump to No. 14 in the rankings. They now face a crucial test against Baylor School, which has maintained the No. 1 position in some polls for six consecutive weeks.
Oakland Patriots, now positioned at No. 2 in many rankings, continue their impressive run with a perfect 5-0 record. Their most recent showcase was a commanding 38-0 victory over Siegel. Looking ahead, they face Blackman, attempting to extend their 13-game winning streak against their regional rivals.
Surprise Teams Making a Statement
Several underdog programs have created major buzz in the tennessee high school football rankings this September.
Nashville Christian stands out as the most remarkable story, becoming the first Division II-A school to upset a DII-AAA opponent when they edged Ensworth 42-41 in late August. Led by Georgia football signee Jared Curtis, the Eagles have soared to a perfect 5-0 record and climbed from No. 21 to No. 15 in the rankings after that signature victory. According to MaxPreps, Nashville Christian now ranks an impressive No. 3 statewide with a 64.90 rating.
Furthermore, three programs that have struggled in recent seasons are enjoying perfect starts: Antioch, Lebanon, and Whites Creek have all compiled surprising 5-0 records. These teams are part of an elite group of 20 remaining unbeaten squads across tennessee high school football.
Battle Ground Academy has also made waves, maintaining a perfect 4-0 record and climbing to No. 10 in the tennessee state high school football rankings with 141 points. Similarly, Franklin Road Academy (4-0) holds the No. 19 position with 70 points, while Boyd-Buchanan (5-0) sits at No. 20 with 56 points.
Blackman continues its impressive ascent in the tennessee high school football rankings by class, now at No. 17 overall with a spotless 5-0 record. Germantown has likewise been dominant, rising to No. 9 with a perfect 5-0 mark.
Key Games That Shaped the Rankings
A handful of pivotal matchups in September have dramatically altered the tennessee high school football rankings landscape.
McCallie’s statement victory over California powerhouse Mission Viejo stands out as perhaps the most nationally significant result. During this impressive 25-14 upset on September 19, the Blue Tornado controlled the clock with 203 rushing yards against the nationally sixth-ranked Diablos. Senior running back Kris Lloyd contributed 99 crucial ground yards, while McCallie’s defense repeatedly pressured Ohio State-committed quarterback Luke Fahey, sacking him three times. Consequently, MaxPreps elevated McCallie to No. 21 in their national rankings.
Baylor established themselves as serious contenders by dismantling Christ Presbyterian Academy 48-7 in a matchup between two highly regarded programs. This victory, their most dominant of the season, kept the Red Raiders perfect at 4-0.
Notably, Oakland Patriots reinforced their elite status with a convincing 38-0 shutout of Siegel. Their balanced rushing attack saw three different backs eclipse 50 yards, with Kam Morton’s efficiency through the air (3-of-6 for 125 yards) providing perfect complementary offense.
Specifically, Ensworth made their case with a resounding 49-8 victory over Lipscomb Academy. Wyoming commit Taylor Hasselbeck shined by completing 17-of-24 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, while EJ Gibson added three rushing touchdowns.
Conclusion
September 2025 has certainly delivered a month of unforgettable action across Tennessee high school football. Through five weeks of play, we’ve witnessed remarkable upsets, breakthrough performances, and shifting dynamics that have reshaped the state rankings. McCallie School now stands atop these rankings after their impressive victory over nationally-ranked Mission Viejo, while Oakland maintains elite status despite dropping to second place with their perfect 5-0 record.
Perhaps the most compelling stories, however, come from unexpected places. Nashville Christian has emerged as a true Cinderella story, becoming the first Division II-A program to defeat a DII-AAA opponent. Additionally, programs like Antioch, Lebanon, and Whites Creek have defied expectations with perfect starts after struggling in recent seasons.
The landscape of Tennessee high school football continues evolving through statement victories. McCallie’s triumph over Mission Viejo and Baylor’s dismantling of Christ Presbyterian Academy stand out as particularly defining moments. These results, alongside Ensworth’s rise following their victory over Lipscomb Academy, have created new hierarchies across divisions.
As we look ahead to October’s slate of games, the 168 matchups scheduled for this Friday alone guarantee further movement in the rankings. Teams like Montgomery Bell Academy face crucial tests, while Oakland attempts to extend their impressive winning streak against regional rivals. Though the current rankings reflect September’s action, they remain fluid – a testament to the competitive spirit and unpredictability that makes Tennessee high school football so thrilling to follow.
After all, if September taught us anything, it’s that no ranking is permanent and every Friday night brings new opportunities for teams to rise, fall, or cement their place among the state’s elite programs.