News Summary
The Texas high school football season approaches as the Chronicle reveals the top players from the Greater Houston area. The rankings, based on performance statistics and recruiting prospects, begin releasing on July 28, highlighting competitive talents from various schools including Ridge Point and Randle. Notable players include standout cornerbacks and quarterbacks, with college commitments from top institutions. This season promises intense competition and remarkable talent across local high schools.
Houston, Texas – Top Players Ranked Ahead of 2025 High School Football Season
The Texas high school football season is set to kick off, with the Chronicle unveiling the top players from the Greater Houston area. The rankings, which encompass players from various classifications, are driven by individual performance statistics, past accomplishments, and college recruiting prospects. The first group of rankings is scheduled for release on July 28, with subsequent lists following in the weeks leading up to the season’s start.
Ranking Schedule
The rankings will be rolled out in groups of ten, culminating in the unveiling of the top players. The schedule is as follows:
- 41-50: Monday, July 28
- 31-40: Monday, August 4
- 21-30: Monday, August 11
- 11-20: Monday, August 18
- 1-10: Monday, August 24
School Representation
This year, eight schools have succeeded in having two players each featured in the rankings. These institutions include Willis, Kingwood, Iowa Colony, Jordan, Fort Bend Marshall, Pearland, Klein, and Legacy the School of Sport Sciences. Leading the way, Ridge Point and Randle are represented with three players each, showcasing the overall competition across the Greater Houston region, which saw 38 schools have at least one player selected.
Position Analysis
The rankings illustrate a broad spectrum of talent among position groups as well. Running backs topped the list with nine selections, followed by offensive linemen with seven. Highlights from other position categories include:
- Edge rushers: 7
- Wide receivers: 5
- Linebackers: 5
- Quarterbacks: 5
- Defensive linemen: 4
- Safeties: 3
- Cornerbacks: 3
Two players have been classified as “athletes” due to their ability to play on both offense and defense.
College Commitments
Interest from college programs is high, with four Texas institutions among the most selections: TCU leads with five, followed by Texas with four, Houston with four, and Texas A&M with three. Notably, North Carolina, Illinois, and SMU also feature multiple commits, while programs like Arizona State, Texas State, and Duke have secured one.
Top Player Highlights
Among the notable players highlighted in the upcoming season’s rankings is Isaiah McMillan, a cornerback from Katy who had four interceptions last season. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 171 lbs, he is committed to Kentucky. Kelly, a running back from Klein, distinguished himself with 1,677 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, committing to SMU for his college career.
Fort Bend Marshall’s Kaeden Johnson is another standout, a towering quarterback at 6’6″ and 220 lbs who passed for 25 touchdowns last season and is committed to Texas A&M. Other significant contributors include Shanks from Kinkaid, who recorded 1,900 all-purpose yards and helped secure an SPC 4A championship, and Rhodes, a top national recruit from the 2028 class, who rushed for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, accumulating over 20 college offers.
Defensive prowess was showcased by Kingwood’s Cade Haug, who finished last season with 153 tackles, and Kinney, a safety committed to Northwestern, who had seven interceptions and five return touchdowns. Umeh, an edge defender for St. Thomas, earned first-team all-state honors with 58 tackles, while Randle’s Ryan Mallory was recognized as Defensive MVP of the state title game after totaling 80 tackles. Lastly, Yates quarterback Christopher Brown was exceptional, contributing nearly 4,000 offensive yards and 47 touchdowns last season.
As the Texas high school football landscape prepares for another competitive season, these rankings highlight the breadth of talent spreading across Greater Houston, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaver High School Aims for Third Consecutive 1A Football Championship
Northern Bedford County Opens New $1 Million Weight Room
Tragic Forklift Accident Claims Life of Young Graduating Student
Jayden Warren Commits to University of Houston Football
Houston Celebrates Texas Fury Texans’ Historic Championship Win
Jayden Warren Commits to the University of Houston
Houston Welcomes New Recruits for Football Season
Deadly Drive-By Shooting Outside Houston Nightclub
Former Texas Southern University Football Player Shot and Killed
Willie Fritz Outlines Vision for Houston Cougars Football
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Texas High School Football Player Rankings
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Statesman: Texas High School Football – Taylor Receives Belated District Title
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- NBC DFW: Mental Health Sparks Turnover Among Texas High School Football Coaches
- Google News: Texas High School Football
- Amarillo: Top Returning Texas Panhandle QBs for 2025 High School Football Season
- Google Search: Texas High School Football Coaches Mental Health
- High School Football America: The Tom Bean Story
- Google Scholar: Texas High School Football
