Early #PRZTN Big School Rankings (‘25 Season)

Chris Smith December 31, 2024 @ 03:22 PM

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A lot will change over the coming year but looking ahead to the 2025 season, here we provide our early big school Top 25 rankings w/ McCallie sitting in the lead spot! </h2>   Big School Top 25     1. McCallie Blue Tornado   - The Blue Tornado already looked strong going into the ‘25 season but look even better now coming off winning another state championship. McCallie had a great run towards the title in ‘24 and have a chance to repeat next Fall with most everybody returning, including top level players like [player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'], [player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau'], [player_tooltip player_id='212419' first='Cooper' last='Gentle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'].    - - -   2. Baylor Red Raiders   - Chasing after McCallie for that D2-Class AAA title will be the Red Raiders and after coming up one game short in 2024, Baylor will be gunning after that “Gold Ball” next Fall. They won't be as loaded as this season but still have a big time roster returning, led by star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] and supported by guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'], [player_tooltip player_id='958217' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore'] and a powerful O-line with [player_tooltip player_id='1270425' first='Gabriel' last='Osenda'], [player_tooltip player_id='1206520' first='Xavier' last='Wade'] and [player_tooltip player_id='926104' first='Charlie' last='Edgeworth'].    - - -   3. CPA Lions   - Moving up to the D2-Class AAA level for the ‘25 season, the Lions take on a new challenge, competing against some of the best in this state and I believe they will be well equipped. A new quarterback will need to be found but the pieces around will be strong with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] and out wide with stud receiver [player_tooltip player_id='824736' first='Owen' last='Cabell']. The O-line will be good too with [player_tooltip player_id='1158911' first='Isaiah' last='Bryant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='905243' first='Skyler' last='Smith'] leading the way.    - - -   4. Oakland Patriots   - Even though the Pats are having to replace several key seniors, I still think they will be the class of the 6A ranks, especially with Coach Creasy at the helm. Several young players like [player_tooltip player_id='904730' first='Velon' last='Henderson'] and others will need to step into bigger roles next year but Oakland has a stud to build around and lead them on another title run in senior two-way prospect [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/IMG_3172.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1575479" style="width:337px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - -   5. Ensworth Tigers   - The Tigers had an impressive 2024 season that saw them lose only two games and sit one game away from a title appearance. Most of that unit returns for the 2025 campaign. Ensworth will be a bit different on defense after losing some key guys but should still be strong under the play of [player_tooltip player_id='1132842' first='Blake' last='Surratt'], [player_tooltip player_id='854393' first='Jayden' last='Pyant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins']. The Tigers also return a top notch quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1153810' first='Taylor' last='Hasselbeck'].    - - -   6. BGA Wildcats   - Going into the 2025 season, these Wildcats should be considered the favorites to take home the D2-Class AA title. That statement is made due to how many significant players return next Fall, especially in the line of scrimmage with [player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'], [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'], [player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon'] and others back for another year. The backfield will be very strong too with [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] back behind center and him handing it off to [player_tooltip player_id='1405419' first='Ethan' last='Kellum'].    - - -   7. Sevier Co. Smoky Bears   - The majority of the main cast and crew from their ‘24 state title run returns for the 2025 season, so the Smoky Bears have a great shot at going back to back. One of the best quarterbacks in the state is [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] and his return alone puts the Smoky Bears at the top of the charts. His supporting offensive cast will change a bit but the O-line should be solid and the defense exceptional with [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] returning.    - - -   8. FRA Panthers   - A few changes, especially at quarterback will need to be made but the Panthers bring back a strong core in [player_tooltip player_id='1106238' first='Michael' last='Hassell'], [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'], [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1167514' first='Jayden' last='Rush'] that can push for a D2-Class AA state title. Those four alone are future college guys but if support around them can be found and formed together, I like the Panthers chances at making it to Chattanooga.    - - -   9. Bearden Bulldogs   - I really like this Bulldogs team and their chances at having big success in the 2025 season. They could have the best 1-2 combo in the backfield from the 6A ranks with [player_tooltip player_id='1305768' first='D.J.' last='Hunter'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] carrying the ball at running back. They will be supported by a solid offensive line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='402531' first='Charles' last='Humphrey Jr.'] and a defense that could be sneaky good with [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'], [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] and their secondary leading the way.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/jaythompson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1361208" style="width:361px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - -   10. Oak Ridge Wildcats   - This could be your sleeper team at making it to Chattanooga and competing for the 6A title next year. The Wildcats have a strong junior class coming back in 2025 with the potential of having an explosive offense, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='205650' first='Blaine' last='Stansberry'] and his offensive weapons in [player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'], [player_tooltip player_id='331829' first='Will' last='Pressley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard']. The Cats should also have one of the best O-line's from the East TN region, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='866783' first='Jared' last='Bafford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='866772' first='Elijah' last='Young'].   - - -   11. Ravenwood Raptors   - It will be interesting to see how the Raptors come together next Fall as they lose several key players from both sides of the ball. What they do have coming back, which could be strength is their 1-2 combo at quarterback with [player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402559' first='Maverick' last='Chance']. Rising junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] is a candidate for breakout player of the year but he will need help from a revamped O-line to get that done.    - - -   12. Southwind Jaguars   - Could the 2025 season be the year that Southwind finally breaks through and wins that elusive Class 5A state title? It's very possible with the cast they have returning, especially at quarterback with Mr. Football winner [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']. He will be complimented nicely by good skill players like [player_tooltip player_id='1300468' first='Jontae' last='Alexander'] and [player_tooltip player_id='851932' first='Willie' last='Wilkins'] while also having a top level O-line blocking for him, led by juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell']. The defense should be good too with [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] wrecking havoc up front.    - - -   13. Germantown Red Devils   - The 2025 season could be a big bounce back year for the Red Devils. They return a solid core of players that gained a lot of experience this season and should be a year wiser and more developed. Everything starts with the play of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1285552' first='Mekhi' last='Robins-Abram']. He will be complimented by good skill guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1113841' first='Tre'von' last='McGory'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers'] and a defense that should be salty, especially up front with [player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'], [player_tooltip player_id='1566697' first='Joshua' last='Williams'] and others.    - - -   14. Page Patriots   - It's a new era with Page as they move on from the Hazzard/Anes regime and give way to some new competitors. The culture is still strong under Coach Rathbone, so I expect the Pats to remain at the front of the 5A ranks. A big reason why is their O-line, led by rising seniors [player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] as well as some solid skill guys like [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman'] and sophomore sensation [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'].    - - -   15. Beech Buccaneers   - The Bucs are having to replace a few key starters from their team this Fall but return their star players, so a run at the 5A title is very possible. The backfield will yet again be their strength with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'], [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] and two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams']. The O-line could be a strength as well with [player_tooltip player_id='1114738' first='Jack' last='Fuchs'] leading the way up front. Defense is the one area that is a small question mark right now but I'm sure will be solidified by the start of the 2025 season.    - - -   16. Upperman Bees   - The Bees were sitting undefeated with their eyes on the 4A title before they were upset by the eventual champs in Macon Co., so you can bet Upperman will be focused to bounce back in a big way for the 2025 season. A big reason for that is the return of stud quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin']. He is a prime candidate for 4A Mr. Football but he will be complimented well by a solid O-line and strong skill on both sides of the ball, led by [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'], [player_tooltip player_id='1648112' first='Elijah' last='Fitts'] and others.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/upperman2-crop-400x263-1730873827.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1550995" style="width:300px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - -   17. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs   - The 2024 season was a disappointment by the Mustangs standards but maybe the 2025 campaign could be much better. The Mustangs were a young ball club this past Fall but a lot of players gained strong experience that could pay off next year. Offense could still be a work in progress but Lipscomb has a star in [player_tooltip player_id='1170988' first='Cam' last='Blivens'] to throw to and an O-line that should be solid with [player_tooltip player_id='866766' first='Weston' last='Hicks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1180940' first='Caleb' last='Langley'] leading the way. Defense is where this team could be big time, especially up front with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'] and nose tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'].    - - -   18. Antioch Bears   - When you have one of the best quarterbacks in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'], you have a chance to be quite good but the Bears will need to bring a better competitive nature to the field if they want to do something special. Several offensive pieces are in place for Antioch to have an explosive offense. The line will need to be formed but the skill guys are there with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1523324' first='Khalil' last='Ferguson'] out wide and [player_tooltip player_id='1476117' first='Jahkai' last='Brown'] toting the ball at running back.    - - -   19. Knox. Catholic Fighting Irish   - The 2024 season was a struggle for the Fighting Irish but it was also a learning experience for a young ball club that should be much better in 2025. The offense has a chance to be potent with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='284149' first='Tyreek' last='King'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1422957' first='Casen' last='Jenkins'] playing out wide. The defense could be sneaky good as well with potential stars in the defensive front seven with [player_tooltip player_id='624847' first='Jacob' last='Rice'], [player_tooltip player_id='284146' first='J.R.' last='Fowler'] and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1432221' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'].    - - -   20. Collierville Dragons   - Coming off a region title and a quarterfinal appearance in the playoffs, the Dragons are looking to copy their success in 2024 but take things a step further. If Collierville is to win another region title and compete for a state championship, rising junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] has to step up and become a star. He has the tools to do so but he will have help from the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1431843' first='Emanuel' last='Palmer'] out wide and one of the better O-line's in the state, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1104292' first='Cooper' last='Sherrod'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1566272' first='Langston' last='Reed'].    - - -   21. Brentwood Academy Eagles   - The Eagles should be an interesting case to follow next season as I see potential for them to do some special things but for that to happen, new players must step forward while certain position groups must form together. New at quarterback should be junior to be in [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] and he will have a star to throw to in [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman']. The defense could be solid as well with the return of stud prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1206237' first='Arkez' last='Fontenot'] and safety [player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer'].    - - -   22. Maryville Rebels    - The Rebels are losing some key seniors, so there could be a small transition for them as we start the 2025 season but they return several key guys to make a run at another region title. Everything begins and ends with junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1167467' first='Will' last='Jones']. His growth and play will go a long way towards the team's success. He will have help with [player_tooltip player_id='284141' first='Brody' last='Smith'] paving the way up front and a new lead guy in the backfield with Cameron Porter along with a solid defense that should be starred by [player_tooltip player_id='1449768' first='Jaxson' last='Rutledge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1103034' first='Andrew' last='Smith'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/maryville.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1532532" style="width:283px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - -   23. Alcoa Tornadoes   - New to the 4A ranks next season, Alcoa embarks on a new journey where they should have a good roster to compete against top level talent and chase after another state title. Key players must be replaced but the Tornadoes return some key pieces like [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] to build around on offense along with an O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'], [player_tooltip player_id='344895' first='Colton' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'] that should form one of the better units in the state. They also have a star in the making on defense in [player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth'] to lean on while others step forward.    - - -   24. Blackman Blaze   - If the Blaze can settle their quarterback position, this Murfreesboro area team could be a sleeper to watch in the 2025 season. This past Fall, the Blaze put a young ball club on the field that saw some up and down play but still battled and fought hard against top level competition. That experience could bold well moving forward. The Blaze have some potential stars in [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1100917' first='Kennedy' last='Jackson'] the team can build around along with some young up and coming guys in Jabari Kemp, [player_tooltip player_id='1030094' first='JaVonni' last='Malone'] and others that could step into big roles and shine.    - - -   25. Whitehaven Tigers   - The 2024 campaign didn't end the way the Tigers wanted but they showed flashes of big time play that might become more consistent in the 2025 season. They have a lead dog in the backfield to lean on in [player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley']. He is definitely a candidate to contend for Mr. Football but he will need help. Finding pieces around him on offense will be key. I think the defense is what could keep the Tigers involved for a region title with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley'] leading the way.    Just Missed: Powell, White Station, Knox. West, Greeneville, GCA   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/chsdragons.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1453970" style="width:393px;height:auto" /></figure>