THE HIERARCHY: VYPE DFW 2025 Preseason Football Rankings; North Crowley, SL Carroll headline the early Top-20
As the countdown to the ensuing football season begins, the Dallas-Fort Worth region once again stands at the epicenter of Texas gridiron power. With a mix of returning state champions, perennial contenders, and fast-rising challengers, this year’s VYPE DFW preseason Top 20 offers a familiar — yet subtly reshuffled — look at the area’s elite programs.
At the top sits North Crowley, which enters the season as the reigning 6A Division I State Champions after a flawless 16-0 run in 2024. With momentum and depth on their side, the Panthers now shift from surprise story to title defender.
Close behind are programs with no shortage of postseason pedigree. Southlake Carroll, fresh off a 6A Division II title-game appearance, and Duncanville, another consistent contender, remain fixtures in the championship conversation. Allen, DeSoto, Denton Guyer, and Coppell also return with rosters capable of deep playoff runs in the state's top classification.
In Class 5A, Highland Park and South Oak Cliff headline a group rich with postseason experience. Both reached the State Finals in their respective divisions last year, and each has the infrastructure and tradition to make another push. Teams like Aledo, Denton Ryan, and Argyle continue to reload rather than rebuild, while Frisco Lone Star and Wylie East are looking to convert regional success into state-level breakthroughs.
The 4A scene is led by Celina, which went undefeated en route to a state title last fall. The Bobcats, one of Texas’ most decorated programs, appear poised for another strong year. Panther Creek is also gaining attention after a 10-win season and could be a sleeper pick in the smaller-class ranks.
With proven champions and hungry challengers at every level, DFW football promises another thrilling ride in 2025.
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VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-20 Football Rankings -- 2025 PRESEASON
***Second section denotes 2024 result
1. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 16-0 // UIL 6A-D1 State Champions*
2. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 15-1 // UIL 6A-D2 State Finalists
3. Duncanville Panthers (6A) -- 13-1 // UIL 6A-D1 State Semifinalists
4. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 14-2 // UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists
5. South Oak Cliff Bears (5A) -- 13-3 // UIL 5A-D2 State Finalists*
6. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 13-1 // 6A-D1 Region 1 Finalists
7. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 12-2 // 5A-D1 Region 1 Finalists
8. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 10-4 // 6A-D2 Region 1 Finalists
9. DeSoto Eagles (6A) -- 11-3 // 6A-D2 Region 2 Finalists
10. Denton Ryan Raiders (5A) -- 13-2 // UIL 5A-D1 State Semifinalists*
11. Celina Bobcats (4A) -- 16-0 // UIL 4A-D1 State Champions*
12. Argyle Eagles (5A) -- 13-2 // UIL 5A-D2 State Semifinalists*
13. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 8-3 // 6A-D1 Bi-District Finalists
14. Waxahachie Indians (6A) -- 9-4 // 6A-D1 Regional Semifinalists
15. Lone Star Rangers (5A) -- 12-2 // 5A-D1 Region 2 Finalists
16. Coppell Cowboys (6A) -- 12-1 // 6A-D1 Regional Semifinalists
17. Trinity Trojans (6A) -- 11-2 // 6A-D1 Regional Semifinalists
18. Lewisville Farmers (6A) -- 7-4 // 6A-D1 Bi-District Finalists
19. Panther Creek Panthers (4A) -- 10-2 // 4A-D1 Area Finalists
20. Wylie East Raiders (6A) -- 10-2 // 6A-D2 Area Finalists
Others to Watch: North Forney Falcons (6A), Rockwall Yellowjackets (6A), Cedar Hill Longhorns (6A), Lake Highlands Wildcats (6A), Lovejoy Leopards (5A), Walnut Grove Wildcats (5A), Reedy Lions (5A), Midlothian Panthers (5A), Red Oak Hawks (5A), Stephenville Yellowjackets (4A)