Top 25 Texas high school football rankings: DeSoto finishes No. 1 (12/19/2023)

SBLive's final Texas Power 25 power rankings of 2023 are here. Who rose? Who fell?

Texas high school football has come to an end. Last week, 12 UIL state champions were crowned at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

As the dust settles, we're taking one final pass at the SBLive Texas Power 25 power rankings. Who finishes the 2023 fall season among the 25 best high school football teams in Texas?

Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 rankings, as of the week of Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The rankings are compiled by Ryan Childers and Andy Buhler.

PAST RANKINGS: PRESEASON | AUG. 28 | SEPT. 4 | SEPT. 11 | SEPT. 18 | OCT. 2 | OCT. 9 | OCT. 17 | OCT. 23 | OCT. 30 | NOV. 6

Have a case to make about a team? A bone to pick? Reach the Texas editor at andy@scorebooklive.com.

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1. DeSoto (16-0)

DeSoto backup running back Deondrae Riden, a four-star prospect, celebrates a touchdown during the 6A Division II state championship on Saturday at AT&T Stadium / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 1; Last game: Def. Summer Creek, 74-14; 2023 finish: 6A Division II state champions; SBLive/SI national ranking: 2.

It was clear in the 6A Division II state championship who the better team was. The Eagles, as they have all season, started fast and did not let up in a 74-13 drubbing of Summer Creek that put a bow on one of the nation's best high school football teams, and marked the program's first repeat title. Are we in the early days of a Claude Mathis-built dynasty?

2. Duncanville (15-1)

Duncanville running back Caden Durham rushes  / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 3; Last game: Def. No. 2 North Shore, 49-33; 2023 finish: 6A Division I state champions; SBLive/SI national ranking: 7.

Duncanville completed its impressive postseason run with a repeat state title behind MVP performances from LSU-bound running back Caden Durham and Texas-bound 5-star edge rusher Collin Simmons.

3. North Shore (15-1)

North Shore running back D'Andre Hardeman Jr. take a carry during the 6A Division I state title against Duncanville on Saturday / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 2; Last game: Lost to No. 2 Duncanville, 49-33; 2023 finish: 6A Division I state runner-up; SBLive/SI national ranking: 13.

North Shore's deficit grew early, and ultimately too large, in its 6A Division I championship loss to Duncanville, which it's met in the title five of the last six years. Unlike most teams, the Mustangs were able to counter the Panthers' star power with some of its own, like junior QB Kaleb Bailey, who went 19-for-25 for 239 yards and three TDs. They'll be back - both Bailey and five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez are headline a talented list of returners next fall.

4. Aledo Bearcats (16-0)

Hawk Patrick-Daniels celebrates a touchdown in Aledo's thrashing of Smithson Valley in the 5A Division I Texas state title on Saturday / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 5; Last ranking: Def. No. 17 Smithson Valley, 51-8; 2023 finish: 5A Division I state champions.

Back-to-back 5A Division I state championships. A 30-game win streak. Somehow Aledo one-upped its 2022 campaign, by running the table and posting another dominant title showing, led by seniors Hauss Hejny (TCU commit), championship MVP Hawk Patrick-Daniels, and Davhon Keys led the way to the program's 12 state championships. 

5. Westlake (14-1)

Westlake junior defensive back Brandon Clark warms up before a regular season game.  / Photo by Chuck Cox, SBLive Sports

Previous rank: 4; Last game: Lost to No. 3 North Shore, 23-14; 
2023 finish: 6A Division I state semifinals.

The Chaps went undefeated in the regular season, won district and regional titles, but fell a touchdown shy of AT&T Stadium, losing to nationally ranked North Shore in the 6A Division I semifinals. Coach Tony Salazar's group was melded together by a senior class that went 60-deep, and spent most of the season nationally ranked without having a high-major prospect.

6. Southlake Carroll (13-2)

Southlake Carroll QB Graham Knowles releases a throw in the 6A Division II state semifinals against DeSoto / Photo by Michael Horbovetz

Previous rank: 10; Last game: Lost to No. 1 DeSoto, 45-38; 2023 finish: 6A Division II state semifinals.

For as strong as Southlake Carroll looked all season, its defining moment might be how good it looked in 6A Division II state semifinals defeat. The Dragons played DeSoto, the nation's No. 2 team, tougher than anyone else (including Duncanville) in the state semifinals — so close it nearly won.

7. Port Neches-Groves (15-1)

Quarterback Connor Bailey drops into the pocket during the 5A Division II state championship win over South Oak Cliff on Saturday at AT&T Stadium / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: Not ranked; Last Game: Def. No. 8 South Oak Cliff Bears, 20-17; 2023 finish: 5A Division II state champions.

PNG got its revenge on the two-time defending champion Bears in this year's 5A Division II state title. After losing to the SOC a year ago, Port Neches Groves rode a second half comeback to one of the most thrilling wins of title week — its first since 1975 — fueled by a late onside kick in the fourth quarter to set up the go-ahead touchdown. Big plays came from everywhere, including a record four field goals (on four attempts) kicker Gino Oceguera, who was named championship offensive MVP.

8. South Oak Cliff (13-3)

South Oak Cliff QB William Little drops back in the pocket during the 5A Division II state championship game against Port Neches-Groves on Saturday at AT&T Stadium / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 12; Last game: Lost to No. 7 Port Neches Groves, 20-17; 2023 finish: 5A Division II state runner-up.

The Bears suffered beat-downs at the hands of nationally ranked Duncanville and DeSoto to start the year. Then, they rattled off 12 straight wins — many of them blowouts — to cruise to an a district championship. SOC looked reared to three-peat, but came up just short in a title thriller with Port Neches-Groves.

9. North Crowley (14-1)

North Crowley junior linebacker Jonathan Cunningham gets lined up early in the 2023 Texas high school football season.  / Photo by Cody Thorn

Previous rank: 16; Last game: Lost to No. 2 Duncanville, 35-7; 2023 finish: 6A Division I state semifinals.

The Panthers ran the table in 6A District 6 and rolled it into state semifinal run the state's largest classification. In 2021, the Panthers had their first winning season in 14 years. They've improved each year since, and have gone 26-2 in the last two seasons. Senior tailback Ashton Searl finished the year with 1,653 yards, 31 touchdowns and six 100-yard games. 

10. Willis (12-1)

DJ Lagway wears a nonchalant look after scoring one of his 74 touchdowns in the 6A Division II regional semifinals :: Photo by Daniel Grant / @danielcapturedit

Previous rank: 17; Last game: Lost to No. 1 DeSoto, 65-31; 2023 finish: 6A Division II regional semifinals.

The DJ Lagway show will be one to remember. In 13 games, the Florida-committed 5-star racked up 4,604 passing yards and 58 touchdowns, 957 rushing yards and 16 more touchdowns, and led the Wildkats to an undefeated regular season and momentous 6A Division II playoff run that ended in the regional finals at the hands of No. 1 DeSoto.

11. Summer Creek (14-2)

Summer Creek QB Blake Thomas surveys the field during the 6A Division II state title loss to DeSoto on Saturday at AT&T Stadium

Previous rank: 21; Last game: Lost to No. 1 DeSoto, 74-14; 2023 finish: 6A Division II state runner-up.

Summer Creek picked up a collection of quality regular wins (and a narrow loss to nationally ranked North Shore), which helped fuel a run to the 6A Division II state title. A championship blowout to national No. 2 DeSoto shouldn't overshadow a tremendous season led by first-year starting QB Blake Thomas (2,368 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT), 2,000-yard rusher Lloyd Avant and LSU-bound linebacker Xavier Atkins.

12. Timpson (16-0)

Terry Bussey, 5-star Texas A&M commit, rolls out of the pocket during a record-smashing state title win over Tolar on Wednesday / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous Rank: 24; Last game: Def. Tolar, 49-7; 2023 finish: 2A Division I champions.

Timpson didn't just return to the Class 2A semifinals for the fourth straight year. This time, the Bears trounced its way into an undefeated season and first state title in program history. In its title blowout of Tolar — a feat achieved without the help of junior JJ Garner (1,313 rushing yards, 24 TDs) and (675 all-purpose yards, nine TDs) — 5-star Texas A&M commit Terry Bussey broke championship records for longest TD run and pass.

READ MORE: Timpson ends remarkable run with 'truly amazing' Texas state football title triumph

13. Cibolo-Steele (13-2)

Steele sophomore running back Jonathan Hatton races through the open field during the 2023 season.  / SBLive file photo

Previous rank: 11; Last game: Lost to No. 11 Summer Creek, 38-14; 2023 finish: 6A Division II state semifinals.

The 6A District 27 champions capped a strong season with a deep playoff run. The Knights will look to build on their state semifinal appearance with a strong returning core in 2024, led by quarterback Chad Warner, receivers Jalen Cooper and Royal Capel, and running back Jonathan Hatton.  

14. Anna (15-1)

QB Connor Bailey gets ready to release a pass during the 5A Division II state championship win on Friday at AT&T Stadium / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: Not ranked; Last game: Def. Tyler Chapel Hill, 26-0; 2023 finish: 4A Division I state champion.

For the first time in program history, Anna football is a state champ. The Coyotes rode a dominant first half to a shutout of Chapel Hill in the 4A Division I state championship. with a stout defense CJ Miller, who had 15 tackles at AT&T Stadium. 

15. Lake Travis (11-3)

Lake Travis senior QB Kadyn Leon releases a pass during the 2022 season.  / Photo by Clara Sandoval

Previous rank: On the bubble; Last game: Lost to No. 5 Westlake, 21-14; 2023 finish: 6A Division I regional finals.

The Cavaliers had another deep postseason run making it to the regional final losing to their district and Austin rival, Westlake. Lake Travis pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the playoffs knocking off previously unbeaten and a favorite to win the state championship, Vandegrift in the first round. It was an impressive defense performance that propelled the Cavaliers in the playoffs, along with steady quarterback play from 2025 signal caller Chston Ditta, who will return next year to lead the Lake Travis squad. 

16. Austin-Vandegrift Vipers (10-1)

Vandegrift senior tight end Bryce Altrudo finds the endzone / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 6; Last game: Lost to No. 15 Lake Travis, 13-10; 2023 finish: 6A Division I bi-district round.

A tough draw and a first round playoff exit at the hands of Lake Travis spoiled an otherwise tremendous year. The Vipers ran the table to win 6A District 25 with an offense led by Louisville-committed senior Duece Adams (2,128 passing yards, 27 TD, INT) and his favorite target, receiver Miles Coleman (1,014 yards, 8 TDs), committed to North Texas.

17. Smithson Valley Rangers (14-2)

Vandegrift players celebrate a big play during a 5A Division I state semifinal blowout of Brownsville Veterans / Photo by Blake Purcell

Previous rank: 25; Last game: Lost to No. 4 Aledo, 51-8; 2023 finish: 5A Division I runner-up.

The Rangers got as close as they have to winning their first state title when it throttled Brownsville Veterans Memorial in an intense UIL state semifinals road atmosphere in Corpus Christi to reach the final stage for the first time since 2004.

18. Prosper Eagles (11-2)

Prosper quarterback Nathan Tenbarge gets loose on a run duringa Texas high school football game.  / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

Previous rank: 8; Last game: Lost to No. 9 North Crowley, 35-7; 
2023 finish: 6A Division I regional semifinals.

Prosper swept its way past the likes of Allen and McKinney to a 6A District 5 title, which spurred a run to the third round of the playoffs, where it lost to No. 9 North Crowley.

19. Lucas-Lovejoy Leopards (12-2) 

Senior Alexander Franklin rolls out of the pocket and surveys the field during a playoff loss to South Oak Cliff.  / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

Previous rank: 14; Last game: Lost to South Oak Cliff, 42-0; 2023 finish: 5A Division II regional finals.

The Leopards were fueled by a talented, shutdown defense headlined by 4-star Ohio State-bound linebacker Payton Pierce. They suffocated Melissa for the 6A District 7 title, and its lone losses were to No. 9 North Crowley in the regular season and No. 8 South Oak Cliff in the regional title game.

20. Longview Lobos (11-2)

Oklahoma commit Taylor Tatum carries the ball during a Texas high school football game in Sept. 2022.  / Photo by Tommy Hays

Previous rank: 19; Last game: Lost to Lancaster, 27-24; 2023 finish: 5A Division I regional semifinals.

The Lobos opened the season with a narrow loss to McKinney, then rattled off 11 consecutive wins that included a 13-7 win over No. 22 Forney and a 5A District 7 title sweep. Longview had to finish its season without Taylor Tatum, the nation's top running back, and nearly escaped the third round without the Oklahoma commit — if not for a last-second Lancaster field goal.

21. Atascocita Eagles (11-3) 

Atascocita running back Tory Blaylock warms up during the 2023 postseason / Photo by Tom Dendy

Previous rank: 22; Last game: Lost to No. 3 North Shore, 34-28; 2023 finish: 6A Division I regional finals.

One of the top teams in Southeast Texas perennially was once again very talented. Its signature win came early (Sept. 1 over Katy) challenged, but could not beat the best of its region, taking losses to Summer Creek and North Shore (twice), the latter of which ultimately ended the Eagles' run. 

22. Reagan Rattlers (11-1)

Reagan defends a play during the 2022 high school football season.  / Photo by Blake Purcell

Previous rank: 13; Last game: Lost to No. 5 Westlake, 45-28; 2023 finish: 6A Division I area round.

The Rattlers finish 2023 among the top teams in San Antonio after running the table to win 6A District 28 behind running back Cole Pryor (141 yards per game, 22 TDs) and senior signal-caller Brad Jackson (2,435 passing yards, 25 TD, 3 INT). Their run ended in the area round to nationally ranked Westlake.

23. Forney Jackrabbits (13-2)

Previous rank: Not ranked; Last game: Lost to No. 4 Aledo, 43-7; 2023 finish: 5A Division I semifinals.

The Jackrabbits escaped the bi-district round with a 26-24 win over Lone Star, they rattled off two more wins — over Richland (64-41) and Lancaster (43-41) before falling to 5A buzzsaw Aledo. QB Kyle Crawford split time as a junior, then took over this fall, throwing for 2,413 yards and 29 TDs with eight interceptions. Forney made its bread on the ground, where sophomore Javian Osborne (2,154 yards, 37 TD) led the way.

24. Gilmer Buckeyes (13-3)

Gilmer QB Caden Tennison braces for contact during the 2023 4A Division II state championship against Bellville at AT&T Stadium

Previous rank: Not ranked; Last game: Def. Bellville, 28-26 ; 2023 finish: 4A Division II state champions.

Gilmer must relish the opportunity to play undefeated teams — especially with the season on the line. After losing three of its first six games, the Buckeyes rattled off 10 in a row, capped by upsets of defending champion and once-hopeful 4A Division I dynasty Carthage 47-44 in the regional championship and previously undefeated Bellville, 28-26. State Champion Sprinter Will Henderson is now also State Champion running back Will Henderson (2,737 yards, 35 TD rushing; 449 receiving yards, 3 TD).

25. Brownsville Veterans Memorial (12-3)

Brownsville Veterans Memorial's Alvin Trevillion take a carry during a 5A Division I state semifinal loss to Smithson Valley.  / Photo by Blake Purcell

Previous rank: Not ranked; Last game: Lost to No. 16 Smithson Valley, 49-21; 2023 finish: 5A Division I semifinals.

One of the defining stories of the Texas high school football season, Brownsville Veterans upended the top two teams in South Texas in back-to-back weeks and seemingly brought its entire cadre of supporters to Corpus Christi for its 5A Division I state semifinal loss to Smithson Valley.

Next 5 Up: 

Melissa Cardinals (10-2)

Pharr San Juan Alamo North Raiders (12-1)

Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers (13-1)

Dripping Springs (11-3)

Liberty Hill (10-5)

-- Ryan Childers | @sblivetx

-- Andy Buhler | andy@scorebooklive.com | @sblivetx