2025 CIF Playoff Projections & Contenders

Timing Is Everything and now is that time

Here we go with what we deem as one of the most exciting postseason projections in years in the CIF.

• The regular season wraps up toward the end of October, as teams make their final pushes for positioning.
• For the CIF Southern Section, the at-large entry form deadline is October 31, 2025, per CIF-SS rules.
• While exact 2025 playoff dates are still being finalized by section offices, past precedent shows first-round games typically happen in early-to-mid November. lafocusnews.com+2coachfore.org+2
• The high-stakes of the postseason demand peak performance — only the teams that finish strong will have the shot to hoist trophies.

Our Projected Top Contenders

Here’s how things are poppin’ off across CIF, by section and the teams that look like they’ll carry that championship energy to the very end the postseason.

Southern Section (CIF-SS)

• St. John Bosco (9–0)
  They sit atop the Southern Section rankings, undefeated and commanding. Their perfect season so far makes them a likely #1 seed in whatever top division they land.
• Sierra Canyon (9–0)
  Also undefeated, the Trailblazers are building momentum and strength, potentially locking into a top spot in Division 1 or even the increasingly discussed “Open” bracket.
• Centennial / Corona (8–1)
  The Huskies have staked their claim, with a dangerous offense and the resume to contend for a top seed in Division 1.
• Mater Dei (6–2)
  A proven powerhouse. The Monarchs won the CIF-SS Division 1 and state open title last year. Despite a couple of early losses, they have enough pedigree and talent to make a deep playoff run.

Other teams to watch in the Southern Section include Mission Viejo (8–1) and Santa Margarita (6–3) — both are in this top-tier mix, per recent rankings.

Central Section

• The Central Section’s playoff divisions have been reshaped for 2025, adding more fluidity in who moves up or down based on bracket strength.
• Notably, Division I increased from 9 teams to 14, meaning more opportunities for elite programs to rise.
• This realignment could benefit traditional Central Section contenders — teams that finish in that top quartile of the bracket stand a serious chance to climb and contend for section titles.

Because the Central Section is more fluid this season, the rivalry games in the final weeks will have even higher stakes. One slip can shift your playoff division; one win can propel you upward. That’s the kind of pressure that forges champions.

Northern / North Coast Section

• While detailed 2025 section bracket projections are thinner for the North, one name stands out: De La Salle (8–0).
• Historically, De La Salle has been a force in Northern California and the North Coast Section; if they keep this pace, they’re not just in the mix for section glory — they could very well be contenders for state-level playoff consideration (bowl-style or beyond).

So teams like Bosco and De La Salle aren’t chasing wins as much as they are holding legacy. These programs have already proven themselves as winners and culture has deem them as such as well. So teams like Sierra Canyon and Mater Dei are not here excited about just making it to the dance, they’re success is based on how many rings they obtain.

For other programs, especially in the Central Section, with the new alignment is pretty much a fresh chance to prove they belong amongst the heavyweights.

In a world where few things are guaranteed, the 2025 CIF football playoffs are shaping up to be a test of heart, hustle, and belief. The teams that will rise won’t just be the most talented, they’ll be the most prepared and built.

At Khaos, we believe in the grind, so those late-night film sessions, the 2-a-day practices, the athletes and coaches who push past their limits because they know the scoreboard doesn’t lie.

And when the playoffs are finally here, we won’t just be watching dreams acheived but we’ll be witnessing empires continue their rein while upcoming programs build their legacy.

Continue to stay locked in fellas and good luck to you all!