The Marion Wildcats are the top team in Southern Illinois entering the 2025 season.  The Cats return a glut of last year’s roster and are led by a quarterback that received national attention during the offseason in senior Callahan Roper.

Last year’s End-of-Season #1 team, Nashville clocks in at #3 this preseason.  They, like the #2 team Murphysboro, graduated several of last season’s key pieces but are still expected to be near the top of the heap in Little Egypt.

The Mt. Vernon Rams come in at #4.  The preseason feeling around the Rams is that they are ready to bounce back following a disappointing 3-6 season in 2024.  They are entering Year 4 of Dan Mings’ second tenure as head coach.

Johnston City comes in at #5 following back-to-back appearances in the IHSA 2A semifinals.  They are led by new head coach Marshall Mummert.  Former head coach Todd Thomas remains on staff and will help maintain stability despite stepping away from the top position.  They’re the only team in the Top 5 without a first place vote.

Other teams receiving first place votes in the preseason include: Benton, Carterville, and Centralia.

Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:

Rank	School (First Place Votes)	Points	Rank Last Week
1	Marion (2)	124	–
2	Murphysboro (5)	110	–
3	Nashville (2)	99	–
4	Mt. Vernon	90	–
5	Johnston City	86	–
6	Benton (1)	83	–
7	Carterville (1)	82	–
8	Centralia (3)	68	–
9	Du Quoin	45	–
10	Carbondale	31	–

Also receiving votes: Harrisburg 18, Chester 13, Fairfield 9, West Frankfort 8, Sesser-Valier 7, Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 4, Carmi-White County 2, Edwards County 1

*The John A. Logan Little Egypt Football Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week