NJ football rankings: New Jersey Super 25 entering the 2024 season

With the high school football season getting started later this week for many of New Jersey’s top teams, it’s time to unveil the first New Jersey Super 25 rankings of the 2024 season.

Every week, voters from across USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey will rank the Top 25 teams in the state. The rankings will be posted every Tuesday morning.

Four state championship teams from a year ago begin the season ranked in the Super 25.

25. Hillsborough

Public ranking: 15

The Raiders went 8-3 last season and reached the South Group 5 sectional semifinals on the strength of their defense. They won on the strength of their defense, which held opponents to 11.5 points per game and should once again be strong. Senior running back Jackson Jankowicz (1,000 rushing yards) keys an improved offense bolstered by the return of five starting linemen.

First game: Thursday at Somerville

24. Glassboro

Public ranking: 14

The Bulldogs defense was downright stingy last season, yielding just 8.6 points per game en route to a sectional title and a spot in the Group 1 state final. The team returns seven starters on defense, including junior tackle Brandon Simmons, sophomore safety Xavier Sabb and junior corner Amari Sabb. An explosive offense got even more lethal with the addition of senior running back Kenny Smith, a transfer from Hammonton who rushed for more than 3,500 yards in his first three seasons.

First game: Thursday vs. St. Frances Regional (Md.)

23. Cherokee

Public ranking: 13

The South Group 5 sectional champion last season, Cherokee will have plenty of new faces in its lineup but has the talent to make another deep postseason run. Senior Murad Campfield rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Paving the way with be a talented and experienced front line which includes seniors Dylan Grau, Chris Therien and Cole Shanze.

First game:…