Poll: Open Division champions top our preseason football rankings

San Diego Union-Tribune Preseason Football Rankings

Rank, School (2024 record): Comment, Final 2024 ranking

1. Lincoln (11-2 in 2024): Open champs are the champs ’til somebody beats them, 1

2. Cathedral Catholic (9-3): With talent at every position, the Dons are top Open Division contenders., 2

3. Mission Hills (8-3): Gave Lincoln all it could handle in last year’s playoffs; has top-flight QB., 3

4. Granite Hills (11-3): Division 1 champs return star QB., 4

5. La Costa Canyon (10-1): Best Mavericks team in a while, led by solid QB., 5

6. Carlsbad (8-4): Lancers not happy with four-loss season. Look for a big rebound., 7

7. San Marcos (11-2): New receivers join 3,000-yard passer., 6

8. Mount Miguel (9-3): Speed and talent all over the field. Opens at San Marcos., 10

9. Oceanside (7-4): Looks like the rebuild is over. Time to challenge the big boys., NR

10. Helix (5-7): Transfer QB joins top receivers and tough defense., NR

11. Poway (6-8): Division 2 champs return 11 starters. Transfer QB could be huge., 9

12. Rancho Bernardo (9-3): Sophomore QB and talented defense could push Broncos higher., 13

13. El Camino (6-6): Division 1 semifinalists must stay healthy to move up., 8

14. Mater Dei Catholic (9-4): Crusaders open with game against Cathedral Catholic., NR

15. Del Norte (7-5): Nine starters return but O-line must step up., 17

16. Torrey Pines (5-7): Talented Falcons could ditch the Wing-T for more passing., 11

17. Bishop’s (7-4): Knights have big-time QB and are ready to challenge., NR

18. Santa Fe Christian (9-2): Eagles have solid players at every position., NR

19. St. Augustine (4-11): Division 4 champs return QB and move to Western League., 15

20. Imperial (9-2): Tigers return 11 starters, including QB. Could be the best team in the desert., NR

JOHN MAFFEI