As the 2025 Nebraska high school football season approaches, the Class D2 ranks are loaded with returning stars, proven programs, and fresh talent ready to make a name for themselves. The defending champion Central Valley Cougars start the year where they ended last season — on top — but the path back to Lincoln is never easy. Here’s our preseason Top 10.
10. Weeping Water
A talented group with the potential to play spoiler come playoff time. If they put it all together, they can knock off higher seeds in November.
9. Creighton
Known for their physical, hard-nosed style, the Bulldogs are never an easy out and always bring a battle in the trenches.
8. Cambridge
Speed, skill, and a dangerous offense make the Trojans a team to watch. Expect plenty of points when they take the field.
7. Hitchcock County
A battle-tested squad that thrives in big games. They’ll be looking to make another postseason push.
6. Mullen
A gritty, disciplined team built on strong line play. They’ll be in the hunt each week and won’t back down from anyone.
5. Riverside
The 2024 state runner-up brings back experience and talent, keeping them right in the championship conversation.
4. Sandhills/Thedford
Physical and athletic, the Knights have the tools to contend with any team on their schedule.
3. Archangels
Explosive and unpredictable, this team has the kind of firepower that makes them a threat to knock off anyone in the rankings.
2. Howells-Dodge
A program steeped in tradition with a knack for winning big games. They have the roster and the coaching to make a deep run.
1. Central Valley – What We Like
The Cougars enter 2025 as the reigning Class D2 champions and will open the season with a target on their back. Six starters return from last year’s title team, led by four players who landed on our Preseason Fantastic 50 list.
- Offensive Weapons: 1,000-yard rusher Luke Shoemaker and super sophomore Will Pokorny headline the backfield. In the trenches, first-team all-district linemen Caden Straka and Gunnar Vandosall return, giving this squad a dominant front line. Senior Tyler Luscomb, a second-team all-district pick, adds even more experience and strength to the offensive and defensive fronts.
- Quarterback Situation: A new signal caller will take over, but this program has a long history of producing standout QBs. Whether it’s Oaklyn Soto or Lincoln Nekoliczak, the new starter will have plenty of talent to work with.
- Breakout Potential: Keep an eye on 6’4” sophomore tight end Zevan Wolf, who turned heads at Wayne summer camp and has mismatch potential all over the field. With most of last year’s top receivers graduated, Wolf could quickly become the go-to option.
- Schedule Outlook: The Cougars open with a state finals rematch against Riverside and travel to D1 finalist Stanton in Week 3. After that, the rest of the schedule should be manageable, giving them a strong shot to finish atop the standings again.
With Coach Bartos leading the charge, Central Valley is in prime position to reload and make another championship run. By November, don’t be surprised if they’re hoisting the trophy for the second straight year.
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