Kansas’s Top 5 Public HS Football Programs (2021–2025)

Kansas high school football follows a straightforward postseason format with champions crowned across six classifications (6A–1A). While private powers like St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Miege often shape the statewide title picture, the public-school hierarchy from 2021–2025 was defined by a handful of programs that consistently reached championship games or stacked multiple state titles.
To determine the most successful programs during this five-year span, the same criteria used throughout this national series apply:
State championships first
State championship appearances next
Overall consistency
Strength of classification
Using that framework, these five public programs clearly separate themselves from the rest of Kansas football during the 2021–2025 window.
🥇 1. Andale Indians
Accomplishments (2021–2025)
3A State Champion — 2021
3A State Champion — 2022
3A State Champion — 2024
3A State Champion — 2025
Why they’re #1
No public program in Kansas matched Andale’s championship production during this five-year span.
The Indians captured four state titles in five seasons, dominating the Class 3A bracket while consistently finishing among the top-ranked teams in the state regardless of classification. Their physical, disciplined system and strong program continuity allowed them to reload every season and maintain one of the most efficient football programs in Kansas.
Four championships in five years gives Andale the strongest résumé of any public program in the state during this period.
🥈 2. Mill Valley Jaguars (Shawnee)
Accomplishments (2021–2025)
5A State Champion — 2021
5A State Champion — 2022
5A State Champion — 2023
Why they’re #2
Mill Valley produced the most dominant run in Kansas’ upper classifications during this era.
The Jaguars captured three consecutive Class 5A state championships, controlling one of the deepest brackets in the state. Sustaining a three-peat at the second-largest classification requires elite coaching stability and consistent roster development.
Only Andale’s four-title résumé prevents Mill Valley from holding the top spot.

🥉 3. Manhattan Indians
Accomplishments (2021–2025)
6A State Champion — 2022
6A State Runner-Up — 2023
6A Semifinalist — 2024
6A State Champion — 2025
Why they’re #3
Manhattan built one of the strongest résumés in the state’s largest classification during this window.
The Indians captured two Class 6A state championships and remained a consistent contender throughout the period, reaching the championship game in 2023 and the semifinals in 2024 before reclaiming the title in 2025 with a 27–0 win over Olathe Northwest.
Their ability to compete at the highest level of Kansas football across the entire five-year span places Manhattan firmly among the state’s elite programs.
4️⃣ 4. Gardner-Edgerton Trailblazers
Accomplishments (2021–2025)
6A State Runner-Up — 2022
6A State Champion — 2023
6A State Champion — 2024
Why they’re #4
Gardner-Edgerton produced one of the strongest peaks in Kansas football during this period.
The Trailblazers reached three consecutive Class 6A championship games from 2022–2024, converting the final two into back-to-back state titles. Dominating the largest classification for multiple seasons firmly places Gardner-Edgerton among the state’s top programs.
They narrowly trail Manhattan due to the Indians’ additional title and deeper success across the full five-year window.
5️⃣ 5. Nemaha Central Thunder

Accomplishments (2021–2025)
2A State Champion — 2022
2A State Champion — 2023
2A State Runner-Up — 2024
2A State Champion — 2025
Why they’re #5
Nemaha Central quietly built one of the most impressive championship résumés in Kansas during this stretch.
The Thunder captured three Class 2A state titles and reached another championship game in 2024. That sustained success across four seasons gives Nemaha Central one of the strongest five-year bodies of work among Kansas public programs.
Just Missed
A few programs narrowly missed the Top 5:
Derby — 6A runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2024 with multiple deep playoff runs
Blue Valley Northwest — 2021 Class 6A state champion
Salina Central — 2025 Class 5A state champion
From Andale’s dominant championship run, to Mill Valley’s 5A dynasty, to the heavyweight battles at the top of Class 6A between Manhattan and Gardner-Edgerton, these five programs defined Kansas public high school football from 2021 through 2025.
Together, they represent the most accomplished public-school football programs in the state during this five-year era.