Quick Read
- David Gabriel Georges named 2025 MaxPreps National High School Football Player of the Year.
- Georges, a junior running back, led Baylor (Tenn.) to their first undefeated season since 1973.
- Carson Palmer, in his first season, led Santa Margarita (Calif.) to their first state title since 2011, earning 2025 MaxPreps National Coach of the Year.
- The 2025 MaxPreps All-America Team was announced, with Buford (Ga.) leading with three selections.
- Georges is the first Canadian-born player and the first from Tennessee to win National Player of the Year.
As the curtain falls on another thrilling high school football season, MaxPreps, the nation’s leading source for high school sports information, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 honors. These accolades celebrate the exceptional talent and leadership that defined the past year, recognizing the National Player of the Year, the National Coach of the Year, and the comprehensive All-America Team. From record-breaking individual performances to historic team turnarounds, the 2025 season delivered stories of dedication, grit, and triumph that resonate far beyond the gridiron.
Since 2006, MaxPreps has meticulously identified and honored the sport’s brightest young stars at the conclusion of each season. This tradition highlights not only athletic prowess but also the profound impact these individuals have on their teams and communities. Looking back, names like Caleb Downs (2022), Puka Nacua (2018), Bijan Robinson (2019), and Kyler Murray (2013, 2014) have graced these lists, foreshadowing their future success at collegiate and professional levels. The 2025 selections continue this legacy, spotlighting a new cohort of athletes and mentors who have set new benchmarks for excellence.
David Gabriel Georges: A Season for the Ages
The spotlight of the 2025 season shines brightest on David Gabriel Georges of Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.), who has been named the MaxPreps National High School Football Player of the Year. This junior running back’s season was nothing short of historic, leading the Baylor Red Raiders to their first undefeated season since 1973. His impact was immediate and undeniable, culminating in a Division II Class AAA state championship victory where he accounted for 212 total yards and two crucial touchdowns.
Georges’s statistics speak volumes about his dominance: he rushed for an astounding 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns throughout the season. What makes his achievement even more remarkable is that he joins an elite group of non-seniors, including Riley Dodge (2006), Kyler Murray (2013), and J.T. Daniels (2017), to earn this prestigious award. Breaking further ground, Georges is the first Canadian-born player to receive the nation’s highest high school football honor. Originally from Quebec, he enrolled at Baylor before his sophomore year, quickly becoming a cornerstone of their program.
His performances were often legendary, none more so than his outing against rival McCallie (Chattanooga) in the state semifinals. In a thrilling 56-35 victory, Georges carried the ball 32 times for a career-high 431 yards and seven touchdowns, a performance that will be etched in the annals of high school football history. During the regular season meeting against the same opponent, he showcased his consistent brilliance with 25 carries for 282 yards and three touchdowns in a tight 38-35 win. As a sophomore, he had already hinted at his potential, rushing 114 times for 1,103 yards and 14 touchdowns. Georges also holds the distinction of being the first player from Tennessee to be named the MaxPreps National Player of the Year, solidifying his place among the sport’s greats.
Carson Palmer: A Championship Turnaround in Year One
On the coaching front, former NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer has been honored as the 2025 MaxPreps National Coach of the Year. In just over a year since taking the helm at his alma mater, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Palmer orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the Eagles to their first state title since 2011. This achievement is particularly impressive given the program’s recent history and the brutal schedule they faced.
Santa Margarita’s 11-3 record might not immediately scream dominance, but a closer look reveals the true extent of their challenge. The Eagles tackled the toughest schedule in high school football, with an astonishing 10 of their 14 opponents finishing ranked in the top 100 nationally. They claimed more wins over teams ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 than any other school, with four such victories. The Southern Section Division 1 field, renowned as the nation’s toughest postseason bracket, saw Santa Margarita cruise to its first section title in 14 years.
Their playoff run was a testament to Palmer’s leadership and the team’s resilience. They handed Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) its only loss of the season in the opening round and secured their spot in the championship game with a decisive 35-6 win over Orange Lutheran (Orange). Playing at the iconic Rose Bowl in the title game, Santa Margarita delivered Centennial (Corona) its worst defeat since 2019, with a commanding 42-7 victory. The season culminated in a stunning 47-13 win over an undefeated De La Salle (Concord) in the Open Division state championship game, a defeat of a magnitude not seen for the Spartans since 1979. During the regular season, Palmer’s squad also snapped an 11-game losing streak to powerhouse Mater Dei (Santa Ana) with a nail-biting 7-6 win, showcasing their ability to overcome long-standing rivals. Palmer is notably the first MaxPreps National Coach of the Year to earn the honor in his inaugural season, marking a truly exceptional debut.
The 2025 MaxPreps All-America Team: A Galaxy of Stars
Beyond the individual accolades for Player and Coach of the Year, the 2025 MaxPreps All-America Team represents the pinnacle of high school football talent across the nation. This year’s roster is a testament to the depth of skill and athleticism present in high school programs from coast to coast. Buford (Ga.) led the way with an impressive three selections, while other perennial powerhouses like Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.), Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), and Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) each boasted multiple players on the prestigious list, underscoring their consistent ability to develop top-tier talent.
The team features a diverse array of positions and skill sets, with players demonstrating exceptional abilities on both offense and defense. Among the offensive standouts, we see quarterbacks who shattered state records, like the uncommitted junior who threw for 62 touchdowns and accounted for over 4,700 yards of total offense, leading his team to its first state crown in 21 years. Running backs like the uncommitted junior who piled up 3,491 yards and 59 touchdowns on 324 carries, and the Alabama-bound senior who rushed for a state-best 2,628 yards and 35 touchdowns, highlight the explosive ground game across the country.
Receivers also made their mark, including the USC-bound senior who hauled in 98 receptions for 1,777 yards and 21 touchdowns for Conference 6A Division 2 state champions. Perhaps one of the most intriguing selections is the lone sophomore to make the All-America team, an uncommitted talent who amassed 92 catches for 1,839 yards and tied a state record with 29 receiving touchdowns, hinting at an incredibly bright future. The offensive line, the unsung heroes of any successful team, also saw recognition, with five-star tackles like the Oregon-bound senior who didn’t allow a sack for the second consecutive year.
Defensively, the team is equally stacked with game-changers. Five-star defensive ends and linebackers dominated, with players like the Maryland-bound senior leading one of the nation’s best defenses, and the LSU-bound senior breaking the state’s all-time sack record with 16.5 sacks. Linebackers committed to Ohio State and Texas showcased their versatility, with one posting 134 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, and another racking up 91 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. The secondary features ball-hawking safeties and lockdown corners, including an Oregon-bound five-star safety with 48 tackles and four interceptions, and a UCLA-bound senior who intercepted seven passes against elite competition.
Special teams players were not overlooked, with kickers and punters demonstrating their clutch abilities. One Texas-bound senior kicker connected on 19 of 22 field goals while averaging 44.7 yards per punt, also adding significant all-purpose yards and defensive stats, showcasing true all-around athleticism. These selections collectively paint a vivid picture of the sheer talent and competitive spirit that defines high school football in 2025.
A Look Ahead
The 2025 MaxPreps awards serve as more than just a recognition of past achievements; they are a powerful indicator of the future landscape of college and professional football. The stories of David Gabriel Georges’ record-shattering season and Carson Palmer’s immediate coaching triumph resonate deeply because they embody the relentless pursuit of excellence and the transformative power of leadership. These honorees, both players and coaches, have not only achieved personal milestones but have also inspired their teams to reach unprecedented heights. Their journeys are a testament to the enduring appeal and competitive fire of high school football, a proving ground where legends are made and futures are forged.
The 2025 MaxPreps awards provide a compelling snapshot of the current state of high school football, clearly demonstrating that the sport’s talent pool remains incredibly rich and dynamic. The emergence of non-senior Player of the Year David Gabriel Georges and first-year Coach of the Year Carson Palmer highlights a trend towards immediate impact and exceptional performance, signaling a new era where young talent and fresh leadership are rapidly reshaping the competitive landscape.