Kentucky's 2025 High School Football Stars Honored

Unveiling the top players, coaches, and controversies from the Bluegrass State's gridiron glory

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a high school football game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the sport in Kentucky.Kentucky's high school football landscape is defined by rising stars, strategic coaching, and passionate fan bases that make the sport a beloved tradition in the Bluegrass State.Owensboro Today

Kentucky high school football celebrated its 2025 standout players and coaches, including Owensboro's Evan Hampton earning Player of the Year honors after leading his team to the state title, Christian Academy of Louisville's Ja'Hyde Brown and Kellan Hall dominating on offense and defense, and South Warren's Brandon Smith being named Coach of the Year for guiding his team to the championship game despite moving up to a higher classification.

Why it matters

High school football is a beloved tradition in Kentucky, and the annual awards and recognition help shine a light on the state's top talent and programs. These stories capture the excitement, drama, and ongoing debates around who truly deserves the top honors.

The details

Evan Hampton of Owensboro High School was named Kentucky's 2025 Player of the Year after a dominant all-around season, rushing for 2,035 yards and 31 touchdowns while also catching 19 passes for 288 yards and 3 scores. His versatility and production helped Owensboro win its first state championship since 1983. Christian Academy of Louisville's Ja'Hyde Brown, a junior, put up huge offensive numbers with 98 receptions for 1,566 yards and 24 touchdowns, sparking a debate over whether a junior should be considered the state's best player. Teammate Kellan Hall, a 2028 four-star defensive lineman, was named Defensive Player of the Year after recording 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. South Warren's Brandon Smith was named Coach of the Year for leading his team to the Class 6A championship game after moving up from a lower classification.

  • The 2025 Kentucky high school football season concluded in December 2025.
  • The annual Rivals awards were announced in April 2026.

The players

Evan Hampton

A Vanderbilt-bound running back from Owensboro High School who was named Kentucky's 2025 Player of the Year after rushing for 2,035 yards and 31 touchdowns, helping lead his team to the state championship.

Ja'Hyde Brown

A junior wide receiver from Christian Academy of Louisville who put up huge offensive numbers with 98 receptions for 1,566 yards and 24 touchdowns, sparking a debate over whether a junior should be considered the state's best player.

Kellan Hall

A 2028 four-star defensive lineman from Christian Academy of Louisville who was named Kentucky's Defensive Player of the Year after recording 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

Brandon Smith

The head coach of South Warren High School who was named Coach of the Year for leading his team to the Class 6A championship game after moving up from a lower classification.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Fans can follow the latest updates on Kentucky high school football through the Rivals High School Scoreboard, which provides real-time scores and highlights from across the state. As the 2026 season approaches, there will be ongoing debates and speculation around which players and teams will rise to the top.

The takeaway

Kentucky high school football continues to produce exceptional talent, with the 2025 season showcasing standout players like Evan Hampton, Ja'Hyde Brown, and Kellan Hall, as well as impressive coaching performances like Brandon Smith's. These stories capture the passion and excitement surrounding the state's gridiron glory, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling year of high school football in 2026.