Future Mississippi State Bulldog led Gulfport to first state title.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2025 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Cooper Crosby of
Gulfport is the 2025 MaxPreps Mississippi High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior running back led the Admirals to a 12-2 record and Class 7A state title – the school's first.
For the season, Crosby ran 269 times for 1,801 yards and 34 touchdowns to go with 46 receptions for 654 yards and seven more scores. He also had a kickoff return touchdown.
In a game decided on a
33-yard touchdown pass as time expired, Crosby was named MVP of the state championship game after rushing for 167 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-20 win over Tupelo. He added a 45-yard reception.
Crosby piled up 239 total yards and four touchdowns in a 40-7 win over Brandon in the semifinals. In four playoff games, he had 84 carries for 652 yards and 11 touchdowns to go with six receptions for 112 yards.
In all 14 games this fall, Crosby tallied at least 100 total yards and two touchdowns.
Crosby signed with Mississippi State last week after fielding offers from nine Division I programs. and is the 88th-rated running back in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Mississippi Players of the Year
2020 — Marquis Crosby, RB, Seminary
2021 — Dante Dowdell, RB, Picayune
2022 — Suntarine Perkins, ATH, Raleigh
2023 — P.J. Woodland, ATH, Oak Grove (Hattiesburg)
2024 — Jaeden Hill, RB, Tupelo
