Joey O'Brien named 2025 MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Football Player of the Year

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.

Joey O'Brien of La Salle College (Wyndmoor) is the 2025 MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior athlete led the Explorers to a 13-1 record and Class 6A state title, the school's first since 2009. 

O'Brien was one of the top two-way players in the country this season. Offensively, he grabbed 86 passes for 1,249 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded more than 50 tackles and four interceptions. In a 34-20 win over Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) in the state championship game, O'Brien did a little bit of everything. He had 10 receptions for 99 yards and three interceptions on defense, with the last one being a 94-yard pick-six to seal the victory in the final two minutes. All three of his interceptions came in the final 4:10. He also threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Owen Johnson. 

O'Brien and the Explorers did something they haven't done since 2008 and that is beat St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) twice in the same season. In fact, La Salle College had dropped 20 of the last 22 meetings against the Hawks until winning three of the last four over the last two years with the versatile star leading the way. 

Regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the country and a top 50 talent overall, O'Brien signed with Notre Dame last week.