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.
Elijah Haven of
Dunham (Baton Rouge) is the 2025 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound junior quarterback led the Tigers to a 13-1 record and Division III Select state title, the school's first since 2004.
For the season, Haven completed 240 of 332 passes for 3,931 yards and a state record 62 touchdowns. He added 794 yards and 11 more scores on the ground. His 73 total touchdowns in a season was also a state record and he already owns the career touchdown mark with 180.
Elijah Haven threw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this season. (PHOTO: Josh Ankeny)
Haven led the Tigers to their first state title in 21 years with a 34-17 win over Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport), completing 22 of 30 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns to go with 28 carries for 133 yards and two more scores.
In the semifinals, Haven led Dunham to a 49-48 win over Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette), accounting for 422 total yards and seven touchdowns.
Against Live Oak (Watson) in September, Haven threw for a season-high 402 yards and six touchdowns in a 63-42 win. He also ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Haven was named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year last season after throwing for 3,137 yards and 37 touchdowns to go with 167 carries for 948 yards and 21 more scores.
As a freshman, Haven completed 124 of 181 passes for 2,206 yards and 35 touchdowns to go with 106 carries for 633 yards and 12 more scores.
Haven is regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2027 according to 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Louisiana Players of the Year
2020 — Walker Howard, QB, St. Thomas More (Lafayette)
2021 — Eli Holstein, QB, Zachary
2022 — Tackett Curtis, LB, Many
2023 — Ju'Juan Johnson, QB, Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette)
2024 — J.T. Lindsey, RB, Alexandria
