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.
Myles McLaughlin of
Knox is
the 2025 MaxPreps Indiana High School Football Player of the Year. The
5-foot-11, 190-pound senior quarterback led the Redskins to a 13-1 record
and Class 3A semifinal appearance.
McLaughlin had a historical campaign, breaking the single-season national record for rushing yards (4,846) and rushing
touchdowns (71).

MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year in action against Angola during a historic playoff performance. (PHOTO: Dean Reid)
In a 50-21 win over Jimtown (Elkhart) in the opening round of the playoffs, McLaughlin ran 42 times for a season-high 469 yards and seven touchdowns – one of 10 games where he ran for 300 yards or more.
McLaughlin ran 219 times for 1,712 yards and 23 touchdowns in five postseason games.
Against Angola in the quarterfinals, McLaughlin ran 53 times for 372 yards and four touchdowns. He also had the game-winning
interception to seal a 28-21 victory.
Defensively, McLaughlin also made an impact posting 66 tackles and a team-high eight interceptions.
McLaughlin finished his career as the third all-time leading rusher with 11,839 yards only trailing Kelvin Taylor (12,063) and Derrick Henry (12,124). He is one of five players in high school football history to rush for over 11,000 yards and also ranks sixth all-time with 174 rushing touchdowns.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year
2020 — Carson Steele, RB, Center Grove (Greenwood)
2021 — Brady Allen, QB, Gibson Southern (Fort Branch)
2022 — Drayk Bowen, LB, Andrean (Merrillville)
2023 — Josh Ringer, RB, East Central (St. Leon)
2024 — Mark Zackery, WR, Ben Davis (Indianapolis)