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.
Jackson Cantwell of
Nixa is the 2025 MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8, 325-pound senior offensive tackle led the Eagles to a 13-1 record and Class 6 state runner-up finish.
Cantwell dominated in the trenches for an offense that averaged 45.1 points and 274.7 rushing yards per game. Nixa finished with 63 rushing touchdowns behind his nearly 200 pancake blocks.
Jackson Cantwell has helped Nixa go 26-2 over the past two seasons with back-to-back state championship appearances. (PHOTO: Mike Cerny)
In a 41-37 loss to Lee's Summit in the state championship game, Nixa threw for 216 yards and rushed for 186.
Behind Cantwell, Nixa piled up 339 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a 45-0 win over Pattonville in the semifinals.
A highly-decorated, multi-sport star, Cantwell was named the 2024 MaxPreps Missouri Football Player of the Year and 2024-25 MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year. He won track and field state titles last spring in the shot put and discus, producing the third-longest throw in high school history in the shot.
Cantwell signed with Miami last week and is regarded as a top 10 prospect nationally 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 Missouri Players of the Year
2020 — Devrin Weathers, RB, Webb City
2021 — Kevin Coleman, WR, St. Mary's (St. Louis)
2022 — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
2023 — Keelan Smith, WR, Liberty North (Liberty)
2024 — Jackson Cantwell, OT, Nixa
