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.
Trent Mosley of
Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) is the 2025 MaxPreps California High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior wide receiver led the Eagles to an 11-3 record and Open Division state title, the school's first since 2011.
Despite missing time with injury, Mosley compiled 58 receptions for 831 yards and six touchdowns to go with 34 carries for 204 yards and 10 more scores in nine games.
After heroic performances in two title games, Trent Mosley took a deserving turn lifting the state championship trophy. (PHOTO: Rene Morales)
Mosley took it to another level for the nationally-ranked Eagles during the playoffs.
Navigating arguably the toughest postseason bracket in the country, Mosley had 17 receptions for 393 yards and scored eight touchdowns in three Southern Section Division 1 playoff wins.
In a 42-7 win over Centennial (Corona) in the section championship game, Mosley had 10 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns to go with two more scores on the ground.
That was a preview of what was to come two weeks later against De La Salle (Concord) in the Open Division state championship game. Leading Santa Margarita to a 47-13 win, Mosley posted 11 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns to go with another score on the ground.
Santa Margarita closed the season with six straight wins, which coincided with Mosley's return to health. The Eagles prevailed in those contests by an average of 25.6 points per game, adding to a resume that includes wins over four nationally-ranked opponents.
Mosley signed with USC earlier this month. Regarded as a top 300 prospect in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports, he finished his career with 228 receptions for 3,340 yards and 28 touchdowns. He added 103 carries for 576 yards and 32 more scores.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps California Players of the Year
2021 — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Servite (Anaheim)
2022 — Roderick Robinson, RB, Lincoln (San Diego)
2023 — Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
2024 — Jordon Davison, RB, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
