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 2024 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 2024 MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound junior offensive tackle led the Eagles to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the Class 6A state championship game – the school's first trip to the final since 2014.
Cantwell led the way in the trenches for an offense that averaged 43.1 points and 265 rushing yards per game. Nixa finished with 58 rushing touchdowns and he did not allow a sack for the second consecutive season, racking up 158 pancake blocks after recording 91 as a sophomore.
Jackson Cantwell is regarded as the No. 1 junior prospect in the country by 247Sports. (Photo: David Smith)
In a 21-20 win over Lee's Summit North (Lee's Summit) in the quarterfinals he played a major role on the game-winning, 89-yard drive in the final two minutes. He gave quarterback
Adam McKnight time in the pocket to connect with
Wyatt Vincent from 19 yards out for the winner with 10.4 seconds left.
The following week in a 56-46 win over Kirkwood in the semifinals, Cantwell finished with 22 pancake blocks as the offense rushed for 457 yards and six touchdowns.
Cantwell is regarded as the No. 1 prospect nationally in the Class of 2026 by
247Sports. He has landed 30 FBS offers led by Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oregon.
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)
