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.
Cooper Reves of
Salina Central (Salina) is the 2025 MaxPreps Kansas High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior running back led the Mustangs to a 12-1 record and Class 5A state title, the school's first since 2005.
For the season, Reves ran 306 times for 2,844 yards and 32 touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 255 yards and another score. He averaged 218.7 yards rushing per game and 9.3 yards per carry.
In a 51-34 win over Basehor-Linwood (Basehor) in the state championship game, Reves rushed for 273 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. He added four receptions for 68 yards.
Reves' season-high came in a 49-24 win over South (Salina) in the state quarterfinals. He ran 35 times for 309 yards and five touchdowns, carrying Salina Central to the state semifinals for the first since 2007.
The state championship victory closed out a huge month for Reves as he announced his commitment to wrestle at Northern Iowa on Nov. 3. On the mat, he was the Class 5A state champion as a sophomore in 2024 at 175 pounds and repeated last season at 190.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Kansas Players of the Year
2020 — Dasan McCullough, LB, Blue Valley North (Overland Park)
2021 — Mike Pauley, QB, Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park)
2022 — Avery Johnson, QB, Maize
2023 — Dylan Dunn, QB, Blue Valley Southwest (Overland Park)
2024 — Calin Arndt, RB, Saint Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park)
