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.
Jacque Wilson of
Middletown is the 2025 MaxPreps Delaware High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior linebacker led the Cavaliers to a 10-3 record and a second consecutive 3A state title.
For the season, Wilson piled up 133 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. The Cavaliers went 10-0 against in-state competition and held opponents to 13.4 points per game.
In a 28-14 win over Salesianum (Wilmington) in the 3A state championship game, the sideline-to-sideline menace tallied 10 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Two of his best games came in huge out-of-state matchups, including 20 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble in a 13-8 loss against Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank, N.J.).
Wilson was named MVP of the Ironton Gridiron Classic in August after racking up 15 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble in a 14-13 loss against Bishop Watterson (Columbus, Ohio).
A four-year varsity starter, Wilson finished with 577 tackles and racked up at least 100 tackles in all four years.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Delaware Players of the Year
2020 — Kevin Ignudo, RB, Howard (Wilmington)
2021 — Braden Davis, QB, Middletown
2022 — Yamir Knight, ATH, Smyrna
2023 — B.J. Alleyne, RB, Salesianum (Wilmington)
2024 — Malik Bell, RB, Sussex Central (Georgetown)
