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.
Kane Archer of
Greenwood is the 2025 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior quarterback led the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record and Class 6A state runner-up finish.
For the season, Archer completed 281 of 375 passes for 3,530 yards and 34 touchdowns to go with 157 carries for 1,314 yards and 28 more scores. He became the first quarterback in Class 6A or Class 7A to throw for at least 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and rush for 1,000-plus yards and 20 scores in a season.
Kane Archer is the only player in state history to throw for more than 100 touchdowns and run for 50 or more. (PHOTO: Justin Manning)
In a 70-50 loss to Shiloh Christian (Springdale) in the Class 6A state championship, Archer completed 17 of 26 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns. He added 26 carries for 157 yards and two more scores on the ground. That was his only loss as the starting quarterback, finishing his career 37-1.
Archer threw for a season-high 345 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-10 win over Lake Hamilton (Pearcy) during the regular season, one of six games with at least 300 yards through the air.
For his career, Archer finished his career with 10,518 yards passing and 133 touchdowns while completing 75.3 percent of his attempts. He added 363 carries for 2,897 yards and 58 scores on the ground. He is the only player in state history to throw for at least 100 touchdowns and rush for at least 50 scores.
Archer signed with Utah after fielding offers from more than 20 FBS programs.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Arkansas Players of the Year
2020 — Joseph Himon, RB, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
2021 — Joseph Himon, RB, Pulaski Academy
2022 — Jalen Dupree, RB, Malvern
2023 — Drake Lindsey, QB, Fayetteville
2024 — Kane Archer, QB, Greenwood
