Roye Oliver III of
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) is the 2025 MaxPreps National Sophomore Player of the Year. He joins past winners like Quinn Ewers (2019), Derrick Henry (2010), L.T. Overton (2020) and Bryce Underwood (2022).
Oliver was the lone sophomore to make the 2025 MaxPreps All-America Team released earlier this week, earning first team honors.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound playmaker finished the season with 92 receptions for 1,839 yards and tied the state record with 29 receiving touchdowns. He was also one of the best punt returners in the country, averaging 21.4 yards per return and taking two back two for scores.
Oliver broke eight school records this fall that included single-game points (36), receiving yards in a game (284), touchdown receptions in a game (6), single-season receptions (92), single-season receiving yards (1,839), single-season touchdown receptions (29), career receiving yards (2,700) and career receiving touchdowns (40).
One of his best games came against eventual Open Division state champion Basha (Chandler) when he had seven catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns to go with a punt return score in a 28-12 win.
Oliver's efforts helped Hamilton (11-1) record make an Open Division semifinal appearance. He joins Cameron Chambers as the only other wide receiver to be named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year and is the first player from Arizona to claim the award.
Past MaxPreps National SOTY winners
2009 — Johnathan Gray, RB, Aledo (Texas)
2010 — Derrick Henry, RB, Yulee (Fla.)
2011 — Jabrill Peppers, ATH, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
2012 — Austin Kafentzis, QB, Jordan (Sandy, Utah)
2013 — Cameron Chambers, WR, Timber Creek (Erial, N.J.)
2014 — Tate Martell, QB, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2015 — Dakereon Joyner, QB, Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, S.C.)
2016 — J.T. Daniels, QB, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
2017 — D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
2018 — Dematrius Davis, QB, North Shore (Houston)
2019 — Quinn Ewers, QB, Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
2020 — L.T. Overton, DL, Milton (Ga.)
2021 — Elijah Brown, QB, Mater Dei
2022 — Bryce Underwood, QB, Belleville (Mich.)
2023 — Julian Lewis, QB, Carrollton (Ga.)
2024 — Elijah Haven, QB, Dunham (Baton Rouge, La.)
