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.
Brody Helton of
Bedford is the 2025 MaxPreps New Hampshire High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior running back led Bulldogs to 12-0 record and Division I state title.
For the season, Helton piled up 177 carries for 1,580 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 230 yards and another score. Defensively, he recorded 70 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and a pick-six.
MaxPreps New Hampshire Player of the Year Brody Helton in action during the state championship game victory over Pinkerton. (PHOTO: Donnie Mendell)
In a 35-7 win over Pinkerton (Derry) in the state championship game, Helton carried 15 times for 80 yards and had five receptions for 52 yards.
After an opening-round bye, Helton ran for more than 150 yards and reached the end zone in both a 44-13 quarterfinal win over Winnacunnet (Hampton) and a 35-21 semifinal win over Nashua South (Nashua).
Also a standout lacrosse player, Helton committed to Rutgers during his junior year.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New Hampshire Players of the Year
2020 — Malcolm Bussey, RB, St. Paul's (Concord)
2021 — Tucker McCann, RB, Winnacunnet (Hampton)
2022 — Drew Heenan, QB, Londonderry
2023 — J.J. Bright, RB, Souhegan (Amherst)
2024 — Matt Morrison, RB, Pinkerton (Derry)
