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.
Tradon Bessinger of
Davis (Kaysville) is the 2025 MaxPreps Utah High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound senior quarterback led the Darts to a 10-2 record and 6A quarterfinal appearance.
Bessinger led the state in passing with 4,313 yards and finished with the second-most touchdown passes with 53. He completed 76 percent of his 438 pass attempts and only threw four interceptions. His 333 completions broke Cammon Cooper's state record of 331 completions he established in 2017.
Pictured here in the season opener against Brighton, MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year Tradon Bessinger threw for 400 yards or more in three straight games in September. (PHOTO: Caleb Brown)
In a 54-22 win over Syracuse in September, Bessinger completed 32 of 41 passes for 504 yards and five touchdowns – one of nine 300-yard games on the season.
Bessinger threw for season-high seven touchdowns in a 49-34 win over Mountain Ridge (Herriman) to go along with 423 yards.
In a 41-38 double overtime loss against Lone Peak (Highland) in the 6A quarterfinals, Bessinger completed 40 of 48 passes for 327 yards and three scores.
Bessinger finished his career at No. 8 on Utah's all-time passing list with 10,908 yards. His 127 passing touchdowns are good for the fourth-most in state history trailing only Bryson Barnes (137), Maddux Madsen (130) and Nate Dahle (128).
Committed to Iowa, Bessinger is regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country by 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Utah Players of the Year
2020 — Jaxson Dart, QB, Corner Canyon (Draper)
2021 — Devin Brown, QB, Corner Canyon (Draper)
2022 — Smith Snowden, DB, Skyridge (Lehi)
2023 — Isaac Wilson, QB, Corner Canyon (Draper)
2024 — Zion Finau, OL, Corner Canyon (Draper)
