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.
Ian Middleton of
Dowling Catholic (West Des Moines) is the 2025 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound senior running back led the Maroons to a 12-1 record and Class 5A state championship, the school's first since 2019.
Middleton was a workhorse all season finishing with 279 carries for 1,767 yards and 19 touchdowns. He added six catches for 43 yards and another score.
In a 27-10 win over Liberty (North Liberty) in the state championship, Middleton broke a 5A title game record with 34 carries. He racked up 206 yards and two touchdowns as the Maroons won their first 5A crown and 11th overall.
A week prior, Dowling Catholic avenged its only loss of the season with a 14-10 win over Valley (West Des Moines) in the semifinals as Middleton finished with 29 carries for 125 yards.
In four playoff games, Middleton had 101 carries for 693 yards and six touchdowns.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Iowa Players of the Year
2020 — Thomas Fidone II, TE, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs)
2021 — Xavier Nwankpa, S, Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill)
2022 — Kadyn Proctor, OL, Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill)
2023 — Preston Ries, QB, Monticello
2024 — Will Hawthorne, LB/RB, Gilbert
