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.
Jacob Savage of
Ryle (Union) is the 2025 MaxPreps Kentucky High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior linebacker led the Raiders to a 10-4 record and Class 6A semifinal appearance.
Savage was named the KHSAA 6A Player of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association and also took home the Paul Hornung Award honoring the state's top player.
MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year Jacob Savage goes to the air in search of extra yardage during a September game against Cooper. (PHOTO: Brian Couch)
For the season, Savage rushed for 1,222 yards and 24 touchdowns to go with 204 yards receiving and five more scores. He posted 112 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
Savage's season came to an end in a 28-27 win over Frederick Douglass (Lexington) in the quarterfinals. He suffered an injury and missed Ryle's 36-20 loss to South Warren (Bowling Green) in the semifinals.
Ryle's leading tackler in all four seasons with the program, Savage finished his career with a school-record 509 tackles. Offensively, he accounted for 3,584 total yards and 65 total touchdowns.
Savage signed with Indiana and is the No. 5-rated prospect in Kentucky from the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Kentucky Players of the Year
2020 — Jager Burton, OL, Frederick Douglass (Lexington)
2021 — Jack Sivori, QB, St. Xavier (Louisville)
2022 — Travis Egan, QB, Bullitt East (Mt. Washington)
2023 — Daniel Thomas, RB, Bell County (Pineville)
2024 — Montavin Quisenberry, WR, Boyle County (Danville)
