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.
Jack Cannon of
Holmdel is the 2025 MaxPreps New Jersey High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior quarterback led the Hornets to a 9-3 record and the school's first sectional title in 53 years.
For the season, Cannon threw for 2,747 yards and 30 touchdowns to go with 1,673 yards on the ground and 33 more scores. He broke Ashante Worthy's state record of 61 total touchdowns in a season with 63.
Cannon led Holmdel to its best season in school history, helping the Hornets make their first semifinal appearance.
In a 41-20 win over Seneca (Tabernacle) in the Group 3 quarterfinals, Cannon threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns to go with 113 yards on the ground and two more scores. He also caught a 12-yard pass, recovered an onside kick and got his first interception of the season.
Holmdel's season came to an end in a 48-38 semifinal loss against Cedar Creek (Egg Harbor City) despite Cannon's 350 total yards and five touchdowns.
Cannon threw for 5,870 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career to go with 3,299 yards on the ground and 58 more scores. Holmdel has six career state playoff wins all-time and four have come with Cannon under center.
The record-setting quarterback will continue his football career at Dartmouth.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New Jersey Players of the Year
2020 — Audric Estime, RB, St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)
2021 — Jaeden Gould, CB, Beregn Catholic (Oradell)
2022 — Micah Ford, ATH, Toms River North (Toms River)
2023 — Quincy Porter, WR, Bergen Catholic
2024 — Nolan James, RB, DePaul Catholic (Wayne)
