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.
Kaiden Prothro of
Bowdon is the 2025 MaxPreps Georgia High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior wide receiver/tight end led the Red Devils to a 13-2 record and fourth consecutive Class A Division II state title, becoming the fourth team in state history to four-peat.
For the season, Prothro posted 58 receptions for 1,115 yards and 27 touchdowns — tying Demarco Robinson for the third-highest total in state history. He added 17 tackles and three interceptions on defense.
Kaiden Prothro always had the attention of opposing defenses this season for state champion Bowdon. (PHOTO: Corey Jones)
In a 35-31 win over Lincoln County (Lincolnton) in the state championship game, Prothro had four catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.
In the semifinals, Prothro hauled in four balls for 113 yards and two scores. He also had a pick-six and jumped on a blocked punt in the end zone in a 45-6 win over Clinch County (Homerville).
Protho finished his career with 157 receptions for 3,365 yards and a state-record 66 touchdowns, breaking Rabun County (Tiger) standout Jaden Gibson's record of 59 he established in 2022. He added 89 tackles and five interceptions on defense.
Regarded as a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports, Prothro signed with Georgia earlier this month.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Georgia Players of the Year
2020 — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Collins Hill (Suwanee)
2021 — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Collins Hill
2022 — Caleb Downs, S, Mill Creek (Hoschton)
2023 — Jeremy Hecklinski, QB, Walton (Marietta)
2024 — Luke Nickel, QB, Milton
