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.
Messiah Hampton of
Monroe (Rochester) is the 2025 MaxPreps New York High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior wide receiver led the Red Jackets to a 12-0 record and the school's first state title.
Hampton impacted the game on both sides of the ball. He had 62 catches for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns to go with 12 carries for 289 yards and four more scores. He added 87 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
MaxPreps New York Player of the Year Messiah Hampton helped Monroe make history this fall. (PHOTO: Dennis Joyce)
In a 34-0 win over Sleepy Hollow in the NYSPHSAA Class B state championship game, Hampton had six receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. He added two carries for 30 yards and eight tackles on defense as Monroe became the first Rochester City School District team in history to win a football state title.
Against Owego Free Academy (Owego) in the semifinals, Hampton tallied 204 total yards and two scores in a 48-7 win.
Hampton's season-high came in a 50-0 win over Batavia when he posted eight receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
Monroe outscored opponents 534-32 on the season, beating its foes by 41.8 points per game.
Hampton signed with Oregon and is the top-rated player in New York 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 New York Players of the Year
2021 — Ajani Sheppard, QB, Iona Prep (New Rochelle)
2022 — Dante Torres, QB, St. Anthony's (Melville)
2023 — Rich Belin, QB, Cardinal Hayes (Bronx)
2024 — Crew Davis, RB, Iona Prep (New Rochelle)
