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.
Israel Abrams of
Montini Catholic (Lombard) is the 2025 MaxPreps Illinois High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior quarterback led the Broncos to their second unbeaten season in school history at 14-0 and Class 4A state title.
For the season, Abrams completing 233 of 340 passes for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns. He completed 68.5 percent of his passes and added 82 carries for 224 yards and 10 more scores.
In a 47-33 win over Rochester in the state championship game, Abrams completed 20 of 30 attempts for 425 yards and four touchdowns. He added 10 carries for 47 yards and another score.
Abrams took over as the starter during the fifth game of his sophomore season and has led the Broncos to a 24-0 record since.
Against Trae Taylor and Carmel (Mundelein) in a matchup of two of the best quarterbacks in the country, Abrams completed 23 of 33 passes for a season-high 600 yards and four touchdowns in a 55-54 win. Taylor completed 25 of 32 passes for 505 yards and five scores. Abrams threw a 90-yard touchdown with 1:26 left to take a 55-48 lead.
In a 31-29 September win over eventual Class 6A champion Fenwick (Oak Park), Abrams completed 15 of 19 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
In five playoff games, Abrams threw for 1,352 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing over 60 percent of his passes. He added 71 yards on the ground and four more scores.
Abrams is the No. 2-rated quarterback in the Class of 2027 according to 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Illinois Players of the Year
2021 — Luther Bruden, WR, East St. Louis
2022 — Blainey Dowling, QB, Chicago Mt. Carmel (Chicago)
2023 — Blayne Sisson, QB, Mt. Carmel
2024 — Dierre Hill Jr., RB, Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
