Three finalists named for 2025 Gatorade National Player of the Year

On Friday morning, three high school football standouts have been announced as finalists for the coveted Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. Among the players up for the prestigious award are Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell (Nixa), Texas linebacker signee Tyler Atkinson (Grayson) and 2027 four-star running back Landen Williams-Callis (Randle).

Previous winners of the annual honor include Emmett Smith, Peyton Manning, Tim Couch, DJ Lagway and Kyler Murray. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell was the 2024 recipient.

Miami OL signee Jackson Cantwell

Making his way onto the list as a finalist for the second straight year is Nixa (Mo.) Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, who has helped pave the way for over 5,300 yards of offense and 81 touchdowns this season. Nixa is playing in the MSHSAA Class 6 final on Saturday against Lee’s Summit.

“Big-framed offensive tackle with eye-popping athleticism and functional strength as a high school underclassman. Measured at over 6-foot-7, 305 pounds prior to his sophomore season. Has solid length with 33.5-inch arms and big hands. Owns a phenomenal athletic profile as one of the top shot put throwers in the country for his age group” Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said.

“Posted a personal best throw of over 64 feet as a freshman. Also posted strong testing numbers in the college camp setting. Transfers those gifts over to the football field where he shows strong coordination and function strength. Moves well laterally and plays with a good anchor. Initially began his career as a tight end and has grown into an offensive tackle. Has deep athletic bloodlines with both parents being Olympic track and field athletes as throwers. Younger for the cycle with a May birthday.”

Texas LB signee Tyler Atkinson

Playing linebacker for the No. 3 high school football team in the state of Georgia, Atkinson despite missing multiple games has pieced together an incredible senior campaign for the Rams. Through 10 games played, Atkinson was able to total 91 tackles, 27 for a loss and 10 sacks.

”Dominant high school linebacker who plays with outstanding instincts and physicality. Measured at around 6-foot-2, 210 pounds with arms a shade over 31 inches. A star linebacker playing at a powerhouse program in Georgia’s highest classification. Flies around the field like a man possessed. Wins with his elite motor and willingness to throw his body around. Sees plays quickly and triggers downhill in a split second,” Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said.

“At his best when he has the runway to see and pursue the football. Plays with an enforcer’s edge. Finished his junior season with 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and one interception in 15 games. Measurables, both dimensions and combine testing, are not those of a typical elite linebacker prospect. Will need to get bigger and stronger to hold up at the point of attack against college linemen. A high-floor prospect due to his instincts and track record against top competition.

2027 4-star RB Landen Williams-Callis

If you’re wanting to a get a good look at Williams-Callis yourself, checkout Randle‘s UIL Class 5A, Division II playoff game tonight when the Lions take on Iowa Colony.

Reason being because Williams-Callis has proven himself to be the price of admission, esepcially looking at his body of work for the 2025 high school football season. The junior four-star running back has rushed for 2,885 yards in 237 carries and found pay dirt 48 times. He’s also shown the ability to catch the rock out of the backfield, hauling in 17 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown.

Williams’Callis best game may have been in last week’s 83-20 throttling of Bastrop as the junior rushed for 326 yards on just 18 attempts and scored six touchdowns, which tied for a season high.

How to Follow National High School Football

For national high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals National High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals National High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.