Skip to main content
Join Now
NMPreps

2025 New Mexico Defensive Player of the Year Voting & Candidates

kZoAUGAx_400x400 (1)by: J Grine11/24/25nmpreps

New Mexico high school football enters the final week of the season, and today we open our annual Defensive Player of the Year voting. This marks the first wave of our postseason awards, giving fans across the state a chance to support their favorite standout defenders.

How to Vote – Important (7 Possible Votes)

  • X/Twitter Hashtag Vote (#NMPrepsPlayerLastName, Must Quote Story with Hshtag) → 1 vote
  • Open Poll Vote → 1 vote = 2 votes
  • NMPreps Premium Member Vote (Join for $1 for one-week postseason access) → 1 vote = 4 votes

In total, you can cast up to 7 votes per candidate across the system. Below are the official candidates for the 2025 New Mexico Defensive Player of the Year.

2025 Candidates

Cole Gosnell – Bloomfield (2026)

The engine of the No. 1-seed Bobcats’ defense, Cole Gosnell has been nothing short of dominant this season. With 97 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 23 quarterback hurries, he’s been a driving force behind Bloomfield’s push toward a back-to-back 4A state championship, entering the final week at 11-1 overall. (Must Quote Tweet Story)

Colton McKibben – Carlsbad (2027)

A tackling machine for the Cavemen, Colton McKibben posted 111 tackles, adding a sack and an interception while helping Carlsbad reach the 6A quarterfinals. His sideline-to-sideline motor made him one of the most consistent forces in 2024.

Denton Walter – Las Cruces (2027)

Few defenders in the state have produced like Denton Walter. The Bulldawgs star delivered a monster stat line: 186 tackles, 99 solo stops, 19 TFLs, and 18 sacks. Walter has been the emotional and physical anchor of Las Cruces’ postseason run. (Must Quote Tweet Story)

Elijah Richards – Cleveland (2026

For the Storm, Elijah Richards is the definition of a game-changer. Whether he’s crashing the backfield or blowing up plays in space, Richards impacts every snap. He’s been a major reason Cleveland surged back into the 6A semifinal picture.

Greyson Meek – Eunice (2026)

A relentless force in the Cardinals’ front seven, Greyson Meek filled the stat sheet with 107 tackles, 12 sacks, 22 TFLs, 11 hurries, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Meek was one of the most disruptive players in all of New Mexico regardless of class.

Hayes Baum – Cibola (2026)

A true two-way standout and UNM commit, Hayes Baum delivered an all-around masterpiece of a season. Defensively: 116 tackles, 7 sacks, 12 TFLs, 2 interceptions, and 7 QB hurries. Offensively: 17 touchdowns and 902 all-purpose yards. One of the most versatile players in the state bar none.

Joaquin Bolanos – Roswell (2026)

Joaquin Bolanos was a stabilizing force for the Coyotes, recording 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and an interception. His discipline and consistency helped Roswell stay among the state’s most competitive programs.

Kane Huffmyer – St. Pius X (2028)

The top defender for the Sartans, Kane Huffmyer put together a breakout season as a sophomore with 88 tackles and 3 sacks, regularly matching up with opponents’ top offensive threats and excelling in big-game moments.

Marco Soto Jr. – Artesia (2026)

Part of one of New Mexico’s most storied programs, Marco Soto Jr. played a major role in the Bulldogs’ defense with 99 tackles, 56 solo, along with 7 TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown. A classic Artesia hitter with instincts and toughness.

Ryan Hunt – St. Michael’s (2027)

The state leader in sacks with 19.5, Ryan Hunt continues to be the heartbeat of the Horsemen defense. St. Michael’s enters the 3A state championship with a 32-game win streak, and Hunt has been instrumental with 57 tackles, plus 509 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. A pure game-wrecker.