New Mexico High School Football: Defensive Player of the Year
NMPreps is proud to announce the winner of the 2025 New Mexico Defensive Player of the Year. Voting included the public open poll, NMPreps Premium Member ballots, and selections from the X/Twitter community. After combining all votes, one player rose above the rest.
Defensive Player of the Year: Hayes Baum – Cibola (2026)
A true two-way standout and University of New Mexico commit, Hayes Baum delivered one of the most complete seasons in recent memory. Defensively, he totaled 116 tackles, 7 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 7 quarterback hurries. Offensively, he added 17 touchdowns and 902 all-purpose yards, proving to be one of the most versatile and impactful players in the state.
Baum played a central role in Cibola’s program turnaround. The Cougars went 5-6 and reached the 2025 state playoffs after finishing 2-8 in 2024 and 0-10 in 2023. He concludes his career with 298 total tackles and 13 sacks, cementing himself as one of the premier defenders in New Mexico high school football.
Classification Defensive Players of the Year
6A – Hayes Baum, Cibola
5A – Marco Soto Jr, Artesia
4A – Cole Gosnell, Bloomfield
3A – Ryan Hunt, St. Michael’s
2A – Xander Chavez, Legacy Academy / Greyson Meek, Eunice
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Quarterback of the Year Voting
Running Back of the Year Voting
Nominations: Receiver of the Year
Nominations: OL/DL of the Year