CLASS 6A FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2025
 

PHARRELL ADAMS, WICHITA EAST
 
Adams has been a disruptive force for East’s defense the past two seasons, recording 37 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and six sacks among his 210 career tackles. A 5-foot-10, 210-pound linebacker who is committed to Tennessee State, Adams helped the Blue Aces post three shutouts in last year’s 7-4 campaign and yield 11.2 points in East’s first 10 games before a 63-28 season-ending loss to Derby. Adams, who finished 2024 with 100 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a sack, earned All-Class 6A first-team honors last fall and was a repeat selection on the All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first team. 
 

JAXON BECKER, LAWRENCE

Becker emerged as one of the Sunflower League’s top receivers last season and was a favorite target of quarterback Banks Bowen. As a junior, Becker had 55 catches for 731 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, which earned him first team All-Sunflower League honors and was an honorable mention all-state selection. He will be one of the leaders for a Lion offense that will replace its starting quarterback with the departure of Bowen. 

AARON BOHANNON, WICHITA EAST
 
Bohannon, a senior, increased his production in his first season with the Blue Aces after two solid campaigns at Wichita Northwest. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Bohannon ran for a career-high 1,658 yards – pushing his career total to 3,278 yards – and scored 22 touchdowns as East finished 7-4. Bohannon averaged more than 11 yards per carry for the second straight season, gaining his yardage last fall on 139 attempts. He enters his final season with 48 career rushing touchdowns. Bohannon, a two-time, second-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League selection who earned All-Class 6A honorable mention last year, should provide first-year starting quarterback Prince Marshall with some security in the Aces’ offense.
 

LJ BOWENS, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Bowens was a big part of a Blue Valley Northwest offense that finished 7-4 last season and made it to the sectional playoffs, before getting knocked out by the eventual state champ, Gardner Edgerton. In his junior season, Bowens carried the ball 118 times for 1,177 yards and had 11 touchdowns, which earned him second team All-Eastern Kansas League honors. He was also an honorable mention all-state selection. This season, the Huskies return five starters on each side of the ball as they try for a sixth straight winning season.
 

HOUSTON BOWLIN, DERBY
 
Bowlin found a home on Derby’s interior defensive line as an injury replacement as a sophomore, and flourished last season as a junior after shifting from nose tackle to a weak-side spot in the Panthers’ three-man front. The 6-foot-1, 280-pound Bowlin could return to the middle this fall after recording 37 tackles – 10 for loss – and a sack in Derby’s 11-1 season that ended in the Class 6A semfinals. One of three returning starters on the Panthers’ defense, Bowlin earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team honors and All-6A honorable mention a year ago. 
 

DRAKE DEBAUN, SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH

The Raiders struggled in a highly competitive Sunflower League, but among the challenges, one player emerged as a bright spot and that was DeBaun. A two-year starter for South, DeBaun looks to bulid on what was a memorable performance for him personally. The Raiders’ tight end had 34 receptions for 400 yards and five touchdowns last season, which earned him first-team All-Sunflower League honors. The Raiders look to build off their 1-7 season as they return 10 starters from a year ago, including six on offense. 
 

 
JJ DUNNIGAN, MANHATTAN

Perhaps the most versatile player in the state and one of the top prospects in the 2026 class – already having committed to Kansas – Dunnigan helped lead Manhattan back to the Class 6A state championship game for the second time in three years with the Indians finishing runner-up to Gardner Edgerton. Dunnigan was named All-State Top 11 after starring in all three phases of the game. Offensively, he was Manhattan’s leading receiver with 556 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, he was a lockdown corner who had a team-high 3 interceptions (one pick six) and 6 passes defended despite teams not testing his side very often. He ranked third on the team in tackles with 65 and had a team-high 17 tackles in the state championship game. For good measure, Dunnigan was an elite returner, taking back two kickoff returns and one punt return for touchdowns. With the bulk of Manhattan’s offensive production having graduated, Dunnigan could take on an even bigger role in the offense this season.
 

AUGIE FAST, WICHITA NORTHWEST
 
Fast settled in quickly as Northwest’s feature back last season, running for 201 yards and two touchdowns in his Grizzlies’ debut against Bishop Carroll. The Maize transfer went on to run for 1,745 yards and 14 touchdowns, and compiled more than 2,100 all-purpose yards as Northwest finished 9-2 with a pair of losses to Class 6A runner-up Manhattan. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Fast features a strong burst of speed that fits well in Northwest’s high-tempo offense. A first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League selection who also earned All-Class 6A honorable mention, Fast should stay fresh throughout games with Johnmichael Fountain splitting carries.
 

 
ARIEUS FINLEY, DERBY
 
Finley, a junior tailback, will have plenty of experience in front of him with four returning starters on Derby’s line this season. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Finley used his shiftiness and quickness to churn out 1,512 yards and 26 touchdowns last season as the Panthers took an unbeaten record all the way to the Class 6A semifinals before falling to Manhattan. He also had a receiving touchdown, and averaged more than 25 yards on 11 kickoff returns. Finley earned first-team All-Class 6A and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I recognition after helping Derby average 50.8 points per game.
 

JOSH GALBREATH. LAWRENCE

Galbreath is back as one of the top returning defensive players in the Sunflower League for new head coach Jason Thoren, who replaced former coach Clint Bowen in the offseason. The Lawrence senior was a force at the linebacker spot for the Lions in 2024 as he registered 85 tackles, including 16 for a loss, 6.5 sacks and he forced two fumbles. He also spent some time at receiver where he caught a pair of touchdowns. Galbreath will look to lead a Lions team that finished 4-5 a year ago and is a University of Kansas commit. 
 

 
KEUNTIS HENDERSON, WICHITA EAST
 
Henderson, a senior, begins his second season at East as the anchor of a defensive line that has lots of potential. A transfer from Wichita Northwest after earning all-league honorable mention two seasons ago, Henderson wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks with six sacks and forced four fumbles last fall. He helped the Blue Aces post three shutouts while holding two other teams to a single score. He’ll team with senior DJ Ngassa and junior Malakai Jones to defend up front this season. Henderson earned first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League honors to go with All-Class 6A honorable mention a year ago.
 

RASHAWN JOHNSON, WICHITA SOUTH
 
Johnson played a key role in helping South win six games in a season for the first time in 30 years and snap a 24-game losing streak to perennial Greater Wichita Athletic League contender Bishop Carroll. The 5-foot-9, 155-pound senior quarterback accounted for 21 touchdowns in a variety of ways for the Titans – 11 rushing, 2 receiving, 2 passing and 6 kick returns. Johnson’s dual-threat ability helped South average 42.5 points in its victories and produced a Week 9 victory over Wichita Heights. Also a defensive back, Johnson was a first-team all-league selection at returner and second-team quarterback and also was a first-team All-Class 6A selection as a returner.
 

JAY’DEN KIRK-MCGOWAN, WICHITA SOUTH
 
While classmate Rashawn Johnson offers South plug-and-play versatility at multiple spots, Kirk-McGowan emerged as a steadying force for the Titans’ ground attack last season. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior led South with 1,390 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, helping the Titans post their first winning season since 2015 and most victories since 1994. Kirk-McGowan helped South win its first four league games last season, highlighted by a 318-yard, three-touchdown effort in a victory over Wichita Heights. He was a first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League choice and All-Class 6A honorable mention.
 

JAYLEN MASON, WICHITA NORTHWEST
 
The table is set for a big senior season for Mason, who enters his third year as Northwest’s starting quarterback with an offensive unit that features nine returning starters. The University of Kansas commit led the Grizzlies to a 9-2 record last fall, completing 107 of 195 passes for 1,977 yards and 24 touchdowns. He added 645 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground to earn first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League honors and All-Class 6A honorable mention. Mason passed for 1,205 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore to earn all-league honorable mention. 
 

LAWSON MCGRAW, BLUE VALLEY WEST

A three-year starter for the Jaguars, McGraw has been a standout on both sides of the ball, helping lead his team to a 10-2 record in 2024 and a trip to the state semifinals. Defensively, McGraw made things difficult for opposing offenses. As the team's starting outside linebacker he finished the season with 42 tackles, including five for a loss, and made a significant impact with three interceptions and three forced fumbles. That performance earned him a spot on the All-Eastern Kansas League second team. As a tight end, he hauled in 10 catches for 162 yards and three touchdowns. McGraw, a Kansas State commit and the son of K-State great Jon McGraw, is one of just five returning starters for West.
 

 
EVAN MIDDLETON, MANHATTAN

Middleton moved into a starting spot on the defensive line last year as a junior after seeing action in just two games as a sophomore, and immediately became a disruptive force for the Indians. He finished the season with 42 tackles, including 9 for loss and 5 sacks. Middleton recovered a fumble and even picked off a pass from his defensive tackle spot, earning first-team All-Centennial League honors. He helped the Indians to a 12-1 record and a runner-up finish in Class 6A and will be an anchor for a defensive front that must replace every other starter from a year ago.
 

SYRE PADILLA, GARDNER EDGERTON

Padilla delivered a memorable performance in the Class 6A state title game and played a big role in the Blazers’ second consecutive state title. With 24 carries for 180 yards, he was a vital part of Gardner Edgerton’s dominant offense, showing why he is one of the top backs in the state. Padilla's 180-yard game in the state championship was only one chapter in a historic season. Over the course of the 2024 campaign, he amassed a staggering 1,705 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. The Pittsburg State commit also averaged 7.3 yards per carry, which helped him earn second team All-Sunflower League and first-team All-Class 6A honors. 
 

JHETT PRICE, GARDEN CITY

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end/linebacker joins the Buffaloes from Plainview High School in Ardmore, Okla., as his father, Joe Price, enters his first year as Garden City head coach. Jhett, a senior, will be an immediate impact player as a two-way starter. He helped Plainview go 8-3 last year. Price will provide leadership for a Buffalo squad that returns just three starters on offense and five on defense. Garden City went 2-7 last year in its final season under Brian Hill, who went 79-65 in 15 seasons as Buffaloes’ coach. 
 

JAKE REEVES, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

The dual-threat quarterback has been a key figure for the Lancers since he first took the helm, and heading into his final season, he’s poised to make it another successful one in 2025. Reeves was a bright spot for Shawnee Mission East as he helped the Lancers to a 5-5 record before falling to the eventual state champion in Gardner Edgerton. In 2024, Reeves accumulated nearly 1,100 yards rushing and found the end zone 14 times on the ground. Through the air, Reeves was just as effective, throwing for nearly 700 yards and adding eight touchdowns. His all-around impact earned him honorable mention All-Sunflower League recognition. He also made an impact on special teams as he was selected to the all-league third team as a punter. 
 

MAX ROBINSON, DERBY
 
Robinson, a mountainous left tackle, earned a starting spot early in his freshman year and hasn’t looked back. Now entering his senior season, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Robinson leads a unit that will continue to pave the way for shifty tailback Arieus Finley, who ran for 1,512 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Robinson, a first-team All-Class 6A and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I selection a year ago, provided back-side protection for a group of Derby quarterbacks who completed nearly 70% of their attempts last season for 1,825 yards and 29 touchdowns.
 

TRACE RUDD, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Rudd emerged as one of the top kickers in the state last season for the Huskies. In 2024, he converted 44 of 47 extra point attempts and converted 5 of 7 field goal attempts with a long of 49. Those numbers earned him first team All-Eastern Kansas League honors after helping the Huskies to a sectional playoff spot and a 7-4 record. He was also an honorable mention all-state selection. Now a senior, Rudd gives the Huskies a big edge in the kicking department and is committed to the University of Oklahoma.
 

 
JAMARCUS TYSON, JUNCTION CITY

A starter at linebacker as a sophomore when he made 31 tackles, Tyson finished last season at Junction City’s second-leading tackler with 66 stops, half of them solo. He added 5 tackles for loss and picked off a pass on his way to earning first-team All-Centennial League honors. Tyson also got involved on the offensive side of the ball and averaged 5.4 yards per carry on just 29 rushes, finishing with 157 yards and 4 touchdowns – his TD total ranking second on the team. Tyson is one of six returning starters on defense, but the lone returner from the linebacking corps.
 

 
GARRISON VIKANDER, MANHATTAN

Leaning on the guys he trusted the most last year, Manhattan coach Joe Schartz employed more two-way starters than he ever had in his coaching career and Vikander was one of those guys. He was part of an offensive line that helped Manhattan roll up 410.9 yards and 42.8 points per game as the Indians went 12-1 with the lone loss coming in the Class 6A state championship game against Gardner Edgerton. On defense, Vikander lined up as a hybrid end/linebacker and ranked second on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss. He added 2.5 sacks and 6 quarterback hurries. Vikander earned first-team All-Centennial League honors on offense and was a second-team pick on defense.
 

DEONGELO WILLIAMS, WICHITA NORTHWEST
 
The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Williams committed to South Dakota in June, and enters his senior season as part of a highly experienced offensive unit. Williams, an offensive tackle, helped the Grizzlies churn out nearly 450 yards of total offense per game in a 9-2 season a year ago. One of four returning starters on the line and one of nine who are back from the 2024 offensive unit, Williams received first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League honors last fall after earning all-league honorable mention as a sophomore. He also landed All-Class 6A honorable mention last season. 
 

BRADEN WILMES, FREE STATE

At 6-foot-8, 290 pounds, Wilmes is an imposing figure on the field, and his impact goes far beyond his size. The three-year starter at left tackle is not only one of the top offensive linemen in Kansas, but one of the top overall players in the state, and his leadership will be key to Free State’s success this season. Wilmes, who has committed to Clemson, was a first-team All-Sunflower League selection in 2024 and helped the Firebirds to a 6-2 record last season, before falling to Blue Valley Northwest in the regional playoffs.