3A Season Preview/Rankings

  10. HARVIE MOEAI – SKYRIDGE Harvie Moeai is a promising junior defensive lineman for Skyridge. Standing at 6’3”, Moeai has demonstrated versatility and athleticism, contributing to both defensive and offensive plays. During the 2024–2025 season, Moeai recorded 8 tackles…...

  25. CARTER WILSON – JUAB Carter Wilson, a 5’11”, 235-pound junior defensive tackle for Juab, has distinguished himself as an overwhelming presence on perhaps the most talented the defensive line in 3A. In the 2024 season, he recorded 57…...

1 . SAN JUAN BRONCOS The San Juan Broncos are poised to make history in the 2025 Utah high school football season. With four consecutive 2A state championships under their belt, they aim to secure a fifth—a feat achieved by…...

45. FINN MOER – WESTLAKE Mouer has emerged as a key contributor to the Thunder’s defense during the 2024 season. In a standout performance against Copper Hills on October 25, 2024, Mouer recorded nine total tackles, defended two passes, and…...

Preseason Top 10 RBs article

The 1A Season Preview

25. BECKHAM CURTIS – OREM TIGERS The sophomore running back for Orem’s Class of 2027 has begun to demonstrate his speed and lateral quickness on the field. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 179 lbs, Curtis will be a vital asset…...

20. LANDON SHUMWAY – MONTICELLO Junior running back Landon Shumway has been a pivotal force for the Monticello Buckaroos, showcasing remarkable versatility and resilience throughout his first few season.. In the 2024 season, he amassed 262 rushing yards and contributed…...

45. JAXON MORTENSEN – PLEASANT GROVE The Vikings should be excited about Mortensen, he has quickly became a promising defensive lineman for the Vikings. Standing 6’3” and weighing 250 pounds, he plays as a defensive tackle and guard. In the…...

30. NOLAN KEENEY – PAYSON The talented quarterback out of Payson high, has been instrumental in elevating the Longhorns’ football program of late. As a junior in the 2024 season, standing at 6’4” and weighing 175 pounds, Keeney’s physical attributes…...

40. ZEKE MURDOCK – BOUNTIFUL Zeke Murdock has emerged as a versatile backup running back for the Bountiful Redhawks, contributing steadily when called upon in a deep, talent-rich backfield. Despite being behind the primary ball carrier, Murdock’s ability to pick…...

ZION FINAU – CORNER CANYON Zion Finau, all-purpose lineman out of Corner Canyon, has earned a commitment to Weber State, bringing his physicality and technical skill to the Wildcats’ offensive front. Finau has been a key piece in Corner Canyon’s…...

SAMA MAPA – EAST The junior lineman for East has been a key piece to the Leopards’ offensive gameplan. Standing at 6’3”, Mapa is a two-way beast that has the strength to roll bodies. During the 2023 season, he participated…...

LANDAN GOFF – LONE PEAK Landan Goff, who recently committed to BYU as part of their 2025 recruiting class. At 6?foot?3 and 185 pounds, Goff has already made a name for himself on the field by recording 64 tackles and…...

JAX ALLRED – GRANTSVILLE Jax Allred is a back to back all state lineman whose versatility and strength have made him a key player for the Cowboys. Whether lining up on offense or anchoring the defensive front, Allred’s powerful blocking…...

JAMES SCHLENDORF – OLYMPUS Schlendorf is a lockdown cornerback out of Olympus who has earned All-State honors twice, solidifying himself as one of the top defensive backs in Utah. Known for his elite coverage skills, quick instincts, and ability to…...

COOPER PALMER – SAN JUAN Cooper Palmer continues the Palmer legacy at San Juan, bringing dominance to the football field with his impressive size and footwork. A versatile lineman capable of playing multiple positions, Palmer is a force in the…...

STEVEN HOSKINS – HILLCREST Steven Hoskins continues to prove why he’s one of the most versatile and dynamic athletes on the field. Season after season, he delivers standout performances, showcasing his elite speed, football IQ, and ability to impact the…...

RAYCE ADAMS – MILLARD Adams was a preseason standout, and after a dominant season, he’ll be even higher on the postseason list. He took his game to another level, proving himself as one of the most improved and consistently dominant…...

GAGE YARDLEY – RICHFIELD Gage Yardley is nothing short of a generational talent—a dynamic playmaker who has left an undeniable mark on Richfield football. As the undisputed leader and face of the Wildcats, Yardley’s impact was felt on both sides…...

IAKOPO MALIFAU – SKYRIDGE Iakopo Malufau is one of the most exciting defensive players in the state, a relentless force who brings passion and energy to every snap. He has a knack for making game-changing plays, whether it’s a clutch…...

TY YOST – EMERY Ty Yost was the ultimate do-it-all player for Emery, making a huge impact on both sides of the ball. As an explosive running back, he had the ability to break off big plays at any moment,…...

BEAU LA FLUER – BRIGHTON Beau La Fluer, Brighton’s star linebacker, had a breakout season that solidified him as one of the most impactful players in Utah, despite flying under the radar. Arguably the most underrated talent in the state,…...

COOPER CLARK – RIDGELINE Cooper Clark was one of two Riverhawks to earn recognition on this list, and for good reason. A dynamic and quick linebacker, Clark’s ability to cover ground from sideline to sideline made him a crucial piece…...

  DANE SLACK – RIVERTON Dane Slack, a receiver out of Riverton, stands out as one of the most underrated talents not only in 6A but across the entire state. As the lifeblood of the Silverwolves’ offense, Slack’s dependability and…...

JARON PULA – TIMPVIEW Jaron Pula, a receiver for Timpview, entered the season with sky-high expectations as one of the most anticipated receiver prospects to come out of Utah in years—and he more than exceeded the hype. Pula’s athleticism is…...

JD PALMER – SAN JUAN Palmer was an exceptional linebacker for San Juan last season, standing out as one of the most dynamic defenders on the Broncos’ roster. Known for his explosiveness off the edge, Palmer’s quick first step routinely…...

MALAKAI ALOFIPO – CRIMSON CLIFFS Alofipo stands out as perhaps the most college-ready receiver on this list, with major offers from top-tier football programs to back it up. A complete package at his position, Alofipo is a polished route runner…...

ANDREW HOLLINGSHEAD – BEAVER Hollingshead is a tremendous linebacker and one-half of the dynamic Hollingshead brothers who have become integral to their team’s success. Known for his exceptional football IQ and relentless motor, Andrew led one of the best defenses…...

DE’SHAWN TOILOLO – SKYRIDGE De’shawn Toilolo has established himself as one of the most tenacious edge rushers in Utah over the past few seasons, earning a reputation as a relentless force on the field. The Boise State recruit is known…...

MALIK FAUTIN – RICHFIELD Malik Fautin emerged as one of the most underrated players last season, showcasing his athleticism and versatility as Richfield’s favorite offensive target. A dynamic tight end, Fautin consistently delivered in clutch moments, making him a tremendous…...

LINCOLN AMES – OLYMPUS Lincoln Ames quickly established himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the game, turning his name into a household one seemingly overnight. His ability to pressure the quarterback is unmatched, showcasing exceptional footwork,…...

SEBASTIAN RAMIREZ – JUAN DIEGO Ramirez, a defensive lineman for Juan Diego, was one of the most underrated players in the classification, but his impact for the Soaring Eagle was undeniable. A monster in the trenches, Ramirez consistently disrupted opposing…...

DYSON PARKER – WEBER Dyson Parker emerged as a breakout star for Weber this season, cementing himself as one of the most electrifying running backs in the state. While he showcased glimpses of his potential in a secondary role last…...

HELAMAN LAUTAHA – JUDGE MEMORIAL Helaman Lautaha emerged as a dominant force on the Judge Memorial defensive line as only a sophomore, making his mark as one of the most disruptive young players in the 2A. His combination of power,…...

SUNIA FIFITA – GRANGER Fifita proved this season that he is one of the most underrated running backs in the state, delivering a jaw-dropping performance that demands recognition. Known for his blazing speed and elusive moves, Fifita was nearly impossible…...

1A DL of the Year Candidates

OLIVER MACKAY – PROVO Mackay, the standout running back from Provo, has established himself as one of the most dominant players in 4A football. After racking up an impressive 1,700 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns last season, Mackay took home…...

DREW KORTH – MORGAN Drew Korth was a standout running back for Morgan last season, playing a pivotal role in the Trojans’ dominant run to yet another 3A state championship. Averaging an impressive 6 yards per carry, Korth consistently moved…...

MAYS MADSEN – LEHI Madsen quickly established himself as the favorite target for Lehi’s offense, becoming the Pioneers’ most valuable offensive asset this season. With his exceptional route running, reliable hands, and ability to make plays after the catch, Madsen…...

DYSON PARKER – WEBER Dyson Parker, the electrifying running back out of Weber, had a monumental season, averaging an astounding 161 yards per game and cementing himself as the lifeblood of the Warriors’ offense. Known for his explosive speed, sharp…...

JETT NIU – LEHI Jett Niu has solidified his status as one of Utah’s premier quarterbacks, proving why he was ranked second on our preseason list. After an exceptional season, his pinpoint accuracy, sharp decision-making, and poise under pressure have…...

EMERSON GEILMAN – BOUNTIFUL Emerson Geilman, the star quarterback out of Bountiful, is cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats. Leading his team to back-to-back state championship appearances and clinching victory in the most recent one, Geilman…...

MCCORD CHRISTIANSEN – CRIMSON CLIFFS McCord Christiansen, the dynamic running back for Crimson Cliffs, delivered a season for the ages, solidifying himself as a strong candidate for MVP honors. As the heart and soul of the Mustangs’ offense, he dominated…...

ANDREW HILLSTEAD – TIMPANOGOS Hillstead burst onto the scene this season, transforming from an unknown name into one of the most electrifying gunslingers in the state. With over 3,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, he showcased incredible poise and precision,…...

25. MURRAY SPARTANS A good Murray team returns two key contributors from a year ago, Isaiah Beh and Treyce Wilson. Murray finished second in Region 10, good for the #8 seed in 4A. They would ultimately fall to the eventual…...

20. KANYON OKERLUND – SOUTH SEVIER Okerlund and the Rams endured a challenging season last year, finishing at the bottom of the 2A classification. However, this season marked a dramatic turnaround, as the team made significant strides and secured a…...

BECK SHEFFIELD – MORGAN Beck Sheffield is orchestrating one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory, showcasing an extraordinary level of dominance week after week. His near-perfect play is a model of precision and consistency, demanding admiration. Sheffield’s calm,…...

25. JOSHUA CHECKETTS – LAYTON The 6’8” center from Layton, Checketts, opens up the list at #25. Last season, he contributed to a strong Layton team that secured the #1 playoff seed before ultimately falling to Corner Canyon in the…...

JAITEN KNIGHT – SAN JUAN Knight is another standout quarterback emerging from San Juan, continuing the school’s tradition of producing talented dual-threat players. Like his predecessors, he excels both in the air and on the ground, surrounded by skilled weapons…...

KILO TSOSIE – MILFORD Kilo Tsosie has been the heart and soul of the Milford Tigers’ offense for several seasons, and his impact is undeniable. Under his leadership, the Tigers’ offense has evolved year after year, reaching new levels of…...

JERRE HOLMES – NORTH SUMMIT BRAVES Head coach Jerre Holmes has orchestrated a remarkable season for North Summit, leading the Braves to an undefeated record and pulling off an incredible victory over the powerhouse Beaver Beavers, a dynasty in their…...

25. SYRACUSE TITANS (5-4) Nearly every team in Region 1 is ranked in the top 25, showcasing the depth of talent in the region. Syracuse is no exception, with a strong defense and several high-quality wins under their belt. The…...

25. BINGHAM MINERS (4-4) W – @ Riverton (21-16) The Miners have had a season below their usual high standards, with an offense that struggled to find its rhythm. However, after securing their third consecutive win tonight, Bingham is gaining…...

25. GRANTSVILLE COWBOYS | (6-1) W – vs Ogden (12-0) Grantsville continues to assert their dominance, remaining unbeaten against 3A competition. While their offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders, shutting out the previously undefeated Tigers is no small feat. The…...

BY: MCGREGOR BROUGH 25. LIAM GUTHRIE – SKY VIEW Leading off this list is Liam Guthrie. When injuries struck Sky View early in the season, Guthrie seized the opportunity and significantly stepped up his role. Heading into his senior year,…...

6A...

25. STANSBURY STALLIONS – (4-2) W – vs Park City (14-10) Stansbury has been working to find their rhythm in the early part of the season, but they appear to be heating up at just the right time. Their defense…...

COACH OF THE YEAR – COACH FRESQUES Halfway through the season, Coach Fresques of Northridge has undoubtedly emerged as one of the best head coaches, and the Knights are one of the most exciting stories in high school football this…...

25. CRIMSON CLIFFS MUSTANGS | 3-2 W – @ Desert Hills (28-17) Crimson has re-entered the Top 25 after falling out in week one. The Mustangs are riding a wave of back-to-back statement victories, with their offense finally hitting its…...

40B. TOMMY NELSON Tommy Nelson has been a standout for Olympus through the first four games, making a significant impact at wide receiver. His ability to make tough catches and create separation has been instrumental in the Titans’ offense, consistently…...

25. HAYDEN GUBLER The 1A classification is filled with standout running backs, as rural schools tend to rely heavily on the ground game compared to their larger counterparts. Among them, Gubler stands out as the best of the bunch. The…...

40B. MADDEN SARGENT The Layton Lancers faced a challenging season last year, struggling with a high number of losses and a faltering offense. However, this season marks a notable turnaround with Madden Sargent, who now has a full year of…...

25. RICHFIELD WILDCATS W – @ Delta (47-14) The Wildcats just keep winning. After an undefeated season last year, Richfield remains unbeaten this year as well. They dominated Delta tonight, cruising to an effortless victory. With a well-rounded team, Richfield…...

NUMBER 25: RICHFIELD WILDCATS W – 36-7 @ Payson It’s rare for lower classification teams to receive this much attention, but they’ve dominated their competition this preseason, even against larger schools. Richfield was expected to take a step back after…...

FREMONT UNDERPERFORMS The Silverwolves entered the season under immense pressure with the arrival of Coach Tuatagaloa, alongside key additions like Salesi Moa and Manase Tuatagaloa. However, after two tough matchups, they’ve fallen short of expectations. The offense has struggled to…...

OLI – (outside looking in) BEAVER BEAVERS OLI – (outside looking in) MOUNTAIN CREST MUSTANGS NUMBER 25: SPRINGVILLE RED DEVILS W – vs Bonneville (48-35) The Springville Red Devils remain undefeated through two weeks, but their defensive performance tonight was…...

NUMBER 25: OLYMPUS TITANS L – 20-24 vs Spanish Fork Last season, Olympus often found themselves in close games, much like the one they played tonight. Even though they lost to what appeared to be an inferior team at home,…...

10. DALLAN VAN VLIET – GRANTSVILLE Dallan Van Vliet is entering his second year as the quarterback for Grantsville after earning the starting spot mid-season last year when the Cowboys struggled offensively. Once he took the reins, Van Vliet helped…...

20. KADEN TURNER – MILLARD Kaden Turner, the returning quarterback for Millard, has proven himself to be a reliable game manager for the Eagles. While the team leans heavily on their ground game, Turner excels at making crucial throws when…...

25. SAN JUAN BRONCOS The San Juan Broncos have firmly established themselves as the premier football program in Utah, having secured the last three state championships and entering this season as favorites for a fourth. They are the embodiment of…...

10. AYDEN DUNN – BINGHAM Ayden Dunn, who recently transferred from Corner Canyon to Bingham, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from playing under some of the state’s top quarterbacks and Coach Kjar. While his varsity…...

10. BRACKEN SAUNDERS – MORGAN Bracken Saunders, out of Morgan, is one of the most underrated players in the state, but he’s poised for a breakout season that will put him on everyone’s radar. Saunders brings a relentless work ethic…...

10. LCA EAGLES @ EAST LEOPARDS LCA consistently fields a team that seems to feature a fresh roster each year. Known for recruiting talent from outside the United States and increasingly becoming a hub for transfers, the Eagles always pique…...

25. MAX TAUKEI’AHO – MANTI Max Taukei’aho, for Manti, is an up and coming star on what is arguably the most dominant defensive line unit in 3A. Despite his youth, Taukei’aho has shown immense potential and possesses a high ceiling…...

18. LAYTON LANCERS The Layton Lancers experienced a significant downturn this past season, falling from a promising team to struggling at the bottom of the 6A division. Looking ahead, it’s challenging to envision a substantial improvement in their performance. However,…...

25. COLE ENGEMANN – OREM Cole Engemann, a promising quarterback for the Orem Tigers, made a significant impact when he stepped up as QB1 following an injury to the team’s star quarterback. Demonstrating poise and skill, Engemann performed admirably under…...

10. SADLER BARNES – MILFORD Sadler Barnes is an exceptional receiver, hailing from a family of incredibly talented athletes. Known for his precise route-running and reliable hands, Barnes is expected to be a key component of a high-flying offense this…...

10. WILL VAN COTT – BINGHAM Will Van Cott, a dominant defensive lineman for Bingham, stands out as a key player on their massive defensive line unit. Known for his relentless drive and exceptional technique, Van Cott was an all-state…...

40. JAKE SMITH – NORTH SUMMIT Jake Smith, the quarterback for North Summit, is known for his exceptional running abilities, making him a dual-threat on the field. Despite suffering an injury last season that cut his campaign short, Smith is…...

25. JESSE KING – TIMPANOGOS Jesse King, the edge rusher for the Timberwolves, is arguably the most underrated player in Utah. Known for his explosiveness off the line, King consistently disrupts offensive plays with his exceptional speed and agility. His…...

10. BRANTEN BETHEA – SAN JUAN Branten Bethea out of San Juan High School continues the Broncos’ proud tradition of producing top-notch defensive backs. Known for his sharp instincts and exceptional coverage skills, Bethea has consistently been a crucial part…...

27. CLEARFIELD FALCONS The Clearfield Falcons have long struggled to find success in Utah high school football. Regardless of the coaching staff or roster, victories have been elusive, and this upcoming season doesn’t promise much change. The program desperately needs…...

10. JARON PULA – TIMPVIEW Jaron Pula, along with his twin Kennan, ranks among the state’s most exciting receiver prospects. Both are generational talents with the potential to play on Sundays, making it challenging to rank one above the other.…...

40. DAHGO HOUCHEN – CEDAR Dahgo Houchen, is a top tier athlete out of Cedar, is making waves with his exceptional edge rushing abilities. Houchen is known for his explosive first step and powerful presence, consistently penetrating the offensive line…...

25B. KING LONG – JUDGE MEMORIAL King Long is set to be an excellent defender for Judge Memorial’s roster next season, bringing critical versatility and skill to both sides of the ball. As a pivotal defensive back, Long’s performance will…...

25. STEVEN HOSKINS – HILLCREST Hoskins is a phenomenal athlete known for his versatility and exceptional talent on the field. Although his official position is receiver, last season he stepped up as quarterback due to team injuries and excelled in…...

10. SAIA HIFO – PROVO Saia Hifo is one of the most underrated players in Utah, with his talent deserving far more recognition and offers than he has received thus far. Exceptionally athletic and equipped with all the tools necessary…...

28. JORDAN BEETDIGGERS The Jordan Beetdiggers have faced challenges for several seasons, with their performance trending downward for quite some time. However, last season offered glimpses of potential, highlighted by solid quarterback play and the exceptional talent at receiver, Derell…...

10. ZAIDEN GILLINS – BEAVER Gillins is an experienced lineman known for his tenacity on every snap. With championship experience under his belt, he understands what it takes to win and brings that invaluable knowledge to the field. As the…...

40. KYLE LIVELY – SUMMIT ACADEMY Summit Academy’s Kyle Lively blossomed into a star receiver for the Bears last season, showcasing his exceptional talent and becoming a key offensive weapon. With great speed and the ability to run crisp routes,…...

25. KAHEKILI ELENEKE – ROY Kahekili Eleneke, defensive back for the Roy Royals, known for his exceptional speed and instinctive play. With a remarkable ability to be in the right place at the right time, Eleneke consistently demonstrates his defensive…...

10. NICK HALLOCK – BINGHAM Hallock, out of Bingham, is already making waves as a junior offensive lineman. Standing at 6’4″ and 230 lbs, Hallock has drawn significant attention, securing offers from Weber State, Washington State, and Utah Tech. His…...

12. CARBON DINOS The Carbon Dinos have had a history of disappointing performances in recent memory, one might even say they were dreadful. Last season was no exception, as they were overwhelmingly defeated by nearly every team they faced. However,…...

26. MARCUS LOERTSCHER – EAST Loertscher stands out among the exceptional secondary players in the Leopard defense. His playmaking abilities and knack for being in the right place at the right time to intercept opposing quarterbacks set him apart. With…...

10. KASH COOK – NORTH SANPETE Cook is poised to dominate as one of the premier two-way players in the 3A classification next season. Renowned for his excellence as a ball carrier and his exceptional skills as a linebacker, he…...

25. KASON KESLER – MILFORD Kessler, a lineman from Milford, stands out for his strength, agility, and refined technique. His exceptional ability to protect the quarterback and create vital running lanes underscores his importance to Milford’s offensive strategy. Known for…...