Keelon Russell, Alvin Henderson, Jackson Cantwell named finalists for Gatorade National Player of the Year

Three high school football stars have been announced as finalists for Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. Five-Star Plus+ Alabama quarterback signee Keelon Russell, four-star Auburn running back signee Alvin Henderson and junior Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell were each tabbed with the honor on Friday.

Previous winners of the illustrious award include Emmett Smith, Peyton Manning, Tim Couch and Kyler Murray. Florida QB DJ Lagway was the 2023 recipient.

Alabama QB signee Keelon Russell

Quarterbacking the No. 2 high school football team in the nation, Duncanville (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ signal-caller Keelon Russell has put together an incredible senior campaign.

Across 12 games, the 6-foot-3.25, 182-pounder has thrown for 3,652 yards and 52 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He’s completed over 70 percent of his attempts and is averaging over 300 passing yards per game.

Duncanville is 12-0 and will play in the quarterfinals of the Texas UIL 6A Division I quarterfinals on Friday night. The Panthers are the favorite to win a third consecutive state title.

“Keelon Russell is amidst of the best senior season of any top 2025 quarterback prospect. He’s led Duncanville to an undefeated record, a No. 2 ranking in the On3 Massey Ratings and is in pursuit of a third-straight state title in Texas’ highest classification. Russell has played phenomenal football as a senior, the game is moving very slow for him,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said.

“He’s making quick decisions and is surgical from the pocket. He’s shown elite ability to navigate against pressure while continuing to improve his arm strength and overall playmaking ability. I would consider Russell the favorite for the award, especially if Duncanville is able to three-peat and pull off an undefeated season.”

Russell flipped his commitment to Alabama from SMU on June 4. He’s now the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Auburn RB signee Alvin Henderson

Elba (Ala.) four-star running back Alvin Henderson finished his prep career as one of the best to ever do it at the high school level.

This fall, he became just the 12th player in high school football history to eclipse 10,000 career rushing yards. He’s compiled over 60 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons and also holds Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) records for all-time rushing, most touchdowns in a season (69 in 2023), most rushing yards in a season (3,523 in 2023), most touchdowns in a game (nine in 2024) and plenty more.

Elba finished the season 11-3, losing in the Alabama 1A state semifinals.

“Alvin Henderson is a historic high school running back in the state of Alabama. Completely dominates the level of competition and has already rewritten the state and national record books. He’s a tough, durable runner, plays with good vision, has natural instincts, breaks tackles at a high level and is a complete workhorse,” Power said. “He takes on a big load but has also consistently run for over 10 yards a carry while being his high school’s entire offense throughout his career.”

Henderson flipped his commitment to in-state Auburn from Penn State on June 21. He is the No. 126 overall prospect and No. 7 RB in the 2025 cycle.

2026 No. 1 recruit Jackson Cantwell

Standing 6-foot-7.5 and weighing in at 305 pounds, Nixa (Mo.) Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell is a daunting matchup for opposing defensive linemen in the trenches.

He is currently the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He’s helped Nixa dominate this fall, as the Eagles are undefeated at 13-0 and are currently the top-ranked team in the state, per the On3 Composite. They will play in the Missouri 6A state title game on Friday night.

“We currently consider Jackson Cantwell as the top offensive line prospect in the 2026 cycle. He has outstanding athleticism, excellent functional strength, he doubles as a top track-and-field athlete — one of the best shotput throwers in the nation. Both of his parents were Olympian throwers,” Power said. “You don’t typically see offensive linemen win a national award like this, but Cantwell is certainly a top talent at the position in the 2026 cycle.”

Cantwell is yet to make his first cut of top schools, but the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Nebraska and Missouri have had him on campus this year. He will be a top priority for a slew of coaching staffs now that attention is turning to the 2026 cycle.