5-star USC commit Julian Lewis makes MaxPreps National Player of the Year Watch List
Tuesday evening, MaxPreps released their yearly National Player of the Year Watch List, consisting of 10 of the nation’s top talents in high school football. Unsurprisingly, five-star USC quarterback commit Julian Lewis was named to the list.
Here is what MaxPreps said about making the list.
“The biggest stars and impact performers from the 2023 high school football season have been identified as candidates for the game’s biggest honor — MaxPreps National Player of the Year.”
“Factors in the selection process include team success and individual performance and production. A deep playoff run and outstanding play on the biggest stage also make for a strong resume. The last seven winners of the award led their team to a state title and a MaxPreps Top 25 finish.”
“There is still a long way to go and it should be noted that the eventual winner is not required to come from the following list of 10 players, this is merely a check-in on those who have stood out above the rest as we enter the second half of October. The winner will be named on Dec. 20 along with the MaxPreps All-America Team.”
Of the 10 players to make the list, Lewis is only one two not in the class of 2024. The other is 2025 five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Lewis has passed for 1,920 yards and 29 touchdowns to only one interception through eight games this season.The Trojans have a 7-1 record.
Lewis ranks as the No. 1 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also tabbed in as the No. 1 quarterback and the No. 1 player in the state of Georgia in the 2026 class.
Here is the list of 10 players:
QB — Micah Alejado, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
QB — Elijah Brown, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
LB — Sammy Brown, Jefferson (Ga.)
QB — D.J. Lagway, Willis (Texas)
QB — Caleb Sanchez, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
EDGE — Colin Simmons, Duncanville (Texas)
WR — Jeremiah Smith, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)
QB — Bryce Underwood, Belleville (Mich.)
QB — Isaac Wilson, Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
Past MaxPreps National Players of the Year
2006 — Riley Dodge, QB, Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
2007 — Terrelle Pryor, QB, Jeannette (Pa.)
2008 — Garrett Gilbert, QB, Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
2009 — Dillon Baxter, ATH, Mission Bay (San Diego)
2010 — Dano Graves, QB, Folsom (Calif.)
2011 — Johnathan Gray, RB, Aledo (Texas)
2012 — Derrick Henry, RB, Yulee (Fla.)
2013 — Kyler Murray, QB, Allen (Texas)
2014 — Kyler Murray, QB, Allen
2015 — Derrick Brown, DL, Lanier (Sugar Hill, Ga.)
2016 — Tate Martell, QB, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2017 — JT Daniels, QB, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
2018 — Bru McCoy, ATH, Mater Dei
2019 — DJ Uiagalelei, QB, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) / Bryce Young, QB, Mater Dei
2020 — Jaxson Dart, QB, Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
2021 — Cade Klubnik, QB, Westlake (Austin, Texas)
2022 — Caleb Downs, DB, Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)
