With college days workouts and spring practices in full swing, the Indiana high school football season is just around the corner.

The 2026 class is loaded with talent across the state. Here are 16 players with the potential to bring home Indiana’s most prestigious individual award—one for each week remaining until kickoff.

First, a bit of history:

  • A quarterback hasn’t won Mr. Football since 2021 (Brady Allen, Gibson Southern).
  • Ben Davis and Warren Central lead all programs with three winners each.
  • Indiana University has signed the most Mr. Football winners (six).
  • Six winners have played in the NFL.
  • A full-time defensive player has never won the award.
  • Terry McLaurin (2013, Cathedral) is the only full-time wide receiver to win it.
  • Bo Barzilauskas (1993, Bloomington South) is the only lineman to ever win.

Bo Polston, QB, Decatur Central

A Toledo commit, Polston has led the Hawks to back-to-back state title appearances—winning the 2024 5A championship over Warsaw after falling to Fort Wayne Snider the year prior. Now playing in 6A, another deep playoff run could solidify Polston’s case for Mr. Football, especially given his already stellar career.

Devin Craig, QB, Lapel

Craig threw for 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, guiding Lapel to a sectional title before falling to Lutheran in regionals. A three-year starter with over 7,500 career passing yards, another 3,000-yard season could place him comfortably among Indiana’s top 10 all-time passers.

Jett Goldsberry, QB/ATH, Heritage Hills

Fresh off a 3A state title, Goldsberry’s stock has soared—earning offers from more than 20 schools. He accounted for 1,600+ total yards and 25 touchdowns offensively, while adding over 50 tackles, two sacks, and 750+ punting yards. His versatility makes him one of the state’s most complete players.

Jacob Davis, QB, New Palestine

In his varsity debut, Davis was incredibly efficient, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards with 23 touchdowns to just one interception. He also added 600+ rushing yards and 13 scores, leading New Pal to an undefeated 4A state title.

Christian Kramer, QB, North Putnam

Starting since eighth grade, Kramer enters his fourth varsity season after tallying 2,200 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 1,700 rushing yards and 25 scores last fall. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Myles McLaughlin, RB/ATH, Knox

McLaughlin is chasing history—just 3,874 yards and 336 points shy of Charlie Spegal’s all-time rushing and scoring records. After a 2,830-yard, 42-touchdown season, he’ll be the centerpiece again. A deep playoff run could be enough to push him over the top.

Josh Ranes, RB/ATH, New Palestine

Ranes burst onto the scene during New Pal’s undefeated 4A title run, rushing for 2,200 yards and 30 touchdowns. On defense, he added 50 tackles and a sack from the linebacker spot. Expect another massive two-way season.

Deacon King, RB/ATH, Westfield

In his first season at running back, King tallied 1,400+ yards and 18 touchdowns, helping Westfield to a 6A runner-up finish. He also contributed two interceptions and several pass breakups defensively. A statistical jump could elevate him into serious contention.

Braylen Townsend, RB, Bloomington South

Townsend averaged 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns per game during the playoffs, leading Bloomington South to a regional title. He finished with 2,200 yards and 25 scores on the year, capped by a semi-state loss to Decatur Central.

Avin Robinson, WR, Brownsburg

A key weapon during Brownsburg’s 6A title run, Robinson hauled in 41 receptions for 933 yards and 12 touchdowns—including a 65-yard score in the championship game. He’s a big-play threat who could thrive with an expanded role in 2025.

Kasmir Hicks, ATH, Decatur Central

An Indiana commit, Hicks might be the most dynamic athlete in the state. He posted 470 rushing yards and five touchdowns, 877 receiving yards with 13 scores, 30 tackles and four interceptions (two returned for TDs), and nearly 400 kick return yards—scoring twice on just eight returns. He impacts every phase of the game.

Paul Oliver, WR/ATH, Linton-Stockton

Oliver’s stat line speaks volumes: 900 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, 300 rushing yards and seven scores, and even seven passing touchdowns. He’s been a Swiss Army knife for Linton and is poised for a breakout senior year.

Mykul Campbell, LB/ATH, Decatur Central

Campbell dominated defensively with 14 sacks, one interception, and 10 PBUs. Though used sparingly on offense, his athleticism and size make him one of the state’s most versatile defenders. A few offensive highlights could boost his chances.

Breck Mallory, LB, Lawrence North

Mallory racked up 125 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two return touchdowns. If a full-time defensive player is finally going to break through, Mallory has the resume to do it.

Jerimy Finch Jr., DL, Warren Central

Finch, the lone returning sack-getter for Warren, will be the focal point of their defensive front. He logged 90 tackles, 24 TFLs, and seven sacks last season. His performance this year—while facing more attention—will be key to his Mr. Football DL campaign.

Dee Hogue, ATH, Bishop Luers

A two-way standout, Hogue helped lead Luers to a 3A state runner-up finish. He posted 700 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while picking off nine passes and making 80 tackles. Few players in the state are as productive on both sides of the ball.