As Week 1 of the Idaho high school football season gets underway, anticipation is building across the Gem State.
From the Friday night lights of small-town Idaho to the big-stage atmospheres of 6A powerhouses, this year's talent runs deep. So what better way to kick it off than with the release of our preseason all-state team that features everything from a historic five-star recruit to a dual-sport track star who can fly past defenders?
Defending state champion Hillcrest leads the way with five selections, followed by Rocky Mountain, Timberline and Rigby at three apiece. The 29-man team features players from 17 different schools across four classifications, showcasing the depth of talent spread across the Gem State.
So without any further ado, here is our Idaho all-state preseason team.
MORE: Here are the top running backs in Arkansas for ’25 season
Player of the Year
Tyson Sweetwood, QB, Hillcrest: The dual-threat senior quarterback was instrumental in delivering Hillcrest's first state championship since 2018. The Carroll College commit put together a spectacular junior campaign, accounting for 3,655 total yards of offense. Through the air, he completed 220 of 354 passes for 2,660 yards and 23 touchdowns, while adding another 995 yards and 16 scores on the ground.
Offense
Quarterback
Titus Vidlak, Fruitland, junior: The younger brother of Stephen F. Austin starting quarterback Sam Vidlak, Titus is making his own name for himself. He led all 4A quarterbacks with 2,649 total yards and 35 total touchdowns while maintaining an impressive 65% completion percentage.
Jacob Flowers, Rigby, senior: Flowers led the Trojans to their fourth 6A state title in six seasons last year while earning second-team all-state honors. He has quite the family pedigree. His father, Aaron, was a standout quarterback at Cal State Northridge in the 1990s, while older brother Luke quarterbacked the Trojans to a state title in 2022 and is now at the University of Montana. It's now Jacob's turn to carry on the family tradition.
MORE: The Sporting News Top 25 Oklahoma high school football preseason rankings
Running Backs
Amani Morel, Rigby, senior: Even in a two-headed backfield system, Morel carved out his place as one of Idaho's premier rushers. He bulldozed his way to 1,113 yards and 17 touchdowns, proving that talent rises to the top regardless of touches.
Noah Burnham, Eagle, senior: What Burnham accomplished last year while missing two games makes his season even more impressive. He still managed to rush for 1,236 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing the kind of durability and explosiveness that separates elite backs from the pack.
MORE: Here are the top 20 running backs in North Texas returning for the 2025 football season
Wide Receivers
Rasean Jones, Rocky Mountain, senior: Despite a junior season shortened by injury, the Boise State commit still hauled in 53 catches for 872 yards and 15 touchdowns for Baker City (Oregon). On the track, he's equally dominant with a blazing 10.84-second 100-meter time and three Oregon Class 4A state titles in hurdles.
Hudson Lewis, Timberline, senior: Lewis proved to be one of Idaho's most reliable targets, securing 57 catches for 775 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning first-team all-state honors last season. The No. 5 recruit in Idaho brings elite route-running and sure hands to Washington State, where he's committed to continue his career.
MORE: Some of the top WR talent in Iowa high school football
Tight End
Preston McDaniel, Thunder Ridge, senior: The 6-4, 215-pound tight end became Utah State's prized catch in June. He did so by leading the Titans with 41 receptions for 564 yards and four touchdowns, combining the size and athleticism that make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Ryan Brekke, Owyhee, senior: The reigning MaxPreps Idaho Offensive Player of the Year brings elite versatility to the position. The 6-3, 200-pound Boise State commit hauled in 49 catches for 611 yards and a touchdown while lining up all over the field last season. It earned him second-team all-state honors and helped make him the No. 4 recruit in Idaho.
MORE: These players can light up the scoreboard each and every week
Offensive Line
Jax Tanner, Rocky Mountain, senior: The reigning Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year dominated in the trenches with an astounding 115 pancake blocks. The three-star BYU commit anchored one of the state's most dominant offensive lines, creating massive running lanes and protecting his quarterback with authority.
Kelvin Obot, Fruitland, senior: History in the making. At 6-5 and 265 pounds, Obot recently achieved five-star status, becoming just the second five-star recruit in Idaho history after Burley's Gatlin Bair. The Utah commit represents the pinnacle of Idaho high school football talent and is the state's top-ranked recruit.
Andrew Price, Timberline, senior: Price's transformation from second-team All-SIC Foothills selection to Offensive Lineman MVP at the Gem State Showcase exemplifies dedication and improvement. The 6-6, 270-pound Hawaii commit emerged as the No. 9 player in Idaho, proving that hard work pays off at the highest level.
Carter Apelu, Madison, senior: Versatility and consistency define Apelu's game. The 6-4, 290-pound senior can excel at either tackle or guard, earning first-team all-state honors for the second consecutive year. He was instrumental in anchoring the line that powered 6A's top running game, averaging 255 yards per contest while delivering 20 pancake blocks of his own.
Austin Reeves, Hillcrest, senior: The anchor of the state championship offensive line, Reeves combined technique with power to perfection. The 6-2, 245-pound center delivered 25 pancake blocks while allowing just one sack all season. His dominance wasn't limited to football—he also captured the heavyweight state wrestling championship, showcasing his all-around athletic prowess.
MORE: Some of the top players outside of QB in Iowa this year
All-Purpose
Zyan Crockett, Skyline, senior: The MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year, Crockett was a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators to game-plan against. He torched defenses through the air with 52 catches for 943 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also punishing them on the ground with 742 rushing yards and 13 scores. His versatility and explosiveness make him one of the most dangerous weapons in Idaho football.
Defense
Defensive Ends
Rowan Rupp, Rocky Mountain, senior: The Boise State commit brings both size and production to the edge. At 6-2 and 245 pounds, Rupp terrorized offensive lines as a junior with 78 tackles, 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss while earning first-team 6A all-state honors. He looks poised for an even bigger senior campaign.
Sam Haener, Timberline, senior: Haener possesses the ideal blend of size and athleticism that college coaches covet. The 6-4, 235-pound three-star recruit went from an All-6A SIC second-team selection last season to now the No. 12-ranked recruit in Idaho and a UC Davis commit.
Damien Simmons, Hillcrest, senior: The first-team 5A all-state selection proved nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations last season. Standing 6-5 and 210 pounds, Simmons wreaked havoc with 65 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the state's premier pass rushers.
Porter Higley, Buhl, senior: Don't let his 6-0, 200-pound frame fool you—Higley was a constant presence in opposing backfields last season. He led 4A with 14 sacks while adding 17 tackles for loss, proving that technique and relentless motor can overcome size disadvantages.
MORE: New England's top 10 high school QBs in 2025
Linebackers
LaGary Mitchell, Meridian, senior: The 6-2, 200-pound playmaker recorded 79 tackles, three sacks and six pass breakups last season. That, combined with an impressive summer, which made him the state's No. 3 recruit, made him a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. He flipped his commitment from Boise State to Utah in June.
Daxon Sargent, Hillcrest, senior: The captain and heartbeat of the state championship defense, Sargent led by example throughout last year's title run. The 5-11, 180-pounder racked up 100 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, exemplifying what it means to be a defensive leader.
Drew Holman, Middleton, senior: A true two-way force, Holman will anchor both sides of the ball for the Vikings as their starting quarterback and leading defender. His 148 tackles led all of 6A, while adding 5.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and four interceptions.
Ethan Hickman, Rigby, senior: Hickman earned second-team all-state honors while anchoring last season's championship defense. His return provides stability and veteran leadership for a Trojans squad looking to repeat their title success.
MORE: The top QBs set to compete in 2A in Iowa high school football
Defensive Backs
Dalton Carter, Twin Falls, senior: Carter emerged as one of 5A's premier ball hawks last season, leading the classification with six interceptions while adding 91 tackles, five tackles for loss and nine pass breakups. His combination of range and ball skills makes him a game-changing presence in the secondary.
Dylan O'Brien, Nampa Christian, senior: O'Brien led his classification with six interceptions last season while contributing 48 tackles, two tackles for loss and 13 pass breakups. His ability to break up passes and create turnovers makes him a cornerstone of any defensive secondary.
Gage Searle, Skyline, senior: The second-team all-state selection anchored a secondary last season that helped the Grizzlies reach the state championship game for the fourth time in five years. With Searle patrolling the backend, Skyline's defense allowed just 14 points per game, showcasing his impact on team success.
Ben Murray, Coeur d'Alene, junior: One of only two sophomores to earn 6A all-state honors last season, Murray transitions from linebacker to defensive back after a phenomenal campaign. His 123 tackles (10 for loss), two sacks and one interception as a sophomore demonstrate the rare instincts and physicality that make him special.
MORE: Key Idaho football coaching hires to watch in 2025
Special teams
Kicker
Rylan Borgman, Hillcrest, senior: Borgman provided the finishing touch for the reigning state champions last season with remarkable consistency and power. He connected on 7 of 8 field goal attempts with a long of 47 yards, while converting 44 of 48 extra points. His 61 touchbacks demonstrated the leg strength that makes him a complete special teams weapon.
Punter
Hunter Cordell, Pocatello, senior: The 6-5 field-flipper averaged an impressive 49 yards per punt last season while demonstrating remarkable precision with 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Cordell's combination of distance and accuracy gives his team a significant advantage in the field position battle.