The spotlight was on Tennessee’s high school football elite Tuesday as the 2025 Mr. Football Awards were handed out at Nissan Stadium.
The ceremony recognized the top players across all nine TSSAA classifications, along with one standout specialist earning Kicker of the Year honors. For these young athletes, it wasn’t just about stats or highlight reels-it was about consistent excellence, leadership, and making big plays when it mattered most.
Let’s break down the winners and the finalists who stood shoulder to shoulder with the best in the state.
Class 1A: DaYon Cooper, South Pittsburg
Cooper took home the top honor in Class 1A, capping off a season where he was the engine behind South Pittsburg’s success. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball gave him an edge, and he stood out even in a field that included McKenzie’s Cole Brown and Coalfield’s Jaiden Bunch-both of whom had stellar campaigns in their own right.
Class 2A: Zach Groves, East Robertson
Groves earned the Mr. Football title in 2A with a season that showcased both grit and versatility.
Whether moving the chains or making key plays on defense, Groves was the heartbeat of East Robertson. He edged out two dynamic playmakers: Andrew Johnson from Fairley and Milan’s Jaydon Peete, both of whom brought speed and skill to the table all year long.
Class 3A: Graham Simpson, Westview
In Class 3A, Simpson was the clear standout. The Westview star delivered week in and week out, showing poise under pressure and a knack for making big plays in big moments. That consistency helped him rise above a strong group that included Melrose’s Thomas Heffner and Forrest’s Quincy Mitchell.
Class 4A: Caden Baugh, Greeneville
Baugh’s performance for Greeneville this season was nothing short of commanding. Whether leading drives or anchoring the team in crunch time, he brought a steady hand and high football IQ. Upperman’s Bronzden Chaffin and Alcoa’s Thomas Manu were also in the mix, both bringing serious athleticism and leadership to their squads.
Class 5A: Cooper Newman, Sevier County
Newman’s name was called for Class 5A, and for good reason. He was the driving force behind Sevier County’s offense, showing the kind of command you want from a top-tier quarterback. He beat out Knoxville Central’s Kaden Long and Munford’s Tay Starks-two players who also had strong seasons and left their mark on the field.
Class 6A: Kelvin Perkins, Southwind
Perkins rose above a competitive 6A field, delivering a season filled with explosive plays and leadership that translated into wins. He was a game-changer for Southwind, outpacing Antioch’s Andre Adams and Oakland’s Craig Tutt, both of whom had the kind of seasons that usually put you in the winner’s circle.
Division II-A: Jared Curtis, Nashville Christian
Curtis took home the DII-A honor, and it’s no surprise. The Nashville Christian standout played with maturity beyond his years, making smart decisions and leading his team with confidence. He edged out teammate TJ Ward and Tipton-Rosemark’s Nix Fullen, both of whom were central figures in their teams’ success.
Division II-AA: Kaedyn Marable, BGA
Marable’s all-around impact made him the top choice in Division II-AA. Whether it was his playmaking ability or leadership, he consistently set the tone for BGA. Boyd Buchanan’s David Green Jr. and Knoxville Webb’s Shavar Young were also finalists, and both brought a dynamic presence to their respective teams.
Division II-AAA: David Gabriel Georges, Baylor
Georges claimed the DII-AAA award in a category loaded with talent. His performance this season was a blend of power, precision, and poise. He edged out fellow Baylor teammate Briggs Cherry and Knoxville Catholic’s Tyreek King-both of whom had seasons worthy of recognition.
Kicker of the Year: Tommy Bauchiero, Brentwood Academy
Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but Bauchiero made sure he couldn’t be ignored. Whether it was clutch field goals or consistently flipping field position, he delivered. Notre Dame’s Owen Maddox and Gibbs’ Mikel Van Pelt were also strong contenders, each showing the kind of leg strength and accuracy that can change a game.
Final Thoughts
The Mr. Football Awards are more than just a trophy-they’re a testament to the work these athletes put in from summer workouts to late-season playoff pushes.
Every finalist had a season to remember, but these winners managed to elevate their play when it mattered most. For many, this is just the beginning.
College programs are watching. And if history is any indicator, a few of these names might just be lighting up Saturday-and maybe even Sunday-scoreboards in the not-so-distant future.