1. Landon West (Carthage, Sr., RB/OLB) – Returning Class 5 First-Team All-State running back. As a junior in 2025 he rushed for 1,912 yards and 24 touchdowns on 281 carries and earned additional all-region and all-conference recognition while helping Carthage reach the state championship game.
2. Blayne Patterson (Neosho, Sr., QB) – Returning starter and all-conference, all-region, and all-district selection. Threw for 1,793 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 874 yards and 11 scores in 2025 (over 2,600 total yards and 29+ TDs). Dual-threat leader for the Wildcats.
3. Trenton McCadney (Joplin, Sr., QB/WR) – First-team all-conference, first-team all-area, and third-team all-state selection at wideout in 2025. Led Joplin in receiving (55.5 yards per game) while also averaging 52.1 rushing yards per game; finished with 11 total touchdowns (4 receiving, 7 rushing) plus additional passing production as a dual-threat playmaker.
4. Jett Dalton (Carthage, Sr., LB/OLB) – Returning Class 5 Second-Team All-State linebacker. Multi-year starter and first-team All-COC West / All-District selection who also earned additional regional honors while helping the Tigers reach the state championship game.
5. Louden Bolinger (Webb City, Sr., OL) – Three-year starter and All-State, All-Area, first-team All-District offensive lineman. Anchors the Cardinals’ experienced front and is also a state wrestling runner-up and elite shot-putter.
6. Terren Williams (Lamar, Sr., RB/DE) – First-team All-State and All-Big 8 running back who rushed for 1,152 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025, including seven 100-yard games.
7. Ryder Martin (McDonald County, Sr., QB/DB) – Dual-threat standout who completed 123 of 200 passes for 1,489 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing 199 times for 1,358 yards and 24 scores. Defensively, recorded 101 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. Honors include Class 4 Third-Team All-State DB, and First-Team All-Big 8 DB & Second-Team QB.
8. Mason Young (Webb City, Sr., QB) – New starting quarterback for the Cardinals. Multi-sport athlete transitioning from defense who brings size, athleticism, and football IQ to the option scheme.
9. Burke Diskin (Carl Junction, Sr., QB) – First-year starting quarterback after moving from outside linebacker. Brings extensive offensive experience for a Bulldogs team that finished 7-5 and reached the district championship game.
10.  Klay Davidson (Seneca, Jr., QB) – Projected starter for the defending Class 3 state champions. Dual-threat junior expected to lead the offense after the graduation of several all-state talents from the 13-1 championship team.

To nominate an athlete, student, or coach please email [email protected]