AJC Varsity

Best in Georgia: 2025 AJC Varsity high school football all-state teams

This year, athletes were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.
Creekside quarterback Cayden Benson was named the GHSA Class 4A offensive player of the year. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)
Creekside quarterback Cayden Benson was named the GHSA Class 4A offensive player of the year. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)
2 hours ago

From AJC Super 11 selections to breakout players to watch, here are the 2025 Georgia high school football all-state teams, divided by GHSA classification.

This year, we recognize the athletes who were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.

First-team players are listed by their primary position except for ATH, a versatile offensive player; and 2W, a new category that recognizes a single outstanding two-way starter in a classification. The AJC has selected all-state teams each year since 1952.

AJC Varsity all-classification player of the year

Tyriq Green, Buford

Buford running back Tyriq Green carries the ball for yards during the first half against Milton at Phillips Beard Stadium, Thursday, August, 14, 2025, in Buford, Ga. Buford won 20-13. Buford’s Tyriq Green is an AJC Super 11 and a Georgia commitment. (Jason Getz/AJC)
Buford running back Tyriq Green carries the ball for yards during the first half against Milton at Phillips Beard Stadium, Thursday, August, 14, 2025, in Buford, Ga. Buford won 20-13. Buford’s Tyriq Green is an AJC Super 11 and a Georgia commitment. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Class 6A

Offensive player of the year: Marquis Fennell, Valdosta

Defensive player of the year: Tyler Atkinson, Grayson

Coach of the year: Bryant Appling, Buford

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

Class 5A

Offensive player of the year: Christian “Deuce” Lawrence, Thomas County Central

Defensive player of the year: Jorden Edmonds, Sprayberry

Coach of the year: Justin Rogers, Thomas County Central

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

Class 4A

Offensive player of the year: Cayden Benson, Creekside

Defensive player of the year: Brayden Rouse, Kell

Coach of the year: Maurice Dixon, Creekside

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

Class 3A

Offensive player of the year: Ty Cummings, West Laurens

Defensive player of the year: Kwame “K.J.” Green, Stephenson

Coach of the year: Darius Smiley, Sandy Creek

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

Class 2A

Offensive player of the year: Terrious Favors, Carver-Atlanta

Defensive player of the year: Tristian Givens, Carver-Columbus

Coach of the year: Winston Gordon, Hapeville Charter

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

Class A Division I

Offensive player of the year: Ethan Tisdale, Heard County

Defensive player of the year: Chance Sims, Worth County

Coach of the year: Jeff Hammond, Worth County

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 20 Next

Class A Division II

Offensive player of the year: Kaiden Prothro, Bowdon

Defensive player of the year: Christian Elam, Lincoln County

Coach of the year: Lee Chomskis, Lincoln County

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 20 Next

Class 3A-A Private

Offensive player of the year: Keyon Standifer, Athens Academy

Defensive player of the year: Max Steve, Hebron Christian

Coach of the year: Kenny Dallas, Hebron Christian

Offense

Defense

AJC Varsity 25 Next

About the Author

Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.

More Stories