2025 GeauxPreps Class 5A Football Players to Watch
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Richard Anderson – Edna Karr – 2026
Edna Karr’s Richard Anderson is one of the most feared defensive linemen in the nation. The LSU commit, standing at 6’3”, 350 pounds, is rated as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the country by On3 and showed exactly why in the 2024 Division I select state championship game, living in Alexandria’s backfield and disrupting nearly every snap. Anderson returns in 2025 as the heart of the Cougars’ defense, looking to lead Karr back to another state title.
Asher Murray – Byrd – 2026
Byrd’s Asher Murray, a Texas A&M commit and No. 8 kicker in the 2026 class according to On3, is one of the top specialists in the country. The All-State and MaxPreps All-American went 12-of-14 on FGs with a long of 56 yards, 44-of-47 on PATs, and had 48 touchbacks. He chose the Aggies over offers from LSU, Ohio State, and Georgia.
Kenny Darby – Airline – 2026
Kenny Darby exploded onto the scene in 2024. The LSU commit racked up 100 receptions for 1,764 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 17.6 yards per catch. Ranked as the No. 6 player in the state by On3, Darby returns in 2025 as one of the top wide receivers in the country, aiming to help lead the Vikings to another playoff run.
Blaine Bradford – Catholic (BR) – 2026
Bradford is one of the nation’s premier defensive backs and a cornerstone of Catholic’s 2025 defense. The Ohio State commit is ranked as the No. 46 overall player and the No. 2 safety in the country by On3. Bradford is looking to help lead the Bears back to the state championship game in 2025 and win their second title in three years.
Xzavier White – Alexandria – 2026
Trojan linebacker Xzavier White was a tackling machine in 2024, earning First Team All-State honors from the LSWA. He racked up 188 total tackles, 117 solo and 71 assisted, along with 15 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. White helped lead Alexandria to their second state championship appearance in school history.
Jamarcea Plater – Captain Shreve – 2026
Captain Shreve’s Jamarcea Plater turned heads with a breakout junior season, rushing for 2,234 yards and 32 touchdowns, averaging over 200 yards on the ground per game. The Wake Forest commit is rated as the No. 39 running back in the nation by On3 and will look to build on that success in his senior year.
Albert Simien – Sam Houston – 2027
Sam Houston Bronco Albert Simien has established himself as one of the top prospects in the country. The 6’3, 265-pound offensive lineman is ranked as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the Class of 2027 and the No. 1 overall player in Louisiana by On3. Simien holds offers from LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, and several other national powers.
John Johnson – Edna Karr – 2026
Karr quarterback John Johnson proved to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state during his junior campaign. The Cougars’ signal-caller accounted for over 4,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns while leading Karr to a perfect 14-0 record and the Division I Select state championship. Johnson capped off the state title run with an all-time performance in the Superdome, putting up 358 yards and five touchdowns.
Ahmad Hudson – Ruston – 2027
Hudson is one of the most gifted two-sport athletes in the country. The 6’6, 230-pound tight end is rated as the No. 3 player at his position nationally by On3 and holds offers from LSU, Florida, Ohio State, and more. On the field, Hudson hauled in 41 receptions for 718 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. On the hardwood, he averaged 21 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks per game.
Peyton Houston – Evangel – 2027
Ranked as the No. 14 quarterback in the Class of 2027 and the No. 7 overall player in Louisiana by On3, Houston holds offers from USC, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, and others. As a sophomore, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns while adding seven scores on the ground. He also made national headlines by breaking the NFHS national single-game passing record with over 800 yards and ten total touchdowns in a high-scoring shootout against Captain Shreve.
Jabari Mack – Destrehan – 2026
Destrehan wideout Jabari Mack is a 4-star LSU commit. Mack is ranked as the No. 11 wide receiver nationally by On3. The 6-foot, 200-pound rising senior hauled in 58 catches for 818 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024, while also adding 4 rushing scores. He has earned offers from Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, and more, before committing to the Tigers.
Julian Burns – Neville – 2026
Neville safety Julian Burns is one of the most physical defenders in Louisiana. The 6-foot-2, 197-pound North Carolina commit racked up 86 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions in 2024. Burns helped lead Neville to an 11-2 record and a semifinal appearance.
Easton Royal – Brother Martin – 2027
Brother Martin’s Easton Royal is rated as the No. 2 running back in the Class of 2027 by On3, Royal is a track standout with a 10.38 in the 100-meter dash, a school record. He totaled 1,149 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore and holds offers from Ole Miss, Texas, Miami, Houston, and more.
Aiden Hall – Edna Karr – 2026
Edna Karr’s Aiden Hall is one of the top defensive backs in the country and a key piece of the Cougars’ 2024 state championship team. The LSU commit capped off the title run with a 32-yard pick-six in the Division I Select state championship. He also holds offers from Ole Miss, USC, Georgia, Florida State, and others.
Malachi Zeigler – Benton – 2027
Another North Louisiana quarterback, Malachi Zeigler, is an emerging dual-threat talent in the 2027 class. As a sophomore, he totaled 1,552 yards, 997 passing with 6 touchdowns and 555 rushing with 6 more scores. Also a talented javelin thrower, Zeigler brings athleticism and versatility to the field. He holds offers from SMU, Ole Miss, Michigan, and more.