Who won Mr. Football in Kentucky? Vanderbilt signee earns top honor
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Owensboro High School running back Evan Hampton, who led the Red Devils to their first state championship in 39 years, was named Kentucky’s 2025 Mr. Football by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association on Wednesday.
Hampton led Owensboro to a 35-7 victory over Pulaski County in the Class 5A state final on Dec. 6, giving the Red Devils their first championship since 1986.
He’s the first player in Owensboro history to win Mr. Football honors.
“Nobody’s more deserving,” Red Devils coach DaMarcus Ganaway said. “He’s been a great representative for the program, from leadership to being a great teammate. He’s all about family and does everything you’re supposed to when you ask your best player to be out in front.”
A 6-foot, 208-pounder, Hampton ranked second in the state in rushing yards (2,035) and tied for second with 31 rushing touchdowns while averaging 11.8 yards per carry on 173 attempts. He also caught 19 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
Hampton set a school record with 326 rushing yards and added five touchdowns in a 41-7 win over Fairdale in the third round of the playoffs.
A Vanderbilt signee, Hampton also was named the Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year. He finished his career with 5,259 rushing yards and 82 rushing touchdowns.
“He can make all the cuts, and his speed is his biggest asset,” Ganaway said. “At the end of last season and this season, he’s started running behind his pads a little bit more and getting really physical and using his frame. He’s one of the strongest kids on our team.”
Hampton was one of nine finalists named for the Mr. Football honor, joining Campbellsville’s Kace Eastridge, St. Xavier’s Marlon Harbin, Madisonville-North Hopkins’ Markezz Hightower, Somerset’s Kris Hughes, Cooper’s Cam O’Hara, Murray’s Wyatt Robbins, Ryle’s Jacob Savage and Boyle County’s Ji’Dyn Smith-Hisel.
Only seniors are eligible.
The KFCA also named the winners of its inaugural Coach Haywood Lineman of the Year award (Belfry’s Bo Wolford) and the Jimmie Reed Coach of the Year award (South Warren’s Brandon Smith).
Wolford (6-3, 305 pounds) anchored an offensive line that helped Belfry go 12-2 and reach the semifinals of the Class 2A playoffs. He has offers from Campbellsville, Defiance, Georgetown, Ottawa and Pikeville.
Smith led South Warren to a 13-1 season that ended with a 28-14 loss to Trinity in the Class 6A state final. In 12 seasons at South Warren, Smith has compiled a 133-24 record and won three state championships.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Mr. Football 2025 winner is Vanderbilt signee Evan Hampton
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