Now that we have put a bow on the 2025 Texas high school football season, I wanted to reflect on some of the best individual performances I got to witness in person this year. 

Jermaine Bishop Jr. – Willis 

Mr. Must-See TV. The five-star athlete absolutely balled out in the regional semifinal round against Forney, dominating in all three phases of the game. It was a wild game to begin with, and pair that with one of the best individual, all-around performances, that’s a recipe for greatness. Bishop finished the night with 344 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, nine total tackles (five solo) and a game-sealing interception. "This was an all-time performance from Bishop," DCTX Director of Recruiting Greg Powers said. "You just don't see many guys who can take over a game on offense, defense, and special teams the way he does — especially in 6A.” And to put the icing on the cake, the Texas signee helped lead Willis to their first-ever regional final appearance in program history.

Landen Williams-Callis – Richmond Randle

No introduction needed for this five-star running back. In what was a highly anticipated matchup with district foe Iowa Colony, Landen Williams-Callis put up one of the best performances by a running back our DCTX crew had ever seen. He ran for 342 rushing yards and six touchdowns, eclipsing the 5,000-career rushing yard mark that night. He looked like butter, silky and smooth, with defenders just slipping right off of him, and Iowa Colony’s defense was full of Division I talent. “Early on, we started talking about him as a freshman,” DCTX Director of Recruiting Greg Powers said. “I compared him to the high school version of Barry Sanders. Now I’m fully entrenched in the idea that Landen Williams-Callis is in his own category." There’s a reason he’s the most offered prospect in Texas, regardless of classification.

Trey Wright – Frisco Lone Star

The Sophomore Sensation. When I tell you I sure got my steps in during this game, believe me I did. Lone Star went up against a tough and experienced Highland Park team in the regional finals, and 2028 quarterback Trey Wright looked like he had been playing at the varsity level for four years. He threw for 477 yards and three touchdowns, adding 176 yards on the ground. He looked comfortable and poised in the pocket and can make things happen with his legs, helping lead a Rangers squad that hadn’t seen the state semifinals since 2019. Still very young in his recruitment process, Wright holds several offers from programs like North Texas, UTSA, Texas State, Cincinnati and more. 

X’Zavier Barnett – Yoakum

On the biggest stage with the brightest lights in Texas high school football, X’Zavier Barnett delivered a state championship-winning performance that was MVP-worthy. The star athlete led the Bulldogs to their first-ever state title with 197 yards and five touchdowns, tying the Class 3A record for most rushing touchdowns in a state championship game. Any time you’re talking about reaching the record books, that’s a performance worth remembering. “He was the clear difference-maker in this game,” DCTX Director of Recruiting Greg Powers said. “It just reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of the top all-purpose players in Texas." Barnett is an SMU signee.

Kobe Haynes – Whitney

When I say do-it-all athlete, I mean do-it-all athlete. I had the opportunity to see Kobe Haynes operate like a machine taking snaps at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, punter and kicker. It was no easy win either. The Wildcats got into a shootout with a feisty Whitesboro team in bi-district, and Haynes put up a solid, six-touchdown performance. What impressed me the most about the athlete was his selflessness and motivation to put his team in the best position possible. Earlier in the season, Haynes had to transition to quarterback due to an injury. He stepped up to the plate and proved why he’s a top prospect to watch in the 2027 class. He holds offers from in-state programs from Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, SMU, Houston and more.