PLANO, TEXAS, September 30, 2026 - Ford is celebrating the 21st anniversary of the prestigious Built Ford Tough Player of the Week and Year Awards, one of the most celebrated honors in Texas high school sports that recognizes student-athletes for their performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence. During each week of the 2026 regular season, fans, coaches, and media are asked to nominate players at FordPlayeroftheWeek.com.

Ford is partnering with Texas’ most iconic media brand, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, to honor past recipients and showcase their achievements both on and off the field. Throughout the season, Dave Campbell’s will produce the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week Show each Wednesday at 7 p.m. on DaveCampbells.com and across Dave Campbell’s social platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X), inviting fans to tune in weekly and follow along for highlights, stories, and exclusive content.

The campaign will also be celebrated through Dave Campbell’s statewide media channels and UIL postseason broadcasts, with special recognition leading into the Built Ford Tough Player of the Year Banquet in January. A couple weeks after the banquet, one of the honorees will also be recognized with the Built Ford Tough Mr. Texas Football Award, a complementary honor that celebrates the state’s most outstanding high school football player as part of this season-long celebration.

This week’s winning athletes join a long list of remarkable players recognized for their exceptional efforts.  

Class 6A: Caidyn Hoover, QB, Vela High School

Mascot: Sabercats

Opponent: Los Fresnos High School

Caidyn Hoover has made a habit of delivering unforgettable performances, but his latest may have been his most complete yet. The Edinburg Vela senior quarterback put on a show in the Sabercats’ thrilling 49-42 road victory over Los Fresnos, completing 10 of 15 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns while rushing 15 times for 109 yards and two more scores. Hoover finished with 341 yards of total offense and six offensive touchdowns, then added a 59-yard pick-six on defense to account for all seven of Vela’s touchdowns.

A two-time Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, Hoover made headlines last season as a safety when he intercepted five passes in a single game, setting a Vela school record.

After moving to quarterback for his senior season, the versatile playmaker has helped lead the Sabercats to four consecutive victories.

Against Los Fresnos, Hoover reminded everyone that whether he’s throwing touchdowns, running for them or taking the ball away on defense, he can change a game in an instant.

“Caidyn is a very instinctive player and team leader. He can truly do it all, takes on challenges with a smile on his face, even when adversity arises! He entrusts the coaches, his teammates and in his abilities to make plays, all the while remaining humble. We are blessed to have a quality individual, player, teammate, and son, who takes the reins of Robert Vela Football with a great level of dedication and passion for success.” 

• VELA HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH SEAN LANDEZ

Class 5A: Landen Williams-Callis, Senior, RB, Randle High School

Mascot: Lions

Opponent: Dulles High School

Landen Williams-Callis continues to rewrite the Texas high school football record books, and the Randle senior added another historic chapter with a five-touchdown performance. The University of Texas commit needed just 11 carries to rush for 235 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an incredible 21.4 yards per carry. The performance pushed his career rushing total to 8,392 yards and his career touchdown total to 140, extending the Houston-area record he broke just one week earlier when he surpassed the previous mark of 136 held by his cousin, former NFL running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Now a two-time Built Ford Tough Player of the Week and last year's Built Ford Tough Class 5A Player of the Year, Williams-Callis is just 48 rushing yards away from moving into eighth place in Texas high school football history. The highly regarded Texas commit also made history as the first high school athlete since Cedric Benson in 2000 to appear alone on the cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. With Randle off to a perfect 4-0 start, Williams-Callis continues to build a legacy that places him among the most accomplished running backs in Texas high school football history.

"Landen has been on earth before, he is an old soul that just gets it!"

• RANDLE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH BRIAN RANDLE

Class 4A: Cooper Corley, Senior, QB, Graham High School

Mascot: Steers

Opponent: Peaster High School

Cooper Corley found three different ways to reach the end zone, delivering the kind of performance that rarely comes along in 11-man football. The Graham senior quarterback accounted for a staggering 468 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns, completing 16 of 27 passes for 307 yards and two scores, rushing 12 times for 132 yards and four touchdowns, and adding a 29-yard touchdown reception. It was another spectacular showing from Corley, who has piled up nearly 1,000 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns over his last two games against quality opponents. A First Team All-District selection and former District Newcomer of the Year, Corley is also a standout on Graham’s varsity basketball and baseball teams, earning First Team All-District honors in both sports. His leadership extends well beyond athletics. A three-year member of Graham’s Football Leadership Council with a 3.3 GPA, Corley volunteers as a youth sports coach, assists local schools and supports community projects through the Lions Club. Whether he’s throwing, running, catching or giving back to his community, Corley continues to make an impact in just about every way imaginable.

“Coop is a great young man, and his teammates and coaches really love him. His even temperament and playmaking ability is exactly what you want as your quarterback. He took over as quarterback, as a senior, and is showing everybody what we already knew. He is really good!"

• GRAHAM HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH CLAY McCHRISTIAN

Class 3A: Kobe Haynes, Senior, QB/WR, Whitney High School

Mascot: Wildcats

Opponent: Mexia High School

Kobe Haynes continues to put up remarkable numbers, powering Whitney to a 4-1 start with one explosive performance after another. The senior quarterback and TCU commit delivered an eight-touchdown performance, completing 17 of 32 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns while rushing 24 times for 248 yards and four more scores. Haynes accounted for an incredible 469 yards of total offense, adding to a season in which he has been nearly unstoppable. Through five games, he has completed 79 of 130 passes for 1,430 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions, while rushing 94 times for 848 yards and 19 touchdowns. That's 2,278 yards of total offense and 36 touchdowns in just five games. His remarkable production has helped him establish Whitney school records for single-season rushing touchdowns, receptions in a game, rushing touchdowns in a game and career total offense, with 7,109 yards. A former District MVP who produced 3,552 all-purpose yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior, Haynes continues to build on an extraordinary high school career. Whether he's throwing or running the football, the future Horned Frog has become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in Texas.

“Kobe means a lot to our football program and to the Whitney Wildcats. He's a competitor, a leader, and someone who represents everything we want our program to stand for. He puts in the work, holds himself accountable, and gives everything he has for his teammates. As his coach, I'm proud of the football player he's become, but I'm even prouder of the young man he's growing into. Being his dad makes this honor even more special but seeing the respect he's earned from his teammates and coaches means the most.”

• WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH DAVID HAYNES

Class 2A: Aaron Segura, Senior, QB, Sonora High School

Mascot: Broncos

Opponent: Colorado City High School

Aaron Segura put on an absolute passing clinic, delivering a record-breaking performance that will go down in Sonora football history. The senior quarterback and three-year starter shattered the Broncos’ single-game passing record, completing 38 of 49 passes for an incredible 634 yards and seven touchdowns. Segura spread the wealth throughout the night, connecting with seven different receivers, including three who each surpassed 100 receiving yards. It was a remarkable display of accuracy, leadership and command of the offense from a quarterback who has established himself as one of West Texas’ standout playmakers. A First Team All-District and All-West Texas quarterback, Segura’s accomplishments extend well beyond the football field. He also competes in basketball and tennis, participates in UIL academics and band, ranks among the top 10 students in his class and is a member of the National Honor Society. On a night when seemingly everything was clicking for the Broncos’ offense, Segura delivered a performance worthy of the record books.

“He is a huge weapon in our offense because he always gets us in the right play. He has a lot of freedom this year and able to check us to the right play. He is extremely smart on and off the football field. He is a leader for our football and he is like having another coach on the field which is a huge plus to have out there. He knows the offense in and out and knows what we want and allows us to play at a really good tempo and makes the offense very explosive. A lot of the time he knows the play that’s going to be called before it is given to him.  Aaron throws a great ball, has great arm strength and is very accurate.”

• SONORA HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH BLAKE WESTON

Private School: Cooper Witten, Senior, LB/WR, Liberty Christian School

Mascot: Warriors

Opponent: Trinity Christian Academy

Cooper Witten continues to make his presence felt on both sides of the football, delivering another impressive performance for Liberty Christian. The senior linebacker and wide receiver recorded nine tackles, one sack, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry in just 25 defensive plays, while adding two receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown on offense. The Warriors’ co-captain has been a force throughout his senior season, averaging 13.5 tackles per game with 54 tackles, two forced fumbles and eight quarterback hurries through four games.

A two-time Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, Oklahoma commit and Under Armour All-American, Witten has established himself as one of the state’s premier two-way players. His leadership has been equally important as Liberty Christian pursues another state championship under first-year head coach Josh Martin.

Whether he’s disrupting opposing offenses or making big plays as a receiver, Witten continues to set the tone for the Warriors.

“Cooper is a once-in-a-generation type of player & someone we are incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to coach. He possesses every physical and mental attribute needed to thrive at the collegiate level and beyond. He's big, strong, fast, explosive, instinctive, tough, and exceptionally intelligent. What separates Cooper from so many others is his genuine love of football & the way he approaches it every single day. He loves to practice, he loves to compete, & he loves being a Liberty Christian Warrior.”

• LIBERTY CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH JOSH MARTIN

How the program works 
The Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week program recognizes one high school student-athlete in six of the state’s athletic classifications each week of the regular season. 

Nominees must excel in three categories: 

• Individual performance on the field, including significant statistics from that week’s game  
• Contribution to the team’s success through individual leadership abilities  
• Performance off the field, including academic success and good community citizenship 

At the end of the regular season, Ford and its advisory board will select one student-athlete from the 11 weekly winners to be the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Year in each classification. Following the championship games, honorees will be recognized at a banquet next year and one winner will be elevated to be awarded Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football.

# # #

Ford F-Series: The best-selling truck for over 49 years 
Ford is the undisputed truck leader in Texas. Ford F-Series sets the standard for full-size pickups with leading payload, towing, interior roominess, strength, and reliability. Ford is proud to recognize the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Players of the Week.  

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 169,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at fromtheroad.ford.com.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For over 66 years, the iconic Dave Campbell’s Texas Football media brand has been “The Bible” for millions of football fans across Texas. Its annual summer edition is essential reading for rabid football fans, previewing every high school and college team in the state. Known for its comprehensive coverage, TexasFootball.com offers extensive digital content, including team and recruit rankings, scores, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and daily shows. Additionally, Dave Campbell’s Texan Live streams over 2,000 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.

Contact:

Lindsey Beane

Ford Motor Company 

304-546-3811

lindsey.beane@bursonglobal.com