VOTE for Lafayette area preseason football Player of the Year, sponsored by Ivy Tech

It's time to crown the top returning player in Lafayette area high school football.

Now that we've ran down lists of the top quarterbacks, offensive skilled players and defensive skilled players, you can cast your vote in the preseason Player of the Year poll, sponsored by Ivy Tech. A group of 20 players have been selected out of the crop, mixing in both sides of the football field. High school football in Indiana begins Friday, Aug. 21.

But first, here's a rundown of this year's options. This poll has unlimited voting and will close at 5 p.m. Friday, two hours before kickoff!

More: Watch for these 11 returning Lafayette area high school quarterbacks this season

Trysten Barrett, Lafayette Jefferson, QB, senior

Barrett's return to the helm of the Lafayette Jeff offense in 2025 catapulted the Bronchos to one of the top passing attacks in the state. The returning senior completed 237-of-321 throws for 3,597 yards and 38 touchdowns, making him the passing leader in Class 5A and second among all Indiana schools.

Once again, the first team all-state quarterback will be a crucial piece in Lafayette Jeff's quest to win its first regional championship.

Cooper Dold, Twin Lakes, QB, senior

Dold put together another year of high production for the Indians at quarterback last fall, completing 182-of-282 passes for 2,653 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also ran the ball far more in his junior campaign, finishing the season with 390 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

Following up a sectional championship and historic season for Twin Lakes, the experienced signal-caller is equipped to carry the program's momentum for another year.

Dru Stapleton, Central Catholic, QB, Sophomore

Thrust into the starting quarterback spot as a freshman because of injuries at the position, Stapleton became a natural fit as the leader of the Knights’ offense. He put up 1,650 passing yards with a completion rate of over 60% and 15 touchdowns in eight appearances, six of which were as the starter.

Blake Biddle, West Lafayette, QB, senior

Biddle found his groove as the starter for the Red Devils in 2025, completing an efficient 65.6% of passes for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ran the ball for 168 yards on 47 carries and tallied six touchdowns as well.

Ayden Justice, Frontier, QB, senior

Justice served as a dual-threat option in his first season with the Falcons. He completed 86-of-131 passes for 1,278 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while adding 852 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns with an average of 10.3 yards per carry.

Eli Foxworthy, Fountain Central, QB, senior

Foxworthy completed 64.7% of his pass attempts for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also excelled in the run game with 478 yards on 59 carries and 12 touchdowns.

More: These 25 Lafayette area offensive skill players will be impactful in 2026

Kojo Steffey, West Lafayette, RB, senior

Steffey put up a dominant season on the ground for the Red Devils last year, finishing with 904 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns with an average per carry of 5.3. Also caught 24 passes for 246 yards and notched one receiving touchdown.

Bryce Vanostran, Lafayette Jefferson, WR, senior

Vanostran led all Indiana receivers with 1,591 receiving yards on 94 receptions and 13 touchdowns last season. Was voted  2025 Journal & Courier Offensive Player of the Year . With another year of development alongside quarterback Trysten Barrett, the duo could be even deadlier this go around.

Dakota Glasson, North Montgomery, RB, senior

Glasson had a very productive 2025, rushing for 1,121 yards with a 7.8 average per carry and 14 touchdowns. On the receiving end, he caught 31 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns.

Ayden Batchelor, Fountain Central, WR, senior

Caught 27 passes for 638 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. Boasted an average of 23.6 yards per catch for the Mustangs.

Zion Clopton, Harrison, RB, senior

In just his sophomore year, Clopton led the Raiders with 516 rushing yards on 70 carries and found the end zone three times. If progression is linear, his junior year should be even better.

Tyler Brigham, McCutcheon, RB, senior

Brigham rushed for 589 yards with seven touchdowns, averaged 5.7 yards per carry and caught 12 passes for 108 yards in his junior campaign.

Sully Stadler, Covington, RB, senior

Stadler had a heavy workload last season, taking 124 snaps out of the backfield and rushing for 962 yards and 11 touchdowns. Added 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Ledger Shaffer, Twin Lakes, WR/CB, senior

Recorded 747 receiving yards on 49 receptions and caught 10 touchdowns. Took 14 snaps in the backfield for 95 yards. Intercepted seven passes and made 91 tackles, including two for loss, on the defensive end.

More: Top 30 defenders returning to Lafayette area football in 2026

Ka’vion Campbell-Walker, Lafayette Jefferson, S, senior

The Ball State commit became one of the top defenders in all of Indiana last season. Finished his junior year with 137 tackles, five interceptions, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked field goal for the Class 5A sectional winner.

Kooper Charles, Southmont, LB, junior

Charles’ presence was felt all over the field for the Class 2A sectional winners, making 128 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and one fumble recovery in his sophomore season.

Chewie Walters, Twin Lakes, LB, senior

Walters hardly let anyone past him in 2025. He made 160 tackles, five tackles for loss and 13 hurries.

Cal Elias, West Lafayette, DL, senior

Dominated on the line for the Red Devils as a junior, recording 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and 11 quarterback hurries.

Fulton Goeppner, Covington, LB, junior

Led the Covington defense with 102 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, six quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries.

Bronson Clark, Southmont, LB, Seni...