Who stood out: Baldwin County’s top prep football players in 2025

BY KAM WICKER
Sports Editor
kam@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/12/25

Baldwin County's top performers on both sides of the ball delivered some of the state's most productive seasons this fall, prompting a ranking of the area's standout offensive and defensive playmakers based on performance, impact and consistency.

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Who stood out: Baldwin County’s top prep football players in 2025

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Baldwin County's top performers on both sides of the ball delivered some of the state's most productive seasons this fall, prompting a ranking of the area's standout offensive and defensive playmakers based on performance, impact and consistency.

These rankings reflect GCM Sports' evaluations based on games covered, statistical output and overall impact, acknowledging that Baldwin County features far more high-level talent than can fit on a single list.

TOP 5 OFFENSE

Gunner Rivers — St. Michael quarterback (Class of 2027)

Here is Rivers again earning another No. 1 spot. As the top-ranked player in the state for the Class of 2027, the junior gunslinger put together a masterclass behind center this season with 2,511 yards (third in Alabama) and 41 touchdowns (second in Alabama) to only four interceptions. Along with another quarterback on this list, Rivers will be in the early conversation for 2026 Mr. Alabama Football.

Christian Segar — Daphne quarterback (Class of 2027)

Segar is the other signal-caller on this list who will be an early Mr. Alabama Football favorite next season. In a breakout year for the Trojans, the junior tossed for 2,362 yards (seventh in Alabama) and 33 touchdowns (third in Alabama). Although there are no big-time offers yet for the pure pocket passer from Daphne, expect Segar to play at the next level after his high school career comes to a close.

Noah Moss — St. Michael running back (Class of 2026)

The Cardinals had the best offense in the county and likely one of the best in the state. Moss was a huge part of that as a true bell-cow running back with 1,482 yards (16th in Alabama) and 19 touchdowns. With a tough act to follow after an insane junior season, Moss refused to slow down while carrying St. Michael to an undefeated record.

Carter Davis — Gulf Shores wide receiver (Class of 2027)

There are a ton of elite receivers across Baldwin County, and many of them may have better regular-season stats than the Dolphins' top target. The reason for the highly-touted three-star's place on this list is the impact he made for a Gulf Shores offense that struggled at times this season. Davis scored 13 of the team's 30 offensive touchdowns, led all receivers with 668 yards and provided a spark when the Dolphins needed it most.

Davis Barnett — Bayside quarterback (Class of 2028)

Baldwin County was full of pass-heavy offenses this season, and Barnett led that charge for the Admirals. The sophomore only got better as the season progressed, finishing regular-season play with 2,190 yards and 30 touchdowns. When the rushing attack went stagnant for Bayside, Barnett picked up the slack.

Honorable mentions: Brody Jones (St. Michael), Andres Hunt (Fairhope), Aaron Ashley (Snook), CJ Gardner (Daphne), Justin Bonner (Spanish Fort).

TOP 5 DEFENSE

Will Allen — Bayside defensive lineman (Class of 2026)

There are plenty of next-level-caliber players on the defensive side of the ball across the county, but none are quite as terrifying in opposing backfields as Allen. Leading the county with 27.5 tackles for loss (second in Alabama), Allen added 90 tackles and 11 sacks (ninth in Alabama) to anchor an elite Bayside defense. By the end of the year, the senior even picked up his first Division I offer from Samford.

Gabe Irvin — Gulf Shores defensive lineman (Class of 2028)

One of two Dolphins' defenders on this list and another force in the trenches, Irvin led Gulf Shores in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (23.5). The sophomore will only get better and was a large reason why the Dolphins' defense was so difficult to move the ball against. Expect Irvin to be a highly sought-after prospect in the years to come.

Billy Neill — Bayside linebacker (Class of 2026)

There aren't many traditional middle linebackers left in today's game, but the next two players on this list fit that mold. After recording 208 tackles last season — eighth most in the nation — Neill surpassed the 100-tackle mark again this year. He led Baldwin County and the Admirals while adding 10.5 tackles for loss. Most remarkable is his 439 career tackles in just three seasons of varsity play.

Malique Franklin — Daphne defensive lineman (Class of 2026)

Another terror on the defensive line from the Eastern Shore, Franklin is a highly touted defender who racked up 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks this season for the Trojans. One of the most impressive things about the senior is that he produced on one of the better defensive fronts in South Alabama while being the main focus for opposing offenses.

Landon Everett — Gulf Shores linebacker (Class of 2026)

If being an Army-West Point commit doesn't say enough about toughness, then three straight years with 100-plus tackles should. Everett led the Dolphins in tackles once again with 101 (second in Baldwin County) and added eight tackles for loss as he truly quarterbacked an elite Gulf Shores defense.

Honorable mentions: Dagan Jones (Fairhope), Monroe Partin (Bayside), Elijah Malone (Gulf Shores), EJ Williams (Daphne), Kamarjay Lavoie (St. Michael).