High School Sports NewsUpdated: Oct. 26, 2025, 5:36 p.m.|Published: Oct. 26, 2025, 5:31 p.m.
Over the past two weeks, Syracuse.com highlighted the top high school football players across New York State.
The links below take you to a position-by-position look at the best of the best in New York.
Your picks: Vote for the best defensive back in NY
We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
If you are a New York high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email bsherman@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the season.
Best football players in New York State
Highlighted by at least one coach as one of the best quarterbacks in the state, Johnny Vitullo (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) passed for 1,781 yards and 22 touchdowns last season while guiding New Hartford to a 10-1 record and a berth in the sectional championship game. Vitullo is off to a great start in 2025, leading New Hartford to an 8-0 record by passing for 1,768 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 136 yards and 5 TDs on the ground.N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.comMeet the best NY quarterbacks—
A 5-foot-11, 190-pound multi-sport athlete, Kevin Gumb Jr. lines up all over the field for Monsignor Farrell. Through the first eight games of 2025, he racked up 121 carries for 964 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Lions get off to a 7-1 start.(Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)Meet the best NY running backs—
Highlighted by multiple coaches as one of the best offensive skill players in the state, Whitesboro junior Connor McDonald amassed 1,541 yards from scrimmage (798 receiving, 743 rushing) and 28 total touchdowns last season. Through the first seven games of the 2025 season, he has already racked up 1,563 yards from scrimmage (802 receiving, 761 rushing) and 23 total touchdowns — including a fumble recovery returned for a score. A versatile athlete at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, McDonald lines up all over the formation for Whitesboro. He already has Division I offers from Colgate and Albany.Mark DiOrio | Contributing photoMeet the best NY wide receivers—
A third team Class C All-State selection as a sophomore, Cooper Donaldson is one of the top class of 2027 prospects in the state. “He has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in the state,” said head coach Doug Black. “He is a tremendous natural athlete and possesses great speed.” Mentioned by multiple coaches as one of the top defensive players in Section III, Donaldson recorded 99 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles last season.Provided photoMeet the best NY linebackers—
One of only a handful of players to make our lists on both sides of the ball, Nyquan Gilbert (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) was named fifth team Class B All-State and first team All-CNY last season after recording 37 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries as a free safety. As a wide receiver he caught 32 passes for 738 yards (23.1 yards per catch) and 9 touchdowns. Through the first six games of his senior season, Gilbert recorded 34 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble and a pick six.dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.comMeet the best NY defensive backs—
A four-year varsity player, Flynn Malgieri (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) has completely dedicated himself to the weight room and the sport of football. “What I love most about Flynn is that he wants to absolutely dominate the person across from him on every play,” F-M coach Jim Fiacco said. “I think he will reap the fruits of his labor this season.” Malgieri, who committed to Brown in July, has helped open holes for a running game that compiled 967 yards and 13 TDs through the first seven games of 2025.Submitted photoMeet the best NY offensive linemen—
One of the best defensive ends in the state, Richard Donohue (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) had a huge junior season, racking up 12.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. “Richard was named captain last year as a junior and will continue in this role,” said Iroquois head coach Robert Pitzonka. “The main words that come to mind when talking about his play are hustle, relentless and selfless. … His pairing of speed and strength is a lethal combo.” Through the first seven games of the 2025 season, Donohue recorded 54 tackles (42 solo), seven tackles for loss and two sacks.(Photo courtesy of Iroquois high school football)Meet the best NY defensive linemen
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