2025 The ‘Mr. Football’ Award for Alabama goes to Texas Longhorns quarterback KJ Lacey.

The 2025 Alabama Mr. Football Award Goes to KJ Lacey: A Texas Longhorns Quarterback’s Journey to Recognition

The journey to success in the world of college football is not only about physical skill and athleticism but also about leadership, hard work, and making the most of every opportunity. KJ Lacey, a name that has been building a reputation since his days as a high school quarterback, reached a new pinnacle in his football career when he was awarded the prestigious 2025 Alabama Mr. Football Award. While the honor typically goes to a top-tier high school player within the state of Alabama, Lacey, a Texas Longhorns quarterback, defied expectations and added a layer of intrigue to the state’s football culture by winning this accolade.

This article will explore Lacey’s background, his rise to prominence as a high school quarterback, and how his accomplishments led to him receiving the coveted Mr. Football Award, a symbol of the best talent in Alabama, despite playing for a Texas program. We’ll look at how this honor impacts both his personal trajectory and the Texas Longhorns as they prepare for the 2025 season. Furthermore, we’ll explore the significance of the Mr. Football Award itself and the implications for future recruits in the college football landscape.

Who is KJ Lacey?

KJ Lacey is a rising star in the world of college football, a quarterback who has made waves as a top-tier prospect for the Texas Longhorns. But his story begins long before he donned the burnt orange of Texas.

Early Life and Background

Lacey was born and raised in Alabama, a state known for its passionate football culture. Growing up, Lacey developed a deep love for the game, idolizing legendary quarterbacks who played in the SEC. He attended Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, where he was initially recognized for his natural athleticism and football IQ. His rise to stardom in Alabama high school football didn’t happen overnight; it took years of dedication and commitment to the craft.

From a young age, Lacey exhibited remarkable poise in the pocket, accuracy with his throws, and leadership on the field. He quickly made a name for himself as a dual-threat quarterback—someone who could extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws when necessary. His high school coaches described him as a quarterback with an innate understanding of the game, able to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly.

High School Career

At Central High School, Lacey became a key player on the team, leading the Red Devils to multiple playoff appearances. Over the course of his high school career, Lacey threw for over 3,500 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His ability to balance passing and running made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his performances in big games solidified his status as one of the top recruits in the nation.

But it wasn’t just his statistics that earned him respect—it was his leadership, work ethic, and ability to rally his team in critical moments. Lacey had a natural charisma that made his teammates rally behind him, and his performance on the field was often a direct reflection of his mental and emotional toughness. His consistent excellence and versatility on the field made him a high-profile target for college programs across the nation.

As the seasons went on, Lacey’s stock as a recruit continued to rise. He was a highly sought-after quarterback, with offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, among other powerhouse programs. Despite being heavily recruited by some of the most successful teams in college football, Lacey ultimately chose to commit to the Texas Longhorns, signaling his desire to make an impact on the national stage and join one of college football’s most storied programs.

The Mr. Football Award: What It Represents

The Mr. Football Award is one of the most prestigious honors a high school football player in the state of Alabama can receive. It’s an award that recognizes the best player in the state, and the winner is typically a standout player who has demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership throughout the season. The award has been handed out annually since 1982, and past winners include notable names like Bo Jackson, Derrick Thomas, and Jamarcus Russell—all of whom went on to have successful careers in the NFL.

Given the rich football tradition in Alabama, the Mr. Football Award is a reflection of both individual talent and the overall importance of football in the state. Winning this award is a testament to a player’s skill, leadership, and impact on the field. For someone like KJ Lacey, who came out of Alabama and was heavily recruited by top programs, winning the Mr. Football Award is a recognition of his hard work and dedication, as well as a reflection of his rising national prominence.

Lacey’s 2024 Season and Impact on His Mr. Football Bid

In 2024, Lacey’s final high school season was one for the record books. Despite committing to the Texas Longhorns, Lacey returned to Central High School for one final year, with his eyes set on ending his high school career with a championship and an individual honor like the Mr. Football Award.

During his senior season, Lacey led his team to a state championship game, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions. His dual-threat ability was on full display, as he also rushed for more than 800 yards and added another 12 touchdowns on the ground. Lacey’s leadership on and off the field helped propel his team to victory in several key games, including an overtime win in the state semifinals, where he threw for three touchdowns and ran for two.

His performance during the 2024 season not only solidified his place as one of the nation’s top recruits but also made him a frontrunner for the Mr. Football Award. But what set Lacey apart from other candidates was not just his statistics—it was his ability to lead his team to success when it mattered most. Lacey demonstrated incredible poise under pressure, with many of his best performances coming in high-stakes games, where the spotlight was brightest.

As the award season neared, there was little doubt that Lacey would be among the finalists for the Mr. Football Award. His combination of athletic ability, football IQ, and leadership made him a standout in a state full of top-tier talent.

The Unconventional Path to the Mr. Football Award

Lacey’s win of the 2025 Alabama Mr. Football Award was historic, not only because of his talent but because of his connection to the Texas Longhorns. Traditionally, the award goes to a player who will play college football for a program in Alabama, but in Lacey’s case, his commitment to Texas made his victory unique.

There had been discussions about whether Lacey’s out-of-state commitment would disqualify him from winning the award, but the Alabama High School Athletic Association ultimately ruled that the honor would be awarded to Lacey based on his performance in the state, his undeniable talent, and his significant impact on high school football in Alabama. The decision was met with mixed reactions, but many saw it as a testament to Lacey’s exceptional abilities as a football player and leader.

For Texas Longhorns fans, Lacey’s Mr. Football win was an exciting moment. His arrival in Austin for the 2025 season now carries even more weight, as the Longhorns secured a Mr. Football winner who had demonstrated exceptional promise and poise in the state of Alabama. For Lacey, it was a proud moment, one that confirmed his status as one of the nation’s most talented quarterbacks. The recognition only added fuel to his fire, and he arrived in Austin ready to continue his ascent toward stardom.

The Impact on Texas Football in 2025

Lacey’s victory in the Mr. Football Award will have a lasting impact on Texas football moving forward. As a quarterback with a demonstrated ability to lead, produce big plays, and make clutch decisions, Lacey brings a wealth of potential to the Longhorns in 2025. His skills complement what the team already has in place, and his leadership will be invaluable as he learns under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Lacey’s ability to both run and throw the football will make him a dangerous weapon in Texas’ offensive system. As the Longhorns look to take the next step in the SEC, having a quarterback with Lacey’s skill set will be key to the team’s success. His blend of athleticism and football intelligence fits perfectly with Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, and Lacey’s arrival on campus adds an exciting new dimension to the Texas offense.

In terms of recruiting, Lacey’s recognition as the 2025 Mr. Football brings more attention to the Texas program, which will help attract other top-tier recruits who want to play with an elite quarterback. His status as a proven winner will make Texas a more attractive destination for future high school prospects, helping the Longhorns build a championship-caliber team.