VOTE for The Star Press IU Health Preseason Football Player of the Year

The 2026 Indiana high school football season is set to begin this week, and The Star Press is inviting fans to cast their votes for the Preseason Player of the Year, in partnership with IU Health. Thirty players from various schools have been nominated for the award, with a mix of offensive and defensive talents to choose from. The voting poll will remain open until Friday, August 21, at noon ET, and fans can submit their votes by scrolling to the bottom of this story.

From Blackford High School, Kamari Taylor leads the pack as a returning running back, after a torn ACL sidelined him during his sophomore year. He is expected to make a significant impact on the Central Indiana Conference this year. In defense, Leighton Brown is the top-ranked player, having led Jay County's offense with 185 carries for 908 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Moving on to Delta High School, Aven Thomas is a dual-threat running back and punter who racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards last year. Carter Jackson, another returning player, is the top returning receiver and kick returner for the team, with a 247-yard passing performance in the opening kickoff game. On the defensive side, Jackson continues to make an impact as the team's free safety.

Jay County High School boasts several strong candidates, including Leighton Brown, a first-team all-conference selection and the team's leading rusher, and Blake Bonifas, who will anchor the team's defensive line after a year in which he filled a void left by Aiden Phillips. The Golden Bears, Monroe Central, and Muncie Central also have impressive nominees, including Carson Siekmann, Caden Dance, and Kye Hiatt, who could make a significant impact in their respective positions.