The 2025 Under Armour All-America Game, held on January 2 at Spec Martin Municipal Stadium in DeLand, Florida, showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent.
This annual event, now in its 17th year, featured standout performances and significant college commitments, offering a glimpse into the future of collegiate football.
Game Overview
Team Icon triumphed over Team Unstoppable with a 31-19 victory. The game was broadcast live on ESPN2, providing national exposure for these young athletes. This year’s format was notable for including both seniors and juniors, expanding the talent pool and competitive dynamics.
Standout Performers
Dakorien Moore (Team Icon): The Oregon signee from Duncanville, Texas, earned MVP honors with an electrifying 83-yard punt return for a touchdown—the third-longest in the game’s history. Moore also contributed three receptions for 53 yards, amassing 136 all-purpose yards, the eighth-most all-time in the event.
Keelon Russell (Team Icon): An Alabama commit and high school teammate of Moore, Russell completed 7 of 11 passes for 120 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Naeshaun Montgomery. His poised performance under center highlighted his readiness for the collegiate stage.
Zion Elee (Team Unstoppable): The junior defensive lineman from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, committed to Maryland, showcased his disruptive abilities with multiple sacks, including a strip-sack, demonstrating his potential as a future defensive standout.
Notable Commitments
The game also served as a platform for significant recruitment announcements:
Bryce Underwood: The five-star quarterback, ranked No. 1 overall by 247Sports, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan prior to the game. Underwood boasts impressive high school stats, including 12,919 all-purpose yards and 179 total touchdowns, signaling a promising future with the Wolverines.
Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng: A four-star linebacker who signed with Michigan during the Early Signing Period, Owusu-Boateng is recovering from an injury but has shown significant potential, recording 45 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior.
Kaden Strayhorn: A three-star offensive lineman from IMG Academy, originally from Detroit Catholic Central, committed to Michigan in June. His participation in the game underscores Michigan’s strong recruiting class.
Game Highlights
The matchup featured dynamic plays and strategic showcases:
Special Teams Impact: Moore’s punt return set the tone for Team Icon, demonstrating the critical role of special teams in shifting game momentum.
Defensive Prowess: Elee’s performance highlighted the defensive talent on display, with multiple sacks disrupting Team Icon’s offensive rhythm.
Offensive Showcases: Russell’s efficient quarterback play and connection with receivers like Montgomery emphasized the high skill level of the participating athletes.
Event Significance
The Under Armour All-America Game continues to be a pivotal event in high school football, providing athletes with national exposure and the opportunity to compete against top-tier talent. For college programs, it offers a preview of incoming talent and potential future stars. The inclusion of both juniors and seniors this year expanded the competitive landscape, allowing younger athletes to experience high-level competition early in their careers.
Conclusion
The 2025 Under Armour All-America Game not only highlighted individual talents like Dakorien Moore and Keelon Russell but also underscored the strategic recruitment efforts of collegiate programs such as Michigan and Oregon. As these athletes transition to the next level, their performances in this showcase suggest a bright future for college football, with fans eagerly anticipating the impact these young stars will have in the coming seasons.
