Delijah Matthews Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year Football

“Delijah is a remarkable young man and he’s a great representative for this prestigious award. He is extremely humble and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his teammates, coaches and peers in his community. All of his coaches would be the first to tell you about his impeccable character before his achievements in athletics.”

Mike Dunn

Head Coach - Carl Albert

Athletic Excellence

At the time of his selection, the 6-foot 200-pound junior running back had rushed for 1,966 yards and 40 touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry, leading the Titans (13-0) to the Class 5A state title game. Matthews also caught 13 passes for 177 yards and completed 4-of-4 passes for 77 yards and three scores. Oklahoma Prep Redzone Breakout Player of the Year in 2025, he averaged 151.2 yards per game entering the state final and recorded 10 games of 100-plus yards rushing.

Academic Achievement

Matthews has maintained a 3.52 weighted GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school next fall.

Exemplary Character

Matthews has volunteered locally as a coach for youth athletes in football, basketball and track.

Football - Oklahoma