Rising Stars Emerge at Columbus Under Armour Next Football Camp
Few events grip the high school football landscape as vigorously as the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series, and this year’s stop at Pickerington High School North in suburban Columbus stood true to form. The camp was a gathering ground for the region’s cream of the crop, young athletes eager to not only enhance their skills but potentially catch the eye of major recruiters with a chance to earn a ticket to the illustrious 2026 Under Armour Next All-America Game.
The Journey to Greatness
As the golden rays of the morning sun draped over the sprawling fields of Pickerington North, excitement was palpable. Each athlete faced a series of optional athletic measurement stations, showcasing their prowess in individual drills before locking horns with counterparts in thrilling head-to-head competitions. According to High School Football America, this rigorous routine aims to bring the best out of young footballers, and it certainly delivered.
Honoring the Best
At the heart of the camp’s conclusion was a moment many young athletes dream of—the acknowledgment of their talent with invitations to future high-profile events. From the Class of 2026, future stars emerged with invites to the 2026 Under Armour Next All-America Game: LB Cincere Johnson, TE Lincoln Keyes, OL Ben Nichols, and LB Chris “CJ” Sanna. Their stories of grit and determination will surely inspire many.
In addition, the next generation of football luminaries from the Class of 2027 also made their mark, nudging their way into the spotlight for the upcoming UA Next Future 50 at the esteemed IMG Academy. Players like WR Jamier Averette-Brown and DE Krew Jones demonstrated potential that transcends high school football.
Celebrating Outstanding Performances
Remarkably, the camp also celebrated individual brilliance by recognizing MVPs across various positions. The list sparkles with young talents like Malachi Ervin and Benjamin Eziuka—honored as the Defensive and Offensive Line MVPs, respectively. These burgeoning players, along with their peers such as Kayd Coffman, the Quarterback MVP, showed that the future of college and professional football looks incredibly promising.
Looking Ahead
The buzz of this event paves the way for the continuing series of the 2025 Under Armour Next Football Camp. As nurturing grounds for rising talents, these camps remain pivotal, shaping and sharpening young athletes, propelling them toward national recognition, and possibly, securing a bright future in football.
In its essence, this camp was more than drills and competition; it was an ode to passion and an incubator of dreams—an opportunity for the elite youth of high school football to carve their names into the annals of the sport’s future.
