Tidehaven and LBJ talent headlines 7v7 State Championships

The 2025 Texas 7-on-7 State Championships in College Station gave us a front-row seat to some of the state's top up-and-coming talent, elite matchups, and programs that are clearly trending in the right direction. From Division III to Division I, it was three full days of nonstop competition at Veterans Park, with players and teams looking to sharpen their skills and raise their stock before the pads come on this fall.   In Division III, the biggest story was Tidehaven High School taking home their first-ever 7v7 State Championship. Tidehaven entered the tournament with a chip on their shoulder and left as the top dogs in the division. They went to work during pool play and carried that momentum through bracket play all the way to the finals, where they defeated Ganado, 34–22.   What stood out about this Tidehaven team was their poise under pressure and execution on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they kept defenses off balance with great timing and spacing in their route concepts. Defensively, they communicated well and made big stops in the red zone. This championship marks a milestone moment for the program, and if their performance in College Station is any indicator, they'll be a force in the fall.   In Division II, the championship game delivered everything you could ask for. Frisco Panther Creek came out on top in a back-and-forth 32–26 overtime win over Kilgore. Panther Creek played like a team on a mission, and 4-star WR [player_tooltip player_id='284166' first='Jalen' last='Lott'] proved once again why he's one of the premier prospects in the state. Lott made big-time catches all weekend long, including key plays in the title game. His combination of body control, route precision, and competitive toughness was on full display. With offers from LSU, Texas, Oregon, and USC, his upcoming commitment on July 8 will be one of the most watched in Texas.    [player_tooltip player_id='284166' first='Jalen' last='Lott'] put on a clinic at the Texas 7v7 State Championship, showcasing why he's one of the top 2026 receivers in the country. His speed off the line was unmatched — defenders struggled to stay with him on deep routes, and he consistently created 2-3 yards of separation on intermediate cuts. In Panther Creek's semifinal and championship games, Lott made several highlight-reel catches, including a one-handed grab in tight coverage and a toe-tap sideline catch that drew reactions from scouts on hand. His ability to track the ball at full speed and adjust mid-route makes him a nightmare matchup. Whether it was a deep post, corner, or quick slant, Lott turned routine plays into explosive gains. His straight-line burst, crisp breaks, and elite body control make him not just a D1-caliber receiver, but a future star at the Power 5 level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Lou Hickman Jr. was the most impressive athlete I saw at the Texas State 7-on-7 tournament. His elite speed and quick-twitch elusiveness made him nearly unguardable in space. Whether it was a deep route or a quick hitch, he exploded off the line and separated with ease. What truly set him apart was his ability to make tough catches in traffic — securing contested throws with strong hands and great body control. He showed fearlessness over the middle and turned routine plays into big gains. Hickman was a dynamic, game-changing presence every time he touched the ball.     Ke'Rion Green was a defensive anchor at the Texas State 7v7 Tournament, consistently matching up with the top receiver on every team he faced—and winning those battles. His physicality at the line, quick hips, and ability to stay in-phase downfield made it hard for opponents to get open. Green had multiple pass breakups in key moments and nearly came down with two interceptions, showing great awareness and ball skills. His confidence never wavered, and he embraced the challenge of locking down the opposition's WR1. Green's big-play ability and competitive mindset stood out in every game I witnessed.     [player_tooltip player_id='1467682' first='Jeyden' last='Vaughn'] showed off his big-play ability throughout the Texas State 7v7 Tournament, proving he's a game-changer on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Vaughn consistently turned short checkdowns into explosive gains with his vision, speed, and ability to make defenders miss in space. His strength after the catch and balance through contact kept drives alive. He also made several contested catches in traffic, showing reliable hands under pressure. Defensively, he had key pass breakups and displayed great instincts in coverage. Vaughn's dynamic athleticism and knack for creating momentum-shifting plays were evident every time he stepped on the field.     The first time I evaluated Jayelen House was at the Texas A&M 7v7 tournament, and I came away impressed with his arm talent and leadership leading his team to the championship game. Watching him again at the Texas State 7v7 Tournament in College Station only confirmed what I saw before — and he didn't disappoint. House showed the same consistency, poise, and high-level decision-making that stood out in his earlier performance. He read defenses well, made quick, smart throws, and protected the football. His composure under pressure and ability to lead his team against top competition makes him one of the more polished 2026 QBs I've seen this summer.    Panther Creek's bracket wins included victories over West and Bay City before they punched their ticket to the finals. It was a complete team effort — with solid quarterback play, physical route running, and a defense that stepped up when it counted most. This team looks more than ready to make noise this fall in 5A play.   Another major highlight came from LBJ High School (Austin), who reached the Division II semifinals after a strong showing in both pool and bracket play. They took down Jarrell and Lake Dallas in the early rounds, showcasing a fast, aggressive secondary and some clutch red zone defense. LBJ eventually fell to Benbrook in a tight semifinal battle, but their performance throughout the weekend was a statement that they have the pieces in place to be a contender in 2025.   LBJ's athletes were among the most competitive I saw in the entire tournament. Their DB group was especially locked in — flying to the football, reading routes well, and forcing turnovers in key moments.   Across the board, this year's 7v7 State Championships gave us a true preview of what's to come in the fall. From under-the-radar programs like Tidehaven making history, to blue-chip talent like Lott showing why they're top national recruits, the competition level was high and the stakes even higher.   What makes Texas 7v7 special is not just the talent — it's the pride these athletes and coaches bring to represent their communities and get better. These teams may not have pads on yet, but the reps, chemistry, and confidence built in College Station will pay major dividends when the lights come on in August.   —   Derrick Ray

The 2025 Texas 7-on-7 State Championships in College Station gave us a front-row seat to some of the state's top up-and-coming talent, elite matchups, and programs that are clearly trending in the right direction. From Division III to Division I, it was three full days of nonstop competition at Veterans Park, with players and teams looking to sharpen their skills and raise their stock before the pads come on this fall.