Mccaster has been the best back in SWMO. He has put up video game numbers all of 2025. Easy 1st team nod.

Ever since Mccaster transferred from De Smet to Nixa high school he has been on an absolute tear. Against the Carthage tigers, Mccaster kicked it up a notch and put on his best performance yet running for 185 yards and three touchdowns, fueling a 38-22 victory for the Nixa Eagles.

With a verbal commitment to Southern Illinois in his back pocket, Mccaster looks to leave his mark in Missouri high school football in his senior season.

Jayden McCaster Jayden McCaster 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Nixa | 2026 State MO is another running back who is coming off a strong junior season. He finished this past season with 197 carries for 1,521 yards and 16 touchdowns. McCaster has explosive speed which he uses to burst through the running lane in a hurry then run away from the defense with ease. When defenders are able to catch up to him, he has shown the elusiveness to make them miss in the open field. He also played a huge role in the De Smet passing game as a junior, catching 33 passes for 451 yards and six touchdowns. Jayden currently holds multiple Division I offers and I expect more to come his way heading into this upcoming season.

Jayden McCaster Jayden McCaster 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Nixa | 2026 State MO has incredible instincts with the football in his hands. He is an elusive back who never quits on plays. McCaster embodies all the attributes needed for an effective run game. His quickness and strong lower half extend plays because his feet rarely stop on contact. He sees the field well and can make defenders miss in and out of the hole at full speed. Blocking is not an issue, and he is a legitimate receiving option. Jay has a no-nonsense approach to his game, and he only gets better with more carries. Delivering your best performance in a state game speaks volumes. McCaster already holds multiple Division I offers, with many more likely on the way.

2024 Season: 132 Total Points

(22) Touchdowns

1521 rushing (7.7 avg), 487 receiving (13.7 avg)

Best Performance: Wk 14- State Championship vs Nixa (35-20) 238 yards, 2 tds

Jayden McCaster Jayden McCaster 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Nixa | 2026 State MO ‘s 2,077 all-purpose yards helped the De Smet Trojans earn the class 5A state championship. McCaster is a smooth operator with the football in his hands. He runs behind his pads and always seems to fall forward after contact. He has a super effective jump-cut that he’s added to his repertoire this year, which is a skill you usually don’t see used effectively in high school ball. I fully expect McCaster to have a huge 2025.