You’ve probably heard the argument a thousand times in a barber shop or on a message board. Which state actually produces the best high school football talent? If you’re from the Deep South, the Alabama Mississippi All Star Game is the only receipt that matters. It’s not just an exhibition. Honestly, for these kids, it's a "prove it" moment before they head off to places like Tuscaloosa, Auburn, or Starkville.
The 2025 edition of this classic just wrapped up in December at M.M. Roberts Stadium—better known as "The Rock"—in Hattiesburg. And if you were looking for Mississippi to finally break the streak, well, you’re probably still waiting. Alabama walked away with a 40-10 win, extending their dominance to six straight victories.
What Actually Happened in the 2025 Game?
It started out looking like a defensive slugfest. Early on, Mississippi’s defense looked legit. Caleb Triplett from D’Iberville was everywhere, even forcing a fumble that gave the "Sip" a short field. They turned that into a 3-0 lead. But then, the wheels kinda fell off for the home team.
Special teams miscues are usually the death of all-star teams because these guys have only practiced together for a week. A botched punt snap here, a blocked kick there, and suddenly Alabama is up 14-3 without having to do much on offense.
By the time Ezavier "E.J." Crowell (the Alabama signee out of Jackson High) started finding his rhythm, the game felt over. Crowell ended up with the Alabama MVP honors after a 20-yard touchdown run where he basically outran the entire Mississippi secondary to the pylon. Alabama’s quarterbacks, Landon Duckworth and Brock Bradley, were just too efficient. They didn't force things. They just took what the defense gave them.
On the other side, Mississippi’s offense struggled to find a groove. Braden Shettles and Eric Perry showed flashes, but they were under fire all day. The Alabama defensive line, led by guys like Kamhariyan Johnson, was just too deep.
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The Lopsided History: 27-11 and Counting
People forget that Mississippi actually used to hold their own in this series. But lately? It’s been all Yellowhammer State. With the 2025 win, Alabama now leads the all-time series 27-11.
Why the gap?
Some say it’s a numbers game. Alabama has a larger population and more 6A and 7A schools. Others think it’s the coaching. High school coaching in Alabama has become so "college-lite" that these kids show up to all-star week already knowing how to digest a complex playbook in four days.
Mississippi has plenty of "dogs," as they say. We’re talking about the state that produced A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf. In fact, back in 2016, that Mississippi roster was legendary. But putting it all together for one Saturday in December has been the struggle.
Notable Alumni: More Than Just a Game
If you look back at the rosters from five or ten years ago, it’s basically a Sunday afternoon NFL starting lineup.
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- Quinnen Williams (Alabama): Now a monster for the Jets.
- DK Metcalf (Mississippi): He was just a "skinny" kid from Oxford back then.
- A.J. Brown (Mississippi): Dominating for the Eagles now.
- Marlon Davidson (Alabama): A staple in the trenches.
The 2024 game was actually a lot closer than the 2025 blowout. Alabama won that one 35-29 in a shootout at South Alabama’s stadium. That game gave us a glimpse of Deuce Knight, the Auburn commit who played for Mississippi. He was electric, accounting for over 300 yards of total offense by himself. Even when his team loses, this game is the ultimate platform for a kid to show he can play against "Power 4" talent.
The Recruiting Circus
Let’s be real: half the people in the stands are scouts or "recruiting gurus" with clipboards. For a kid who is maybe a 3-star recruit or a "high 2-star," a big performance here can change their entire life.
Take a guy like Zyan Gibson or Cederian Morgan. They were already committed to Alabama, but seeing them go up against the best of Mississippi confirms why they got those offers. Conversely, if an uncommitted kid stonewalls a future SEC starter for four quarters, his phone is going to be ringing on the bus ride home.
How to Follow the Game in the Future
If you missed the 2025 clash at "The Rock," you’ve got to plan for 2026. The game usually rotates sites between the two states. When it’s in Mississippi, it hits spots like Hattiesburg or Oxford. When it’s in Alabama, it’s almost always in Mobile or Montgomery.
Where to watch:
The MAC Network (Mississippi Association of Coaches) usually handles the broadcast. You can find it on Roku, Apple TV, and sometimes even a live stream on YouTube via FNUTL.com. Tickets are usually cheap—around $10—which is a steal considering you're watching about 20 future NFL players on one field.
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What Most People Get Wrong
There's this myth that the kids don't care about the outcome because they're already headed to college.
Watch the sidelines.
When an Alabama corner sticks a Mississippi receiver on a slant, the entire bench erupts. There is genuine heat here. These kids have played against each other in 7-on-7 tournaments for years. They know the rankings. They know who the "media darlings" are.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Parents
If you have a student-athlete or you're just a die-hard fan, keep these things in mind for the next cycle:
- Watch the Roster Drops: The rosters usually come out in late October or early November. Pay attention to the "snubs." Often, the kids who feel overlooked play with the most aggression during all-star week.
- Go to the Practices: If you can get to the host city a day early, the practices are often open to the public. You’ll see more of the "pure" talent there than in the game, where play-calling can be limited.
- Follow the MVP Race: The "Bubba Davis MVP" award is a massive honor in these states. Keep an eye on the trench players—often a defensive end will wreck the game but the QB gets the trophy. Don't be fooled by the box score.
- Check the Coaching Staff: The coaches are selected based on their season success. Seeing how a coach from a small 1A school manages a roster of 5-star divas is a fascinating sub-plot.
The Alabama Mississippi All Star Game remains the gold standard for state-vs-state high school football. It's raw, it's fast, and it's the last time these guys will play "for the crib" before they become part of the massive college football machine. Alabama might have the winning streak right now, but in this rivalry, the tide is always one breakout quarterback away from turning.