The sport of football inspires values of character, leadership and teamwork. Each season, the Colts High School Man of the Year program will recognize Indiana high school football players who exemplify these values on and off the field.

An internal selection panel, composed of various Colts staff members vote on the top selections, with a heavy focus on community involvement. Nominees will be evaluated based on their work in the community, academic accomplishment and football performance. The Colts will recognize the winner with a donation to the winner's non-profit or community group of choice.

After reviewing nominations and internal selection panel discussions, the Indianapolis Colts are happy to announce that Eli Manship of Eastern Hancock High School as the 2025 High School Man of the Year.

As a four-year starter and team captain, Eli was a key contributor on offense, defense, and special teams for the Royals. His school receiving records on offense, play caller on defense, and return ability on special teams illustrates the trust that his coaches have in him.

Eli has worked with the following organizations as a volunteer in some capacity:

• Hancock County Agricultural Association
• Nameless Creek Youth Camp
• Charlottesville Lion's Club
• Purdue Extension Club
• Changing Footprints
• Ora Callahan Leadership
• Open Arms Ministry
• Eastern Hancock Student Advisory Board

"I only coached Eli for one year, but I can't tell you how much I love that young man. As coaches, we think we have the power to help boys turn into men, and we do. However, this time, roles were reversed. Eli has shown me how to lead with compassion and grace. I will be forever grateful to him and his family for all they have done for me" said Josh Holden, Eastern Hancock's head coach. "It isn't his talent that calls me to nominate him for this incredible award; it is who he is as a person. I have never met an 18-year-old kid with so much compassion and grace for others. His heart is bigger than a football. He makes me want to be a better man every time I am blessed to be around him. He truly is the epitome of what it means to be a man."

2025 High School Man of the Year Finalists

Hayden Lechlitner – NorthWood High School

• Senior Safety
• 2 Year Captain for the Panthers
• Volunteer Service with 5 Non-Profit Organizations
• Member of National Honor Society, SALT, Panther Pals, and Student Council

Sawyer Tippman – Snider High School

• Senior Offensive Lineman
• 2025 Team Captain
• Volunteer Service with 5 Non-Profit Organizations
• Valedictorian- Class of 2026
• Member of IHSAA Athletic Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society

Grady Gardner – Martinsville High School

• Senior Safety
• 2025 Team Captain
• Volunteer Service with 5 Non-Profit Organizations
• Member of National Honor Society, MHS Honor Roll, Mid State School Athlete, IFCA Academic All-State

Tyler Simek – Plainfield High School

• Senior Defensive End
• Defensive MVP and Team Captain
• Volunteer Service with 5 Non-Profit Organizations
• Member of the National Honor Society, Principal's Advisory Council, Student Government, Plainfield Athletic Leaders, Mid-State Athletic Conference Leadership Forum