St. Thomas Aquinas High School is proud to formally announce that student-athletes Julius Jones Jr., Zayden Gamble, and Mark Matthews have been selected to participate in the 2026 UA Next All-America Football Game, one of the nation’s most prestigious showcases for elite high-school football talent. Head Football Coach Roger Harriot presented all three athletes with their official All-America jerseys during an on-field recognition ceremony.
The UA Next All-America Football Game, entering its 17th year, features 100 of the top high-school football players in the country as identified by ESPN Recruiting. Widely regarded as a premier stage for emerging talent, the event has produced more than 375 NFL Draft selections, including 100 first-round picks and four Heisman Trophy winners, underscoring its role in identifying and developing future stars of the sport.
The selections of Jones, Gamble, and Matthews highlight their exceptional athletic performance, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence—hallmarks of the St. Thomas Aquinas football program. Their recognition places them among the most promising prospects in the nation and reflects the continued standard of achievement upheld across the STA athletic community.
St. Thomas Aquinas extends its sincere congratulations to Julius, Zayden, and Mark on earning the honor of UA Next All-Americans and looks forward to supporting them as they prepare to represent the school on a national stage.
The 2026 UA Next All-America Game is scheduled for January 3 in Florida. Additional information, event updates, and player features are available on Instagram and X at @UANextFootball, or by visiting UnderArmourNext.com.
