Texas High School Football HOF 2025 Induction

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: May 1, 2025

Texas High School Football Hall of Fame 2025 Inducts Nine

The Texas High School Football Hall of Fame honors those who have left an indelible mark on the game, shaping the rich tradition of high school football in the Lone Star State. The 2025 class includes players, coaches, and contributors whose dedication and skill have defined excellence at every level. Here’s a closer look at the remarkable inductees:

1969 & Before: Gary Keithley

Alvin High School (1966-1968)
Gary Keithley was a standout quarterback and punter for Alvin High School, leading the Yellowjackets to their first district title in a decade. Known as "Mr. Do Everything," Keithley set school records with 1,789 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and averaged 42.5 yards per punt. He went on to play for UTEP, where he ranked among the top 10 nationally in passing, punting, and total offense. After being drafted by the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals, Keithley enjoyed a professional career in both the NFL and the CFL. His post-playing career has been marked by his dedication to coaching and mentoring athletes.

1970s: Pat Thomas

Plano High School (1969-1971)
Pat Thomas made a name for himself as a defensive back at Plano High School, playing a pivotal role in the 1971 Class 3A state championship. After earning All-State honors, Thomas continued his dominance at Texas A&M, earning All-American honors in 1974 and 1975. Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft, Thomas enjoyed a stellar career, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 1980. His legacy extends to coaching, where he contributed to several NFL teams, including the Houston Oilers and Indianapolis Colts.

1980s: Brad Goebel

Cuero High School (1984-1986)
Brad Goebel was an exceptional quarterback for Cuero High School, leading the Gobblers to the 1986 3A state championship game. Over his high school career, Goebel threw for 3,480 yards and 40 touchdowns. He continued his success at Baylor University, earning consensus All-Southwest Conference honors as a freshman. Though undrafted in the NFL, Goebel spent parts of four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His contributions to Cuero and Baylor football are still celebrated today.

1990s: John C. Norman

Robert E. Lee High School (1994-1996)
John Norman was one of the most dynamic defensive backs in Texas high school football history. Playing for Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Norman set numerous records, including 20 career interceptions. His game-changing ability was showcased when he recorded a 101-yard interception return, a Texas high school record. Norman went on to play at Texas Tech, where he starred as a safety and linebacker. His college career was highlighted by impressive statistics and an All-Big 12 selection, and he continued to excel on special teams with standout punt returns.

2000s: Robert Griffin III

Copperas Cove High School (2004-2007)
Robert Griffin III (RG3) was a dual-threat quarterback at Copperas Cove High School, leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back state championship appearances. Griffin’s performance on the field, with over 3,300 passing yards and 2,100 rushing yards over two seasons, solidified his place as one of Texas’ top high school athletes. At Baylor University, RG3 broke records and earned the 2011 Heisman Trophy, making history as the first Baylor player to win college football’s highest honor. Griffin was the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and went on to lead the Washington Redskins to the playoffs in his rookie season.

2010s: Patrick Mahomes II

Whitehouse High School (2011-2013)
Patrick Mahomes II was an electric quarterback for Whitehouse High School, setting the stage for his storied career at Texas Tech University and in the NFL. During his high school career, Mahomes threw for 3,839 yards and 46 touchdowns in his junior year, and followed that with 4,619 yards and 50 touchdowns as a senior. At Texas Tech, Mahomes continued to shine, breaking multiple records before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. Since entering the NFL, Mahomes has become one of the most successful quarterbacks in history, leading the Chiefs to five Super Bowls, winning three, and earning Super Bowl MVP honors in each victory.

Coach: Curtis Barbay

Newton High School (1968-2010)
Coach Curtis Barbay’s impact on Texas high school football is immeasurable. With a career record of 317-96-6, Barbay led Newton High School to two state championships and a staggering 29 playoff appearances. Known for his coaching excellence, Barbay was named district Coach of the Year 23 times and is remembered for his leadership in building a dominant program. His influence extended far beyond the football field, as he mentored generations of athletes and coaches. Barbay’s legacy lives on through his family and the many lives he touched in Newton.

Coach: Jeff Traylor

Gilmer High School
Jeff Traylor’s coaching career at Gilmer High School established him as one of the premier high school football coaches in Texas. Over his 15 years as head coach, Traylor led Gilmer to three state championships and multiple state title game appearances. Known for his high-powered offenses, Traylor’s 2014 squad set a state record for points scored in a season. After leaving Gilmer, Traylor became the head coach at UTSA, where he has led the Roadrunners to impressive success, including conference championships and bowl game appearances.

Contributor to the Game: David Smoak

David Smoak is a renowned media figure who has spent over three decades covering Texas high school football. Starting as a television reporter in 1981, Smoak became a fixture in sports media, hosting radio shows and founding Smoaky.com, a beloved platform for high school football fans. Smoak’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, and his contributions to the game extend beyond reporting as he has raised nearly $1 million for student-athletes’ academic and community achievements. His impact on Texas football media is unmatched, and he continues to inspire through his work with 365 Sports.

The Induction Ceremony

The 2025 Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center Ballroom on the Baylor University campus in Waco. The evening begins with a press conference at 4:30 p.m. at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, followed by the banquet at 6:00 p.m.

A Special Podcast Series
For more insight into the lives and careers of these legends, be sure to listen to the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Podcast hosted by Chris Doelle of Lone Star Gridiron. Chris will be interviewing each of the inductees, sharing their inspiring stories and their contributions to the sport. Tune in on Spotify.