East Kentwood's Austin Nelson Named Top-10 Semifinalist
The junior cornerback, receiver and kick returner is among the final candidates for Michigan High School Football Player of the Year.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
MLive named East Kentwood junior Austin Nelson a top-10 semifinalist for Michigan High School Football Player of the Year. East Kentwood, 10-0 and undefeated in the regular season, hosts Grand Ledge in a Division 1 district final on Saturday.
Why it matters
Nelson's selection highlights a standout two-way and special-teams contributor for a top-ranked Kentwood-area program during its postseason run. The recognition arrives as he holds 15 Division-I scholarship offers and remains uncommitted.
Nelson recorded 27 tackles, 5 interceptions and 516 return yards with 4 return touchdowns as a junior, and he has received 15 Division-I scholarship offers. On3 ranks him No. 10 among Michigan players in the 2028 class with a 3-star rating.
The players
Austin Nelson
An East Kentwood junior cornerback, receiver and kick returner who is uncommitted and has drawn interest from programs including Penn State, Washington, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Kansas.
East Kentwood High School
A Kentwood, Michigan public high school whose football team is 10-0 and hosts Grand Ledge in Saturday's Division 1 district final.
MLive
A Michigan news outlet that publishes high school sports coverage and named Nelson a top-10 semifinalist for the state's Player of the Year award.
The details
Nelson played cornerback, receiver and kick returner this season. In Week 2 he scored two touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Byron Center, and in Week 7 he returned two punts and an interception for touchdowns in a 49-27 win over Caledonia, including a 42-yard pick-six and two kickoff return touchdowns in the opening minutes of the third quarter.
Timeline
Week 2: Nelson scored two touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Byron Center.
Week 7: Nelson returned two punts and an interception for touchdowns against Caledonia.
Saturday: East Kentwood hosts Grand Ledge in a Division 1 district final.
Season Trajectory
Nelson's semifinalist selection is an interim step in MLive's annual Michigan High School Football Player of the Year cycle, which narrows candidates before a final choice. His recognition comes as East Kentwood pursues a district title in its undefeated season.
Nelson's multi-position role across cornerback, receiver and kick return makes him a notable fantasy-style and recruiting watch for the rest of the postseason. A district final win would keep East Kentwood's undefeated season alive and extend its playoff path.
The takeaway
Nelson's ability to affect games on defense, at receiver and on special teams is what has drawn recruiting interest from major programs. Watching how he performs in Saturday's district final will show whether that versatility holds against a 10-0 opponent.
What happens next
East Kentwood hosts Grand Ledge in a Division 1 district final on Saturday, and the Michigan High School Football Player of the Year award will be decided after the semifinalist round.
Further reading
For more on the local high school game, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
